About Us 

Delphis is a non-profit organization (NGO) established by researchers, environmental activists, and volunteers who are at the forefront of efforts to protect marine mammals in Israel. The founders of Delphis are pioneers in the field of marine mammal research in the country, with nearly half a century of proven cumulative experience. The organization’s leaders were among the founders of the marine mammal organization known as “Machmal’i” (IMMRAC) and served as its backbone for over two decades.

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In 2018, following the implementation of new fishing regulations and the publication of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority’s plan to promote marine nature reserves, ideological differences arose among members of Machmal’i. These differences led key figures in Machmal’i to step down and establish an independent organization that places the protection of the marine environment as its highest priority. The founders of this new organization regard environmental education as one of the most important ways to cultivate the next generation and raise awareness of the sea and its life.

 

The founders of Delphis, established in the summer of 2020, continue to lead the work of the Dolphin and Sea Center, which they set up in 2016 on the grounds of the ORT Ashdod Nautical School. They actively work for the benefit of marine mammals in Israel through educational and awareness-raising activities at their unique educational center, as well as by promoting citizen science research and national and international collaborations with environmental organizations and any other groups pursuing similar goals.

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Delphis aims to pave the way for the next generation of marine mammal researchers, conservation biologists, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of advancing legislation to protect marine mammals—both nationally and internationally. In recent years, we have witnessed a welcome shift among decision-makers and the general public, recognizing Israel’s marine environment as a crucial resource for our lives. At Delphis, we applaud this change and do our utmost to ensure that the marine environment remains protected and continues to provide a home for all sea creatures, especially marine mammals.