EcoOcean is an Israeli non-profit organization acting to maintain a healthy marine
environment in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The organization was established
by a group of Israeli scientists in 2002 and has since been conducting research
and running ecological education programs.
The ecological balance of the earth's oceans and seas has been severely damaged
by human activities. Not only are animals and vegetation under threat, but public
health is too. We believe that education and research are the main tools for treating
these problems.
As well as conducting independent studies, such as the program for monitoring the
Mediterranean coastline, EcoOcean also supports studies conducted by leading researchers
from Israeli and foreign research institutes as well as providing a designated platform
for marine biological and oceanographic work.
Our main tool for supporting research is our research ship, the R/V Mediterranean
Explorer, designed and equipped according to specifications of marine researchers
working in the Mediterranean.
Education is another tool that contributes to reinforcing the connection between
man and his surroundings. A great portion of our activity focuses on educating the
public on the importance of a healthy marine environment.
EcoOcean operates a number of educational programs intended for a wide range of
ages. Every year, hundreds of school children visit the Megalim Center for Educational
Activity at Michmoret – a center for studying marine and environmental sciences.
EcoOcean's educators also visit elementary and high schools across the country and lecture
on marine ecology and biology related issues.
EcoOcean also acts to enrich the knowledge of marine science students from higher
education institutions who visit our research ship, where they can practice current
research methodologies.
EcoOcean works with educational and environmental organizations with similar objectives.
Our educational programs are the product of cooperation with organizations such
as The Heschel Center's Green Network, the Karev Program and the Clean Beach program
proposed by the Sea & Coast Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
EcoOcean's research is carried out by established and renowned scientists from the
world's leading universities and research institutions, and is funded solely by
private donations. This ensures that our educational and scientific activities are
impartial and independent of any political or other bias.
Our aim is to make people more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy
and vibrant marine environment, motivate them to act and enjoy such an environment,
and affect decision makers to promote legislation towards protecting it for the
future.