Eilat Coral Reefs
Our Vision
Eilat’s small gulf holds extraordinary potential. The “Eilat Reefs” project aims to preserve and protect it as a source of groundbreaking scientific knowledge, a destination for responsible tourism, and a model for coexistence between nature and people.
About the "Eilat Reefs" Project
The "Eilat Reefs" project was born from the understanding that the Gulf of Eilat is a local natural treasure of international importance. The Gulf of Eilat is exceptionally rich in marine habitats, rare species, and fascinating natural phenomena. Within a relatively small marine area, there are coral reefs that are remarkably resilient to rising sea temperatures, making the region an important center for groundbreaking scientific research and a source of global hope for the future of coral reefs. Alongside the beauty and tourism potential, the gulf is also exposed to threats resulting from increasing coastal development, tourism pressure, and regional infrastructure. The project, a joint initiative of "The Blue Half", the Society for the Protection of Nature's marine program, and the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences, seeks to preserve this wonder through a combination of research, education, environmental management, and civic action – to ensure that the Gulf of Eilat continues to thrive for future generations as well.
The coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat display remarkable resilience to sea warming. While over 90% of the world's coral reefs are expected to become extinct due to global climate change, the Eilat reefs are a center for groundbreaking scientific research and global hope for the reefs of the future.
Project Goals
Making the importance of marine nature accessible to the public and policymakers
Making the importance of the rich and unique marine nature in the Gulf of Eilat accessible to diverse audiences - students, residents, and tourists, through educational activities, public relations, and the creation of enriching experiences. Concurrently, providing policymakers with scientific data and accessible information, to ensure knowledge-based decision-making that will preserve the ecological system and its benefits for future generations.
Innovative scientific research as a basis for understanding and decision-making
Exposing and sharing findings and insights from the innovative scientific research conducted in the Gulf of Eilat area, with the aim of deepening understanding of unique ecological processes and providing tools for informed decision-making. Emphasizing the contribution of science to developing a sustainable economy and building collaborations between academia, community, and government bodies.
Advanced environmental management of the Gulf of Eilat
Promoting advanced models for environmental management of the Gulf of Eilat, while expanding protected areas and preserving the sensitive ecological systems within it. Alongside this, implementing effective measures to reduce environmental hazards, such as marine pollution, tourism pressure, and development impacts, with the aim of maintaining a balance between human activity and the needs of nature.
Eilat as an international center for ecotourism
Strengthening Eilat's position as a leading and unique city in the field of ecotourism, based on the preservation of marine ecosystems and natural heritage. Developing quality tourism experiences that combine learning, research, and appreciation of nature, while ensuring the preservation of the marine environment and the unique resources of the Gulf of Eilat.
Founding Organizations
Eilat Reefs is a joint initiative of 'The Blue Half', the Society for the Protection of Nature's marine program, and the Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, in partnership with Yad Hanadiv - Rothschild Foundation
"The Blue Half" - The Society for the Protection of Nature's Marine Program
Since 2012, the "Blue Half" program has been working to promote innovative marine policy and comprehensive protection of the Mediterranean Sea. Among its notable achievements: the enactment of new fishing regulations (2016), stopping destructive trawling in about half of the sea area, establishing a dedicated marine unit in the Nature and Parks Authority, and promoting protected areas that increased from 0.25% to 8% of the marine space. The program fights against harmful marine infrastructure and works to protect natural resources. At the same time, it promotes public engagement through the Sea Watch app – a tool for reporting hazards and nature observations, connecting citizen science with environmental action.
The Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat
The Inter-University Institute is a leading marine research institution with an international reputation, serving as a center of excellence in marine sciences. Institute researchers publish hundreds of scientific papers per year and are at the forefront of applied science as well. The institute is responsible for the national monitoring program of the Gulf of Eilat in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and develops innovative monitoring infrastructure, including an advanced system for tracking coral reefs in Eilat and Aqaba. Institute members are scientists from Israel's leading universities, working together to advance knowledge, conservation, and policy in Eilat's unique marine environment.
Our Team
Alon Rothschild
Director of Biodiversity at the Society for the Protection of Nature, and founder of 'The Blue Half'. Holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in ecology from Tel Aviv University
Prof. Maoz Fine
World-renowned coral reef researcher at the Inter-University Institute, director of the national monitoring program for the Gulf of Eilat, and co-director of the project
Dr. Shai Oron
Marine Ecologist for the Gulf of Eilat at 'The Blue Half' of the Society for the Protection of Nature, Scientific Coordinator of the Eilat Reefs project
Yael Freund Avraham
Science and environment journalist, content manager of "Eilat Corals"
Dr. Gal Eyal
Bar-Ilan University and the Inter-University Institute, scientific director of the deep canyons survey
Bar Sternbach
Sea Watch hub coordinator and marine projects at 'The Blue Half' of the Society for the Protection of Nature. B.Sc. in marine sciences from Michmoret
What makes Eilat's coral reefs unique on a global scale?
Watch the webinar on the uniqueness of the Gulf of Eilat and its tourism potential
Alon Rothschild, Director of Biodiversity, Society for the Protection of Nature
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Get Involved
The Red Sea is calling us – and it's time to answer. Eilat's coral reefs are a rare natural wonder, but they are vulnerable. Here you can discover ways to help protect them. Join us – every small change in the sea starts with a small step on land
Unless otherwise stated, photos on the 'Eilat Reefs' site were taken by Dr. Shai Oron and/or Shadi Samara.
Have a question? An idea? Something to tell us? Write to us on any topic via email
redsea@spni.org.il
