The "Megalim" center was established during EcoOcean's third year of activity (September 2006-August 2007), designated for marine science and marine environment studies. The center was established at the "Mevuot Yam" school at Michmoret, its unique location allows for educational, experience-filled activities. The purpose of the program is to introduce the Israeli Mediterranean coastal environment to school students - from elementary schools to high schools – and impart values of preserving the environment. The center professionally collaborates with Ministry of Environmental Protection's Department of Seas and Coasts.
In addition, a program was launched for monitoring the Israeli Mediterranean coast together with the Marine Science College at Michmoret. The purpose of the program is to examine the extent of affect from land contaminates on marine natural habitats along the Israeli coast and check the measure of the state's response to preserving the quality of seawater. The second purpose is to allow students in their final year from the Sea Sciences Department of the Marine College to gain some "wet" experience in planning, constructing, running and analyzing a marine monitoring program. During the past year, two samplings were made (March and July 2007) in two sites. The first site was the Akko Bay, receiving sewage flowing in from a number of land origin points and the second site was the Habonim Beach Marine Nature Reserve, selected as a control site.
During the year, our research ship was involved in 80 work tours for 3 research programs:
- Dr. Ilana Berman-Franck from the Bar-Ilan University, together with Dr. Oded Baje from the Technion, Phytoplankton Study, 11 days.
- Prof. Sven Bar, Hadas Yaron and Bat Shachar Dopperman from the Tel-Aviv University, Phytoplankton Study, 5 days.
- Dr. Michal Rozenfeld from EcoOcean and the Marine College at Michmoret, 4 days.
In addition, 3 short terms studies were conducted:
- Prof. Yossi Marat and Dr. Beverly Goodman from the Haifa University, the second delegation to Caesarea, 18 days.
- The Ministry of Environmental Protection exercise as part of the National Readiness and Response Program (NRRP) for handling oil contamination events resulting from marine accidents, 3 days.
- Dr. Ruti Yahel from the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority, biological Survey at the Rosh Hanikra Marine Nature Reserve, one day.
The rest of the days on the ship were dedicated to educational activity for 450 students studying for a Bachelor's degree from the Tel-Aviv University, Haifa University, Marine College, Oranim Seminar and the Kibbutzim College, who participated in various oceanography courses.
In addition, more than 300 children and teenagers from the coast cities of Israel came aboard for a few hours, to tour the ship as part of the "Along the Sea" program.