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2024: Delphis activity for the marine mammals in Israel

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Despite the war, this year we continued to move forward with the Monk Seal Project, achieved a groundbreaking observation at Rosh Hanikra, launched unique programs to connect the younger generation to the marine environment, and introduced a new citizen science initiative that has been highly successful. Here is a short review of Delphis achievements in 2024



That moment when a fin suddenly emerges from the waves; the joy of discovery, the laughter of children… At Delphis NGO, we live and work for all those small, bright moments that punctuate time with light. This past year was filled with many such moments, and it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on them. So, how do we sum up 2024?


Education


2024 was a significant year for Delphis NGO’s educational initiatives. Despite the challenges brought by the war, we launched groundbreaking programs that connected the younger generation to the marine environment. Our activities focused on fostering scientific knowledge, innovation, and the conservation of Israel's unique marine mammal ecosystems.


Julia’s Project

Over 160 schools across Israel participated this year in Project Julia, a program for primary and middle school students studying science and technology. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Science Division, introduces students to the Mediterranean monk seal, a rare and unique species, and the efforts to restore it to Israel’s shores as part of a broader conservation project.


Key achievements of Julia’s Project included:

  • Teacher Training: We held two in-depth workshops (30 hours each), providing the latest scientific knowledge about marine mammals, ecosystems, and seals. The training included original teaching materials such as lesson plans, presentations, research activities, and community initiatives.

  • Student Activities: Students developed solutions to restore natural and artificial habitats using STEM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). They designed models of artificial caves for seals and initiated community projects to raise public awareness. These included educational videos, transforming classrooms into bustling seal caves for Purim, and holding community-focused educational events.

  • Dedicated Educational Platform: A specialized website supported educators by providing access to all teaching materials and activities.


Interactive Activities for Preschoolers in Ashdod

In partnership with Ashdod’s Education Department, we hosted educational tours at the Dolphin & Sea Center. Young children participated in engaging activities, learning about dolphins, their role in the marine ecosystem, and the importance of protecting the ocean environment. This blend of learning and fun created a deep connection to marine nature for the children.


New High School Curriculum: "Marine Environmental Conservation"

We developed an innovative five-unit study program for science-oriented high school students. The curriculum aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in marine innovation, addressing the growing need for sustainable "blue growth" solutions.

The program explores the relationship between Israeli society and the three seas surrounding the country, emphasizing marine management, ecological conservation, and future maritime professions. It includes hands-on field learning, real-world case studies, and uses dolphins as an emotional and educational flagship species to inspire students.


Visitor Engagement at the Dolphin & Sea Center

In 2024, approximately 2,000 visitors came to the Dolphin & Sea Center. Preschoolers, primary and high school students, retirees, individuals with mental health challenges, volunteer communities, employee groups, and families participated in tours, enrichment activities, and creative workshops.

We also launched a new tradition—our annual photography competition to raise awareness about marine conservation. Hundreds participated, and the next competition will take place in April 2025. Stay tuned!


גופת לווייתן ממין ראשתן בחוף השרון בישראל
The Dolphin & Sea Center hosted over 2,000 visitors this year, despite the war

marine mammals in Israel - research

This year, we published a study documenting the long journey of a young sperm whale in the Mediterranean, from Italy to the Carmel coast of Israel, in collaboration with Greenpeace and the University of Haifa. This research is part of the Marine Mammal Deep-Water Project in Israel.

We conducted 82 dolphin surveys in 2024, documenting 15 dolphin pod encounters: 13 sightings of common bottlenose dolphins and two of short-beaked common dolphins. Many more observations were reported by citizens through our website: www.delphis.ngo/reporting.


Observation in a survey with the cooperation of volunteers. Photo: Moshe Cohen, Delphis volunteer
Observation in a survey with the cooperation of volunteers. Photo: Moshe Cohen, Delphis volunteer

Notably, 2024 marked the lowest number of recorded marine mammal deaths along Israel’s shores since the research began in the early 1990s, with only six dolphins and whales found dead. While it’s too early to draw conclusions, it’s a reason for cautious optimism, isn’t it?


A new and exciting initiative launched this year involved training Delphis volunteers to conduct dolphin surveys along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. This program, made possible by collaboration with researchers from the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station at the University of Haifa and a generous donation from a Delphis volunteer, enabled volunteers to contribute to this long-term research project. On their very first trip, they observed a pod of mother and calf dolphins!


Delphis volunteers in a survey conducted as part of the new citizen science project
Delphis volunteers in a survey conducted as part of the new citizen science project

Monk Seal Project

What about Julia? Well, this year, all eyes were on “Maya,” the monk seal who returned and was first spotted in the caves of Rosh Hanikra. Due to the war, the area was declared a military zone, and reservists helped us gather information. The marine area suffered numerous rocket impacts, the long-term effects of which remain unknown.

In 2024, there were 10 monk seal sightings (including one photographed) along Israel’s coastline. Despite the war, we made progress in securing permits to restore a cave in the Rosh Hanikra Marine Reserve. For the first time, we collected over a year’s worth of continuous data from cameras installed in the small caves at Rosh Hanikra. We hope to return soon to continue this important work.

Last July, we participated in the Regional Monk Seal Conservation Project meeting held in Kefalonia, Greece.


Maya the monk seal, as documented by reservists in Rosh Hanikra, November 2024. Photo: Avinoam Bardas
Maya the monk seal, as documented by reservists in Rosh Hanikra, November 2024. Photo: Avinoam Bardas

 

Looking Ahead

We wish you peaceful days and a happy new year filled with children’s laughter, and the safe and swift return of all the hostages and soldiers.



 






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