🔬 Deep-Sea Expedition | Palmahim Disturbance Gas and Brine Seeps | Conservation and Restoration 🌊

From January 12–17, 2025, the MRB Lab, together with AMEL (https://bit.ly/42PZUC0), Oren (https://bit.ly/3EziEf6), ZOOPEL (https://bit.ly/4hwzvhk), the Negev (https://bit.ly/4aTcdPY) labs and more, conducted a deep-sea research expedition aboard the R/V Bat-Galim, focusing on ecosystem exploration and restoration within the Palmahim Disturbance—a marine protected area located 60 km off the coast of Tel Aviv in the southeastern Mediterranean. Using the ROV Yona, we explored depths of 1,150 meters to evaluate ecosystem health and implement novel restoration techniques, including deploying enhanced Artificial Reef Monitoring Systems (ARMS). This video showcases high-resolution 4K footage of deep-sea seep habitats, featuring unique biota such as tubeworm reefs, chemosynthetic clam fields, and brine-infused sediments. Our observations document biofilm development, the settlement of opportunistic species, and interactions between seep organisms and ARMS structures. This mission provides critical insights into the processes of deep-sea ecosystem restoration, highlighting the significant role these habitats play in methane sequestration and contributing to global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

We are restoring deep-sea habitats!

MRB lab is taking part in the 'Restoration of Deep-Sea Habitats to Rebuild European Seas (REDRESS) project, funded by European Union, with 27 partners from 15 countries.

New funding from ISF to study biotic interactions in brine pools