Protecting the sea takes depth.
Day by day, we grow more dependent on the sea. It provides us with oxygen, food, drinking water, energy, climate regulation, trade routes, and open natural spaces. Yet, every day, human impact on the ocean increases, threatening its ability to provide all these vital resources. The environmental challenges we face and the threats to marine ecosystems require people to care for the ocean. The Eco-Ocean team consists of researchers with in-depth knowledge and expertise in the marine field; a team that brings the professional abilities needed to lead innovative marine protection. We work for the preservation of the marine environment together with you. For almost 20 years we have been on the front line, looking out from our center on the shoreline to the blue horizon, devising new strategies to care for it. Protect it from what? From everything that pollutes it, destroys its shores, and harms the incredible creatures struggling to live and thrive within it.
We are here for the sea. Because the sea with all its diverse life, treasures, beaches beauty and bounty - is here for us.
Israel is a maritime nation. Our vision for the coming decade is to shape a future where people and the marine environment in Israel thrive together. By supporting cutting-edge scientific research, we aspire to restore and protect Israel’s marine ecosystems and the broader Mediterranean region. By delivering inclusive educational programs we promote equal opportunities and build environmental leadership that strives to bring ocean recovery and a sustainable peaceful future. By leading communities of activists, we ensure that care for the ocean in the coming decade will become a high priority for policy makers.
CEO
Serving as Eco-Ocean’s CEO since 2015, Arik is a lawyer by training. He formerly served as Director of Development and Operations at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Director of Development and Foreign Affairs at Tel Aviv University, and Founder of the social start-up “Takdim” in Ramat Hasharon.
[email protected]
Head of Education unit
With nearly 20 years of experience in informal education and in developing learning programs, Tamar holds a master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from the Hebrew University. Tamar is a nature enthusiast. She believes in driving change through education. [email protected]
Head of Marine Operations and MedEx Captain
Itay has been with Eco-Ocean since its inception. He has extensive experience operating oceanographic equipment, including sonar systems, seafloor mapping technologies, and underwater robots. As captain of the MedEx, Itay has led scientific expeditions to Malta, Italy and Eritrea.
[email protected]
Head of Environmental Management Operations
Hadas is a multidisciplinary environmental activist specializing in marine conservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Marine Biology and a master’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Consulting (MBA) . She brings extensive experience in marine wildlife conservation, and advocates long-term initiatives for the protection of the marine environment.
[email protected]
Scientific Manager
Itamar is responsible for and serves as an advisor on all scientific aspects of the organization’s activities. He holds a master’s degree (MA) in Marine Ecology and is a Ph.D candidate in Physical Oceanography. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in education and environmental work.
[email protected]
Director, National Marine Emergency Volunteers
Michal holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a PhD in Neuroscience. After 10 years in a research lab, Michal sought a role that would bring her back to the sea. She now coordinates the National Marine Emergency Volunteers Network, led by Eco-Ocean and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
[email protected]
Director of Resource Development and Partnerships
Libby holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Management from the Catholic University of Milan, specializing in Corporate Social Responsibility. She brings over 10 years of experience in fundraising, partnership development, and donor relations in the fields of climate crisis response and environmental protection.
[email protected]
Director of Community Relations
Einat holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Environmental Studies from the Porter School at Tel Aviv university. A certified tour guide in Africa, she previously education and community programs in two regional councils. She now oversees all volunteer activities across Eco-Ocean’s departments.
[email protected]
Marketing, Volunteers, and Community Relations Manager
Adi holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A) in Communications and Management, with a specialization in Marketing She brings over 7 years of experience working with environmental organizations, local authorities and in educational institutes.
[email protected]
Digital, Content and Social Media Manager
dani holda anMBA in Organizational Consulting and Development and has completed numerous courses and training sessions in marketing. She previously managed digital media, marketing and content departments across multiple industries and now brings this experience to Eco-Ocean
[email protected]
Shared Society Co-ordinator
Jasmine holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Environmental Sciences from Tel Aviv university and a teaching certificate. She has 10 years of experience teaching science. She is passionate about introducing the public to the wonder and beauty of marine science.
Jasmine”ecoocean.net
Research Activities and Tours Coordinator
Holds an M.Sc. in Zoology from Tel Aviv University, with over a decade of experience leading tours and educational activities both outdoors and in classrooms. Mika has a background in biology, nature conservation, and education. She enjoys combining all three in the marine environment.
[email protected]
Blue Flag Program Coordinator
Holds an M.Sc. in Ecology and gathered extensive experience in marine environmental education. In recent years, Or has been teaching and working with diverse age groups within special populations. He believes that fostering awareness and understanding of nature and its wonders can inspire meaningful, wide-reaching change.
[email protected]
MedEx Mechanic
A graduate of the Naval School for Command and Leadership - Akko Officers’ Maritime Academy, where he trained as a skipper and studied the marine environment. During his military service, he was certified as a Chief Engineer. Today, he serves as the Chief Mechanic and First Officer on the association’s research vessel Mediterranean Explorer (MedEx).
MedEx Skipper
An avid marine and environmental enthusiast. Yoav is a commercial skipper with more than 14 years of marine experience. On his voyages, he has logged thousands of nautical miles, crossing the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Northwest Passage. He brings this rich experience to the association’s research vessel, the MedEx.
Among his environmental work, Yoav accompanied the French swimmerBen Lecomte on his transoceanic swim, attempting to raise awareness to plastic pollution in the oceans.
Coastal and Marine Citizen Science Coordinator
Lee holds a B.Sc. in Marine Sciences and an M.A. in Marine Resources Management. A certified Divemaster, she has extensive experience in leading volunteer groups on land and at sea, and managing marine conservation initiatives and environmental awareness programs.
CEO
Serving as Eco-Ocean’s CEO since 2015, Arik is a lawyer by training. He formerly served as Director of Development and Operations at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Director of Development and Foreign Affairs at Tel Aviv University, and Founder of the social start-up “Takdim” in Ramat Hasharon.
[email protected]
Head of Education unit
With nearly 20 years of experience in informal education and in developing learning programs, Tamar holds a master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from the Hebrew University. Tamar is a nature enthusiast. She believes in driving change through education. [email protected]
Head of Marine Operations and MedEx Captain
Itay has been with Eco-Ocean since its inception. He has extensive experience operating oceanographic equipment, including sonar systems, seafloor mapping technologies, and underwater robots. As captain of the MedEx, Itay has led scientific expeditions to Malta, Italy and Eritrea.
[email protected]
Head of Environmental Management Operations
Hadas is a multidisciplinary environmental activist specializing in marine conservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Marine Biology and a master’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Consulting (MBA) . She brings extensive experience in marine wildlife conservation, and advocates long-term initiatives for the protection of the marine environment.
[email protected]
Scientific Manager
Itamar is responsible for and serves as an advisor on all scientific aspects of the organization’s activities. He holds a master’s degree (MA) in Marine Ecology and is a Ph.D candidate in Physical Oceanography. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in education and environmental work.
[email protected]
Director, National Marine Emergency Volunteers
Michal holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a PhD in Neuroscience. After 10 years in a research lab, Michal sought a role that would bring her back to the sea. She now coordinates the National Marine Emergency Volunteers Network, led by Eco-Ocean and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
[email protected]
Director of Resource Development and Partnerships
Libby holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Management from the Catholic University of Milan, specializing in Corporate Social Responsibility. She brings over 10 years of experience in fundraising, partnership development, and donor relations in the fields of climate crisis response and environmental protection.
[email protected]
Director of Community Relations
Einat holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Environmental Studies from the Porter School at Tel Aviv university. A certified tour guide in Africa, she previously education and community programs in two regional councils. She now oversees all volunteer activities across Eco-Ocean’s departments.
[email protected]
Marketing, Volunteers, and Community Relations Manager
Adi holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A) in Communications and Management, with a specialization in Marketing She brings over 7 years of experience working with environmental organizations, local authorities and in educational institutes.
[email protected]
Digital, Content and Social Media Manager
dani holda anMBA in Organizational Consulting and Development and has completed numerous courses and training sessions in marketing. She previously managed digital media, marketing and content departments across multiple industries and now brings this experience to Eco-Ocean
[email protected]
Shared Society Co-ordinator
Jasmine holds a master’s degree (M.A) in Environmental Sciences from Tel Aviv university and a teaching certificate. She has 10 years of experience teaching science. She is passionate about introducing the public to the wonder and beauty of marine science.
Jasmine”ecoocean.net
Research Activities and Tours Coordinator
Holds an M.Sc. in Zoology from Tel Aviv University, with over a decade of experience leading tours and educational activities both outdoors and in classrooms. Mika has a background in biology, nature conservation, and education. She enjoys combining all three in the marine environment.
[email protected]
Blue Flag Program Coordinator
Holds an M.Sc. in Ecology and gathered extensive experience in marine environmental education. In recent years, Or has been teaching and working with diverse age groups within special populations. He believes that fostering awareness and understanding of nature and its wonders can inspire meaningful, wide-reaching change.
[email protected]
MedEx Mechanic
A graduate of the Naval School for Command and Leadership - Akko Officers’ Maritime Academy, where he trained as a skipper and studied the marine environment. During his military service, he was certified as a Chief Engineer. Today, he serves as the Chief Mechanic and First Officer on the association’s research vessel Mediterranean Explorer (MedEx).
MedEx Skipper
An avid marine and environmental enthusiast. Yoav is a commercial skipper with more than 14 years of marine experience. On his voyages, he has logged thousands of nautical miles, crossing the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Northwest Passage. He brings this rich experience to the association’s research vessel, the MedEx.
Among his environmental work, Yoav accompanied the French swimmerBen Lecomte on his transoceanic swim, attempting to raise awareness to plastic pollution in the oceans.
Coastal and Marine Citizen Science Coordinator
Lee holds a B.Sc. in Marine Sciences and an M.A. in Marine Resources Management. A certified Divemaster, she has extensive experience in leading volunteer groups on land and at sea, and managing marine conservation initiatives and environmental awareness programs.
Chairman
Andreas studied environmental and marine sciences in Israel and the USA. He specialized in Environmental Policy in the Arava Institute. After settling in Israel, he established Eco-Ocean in 2002 and has since served as Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Board member
Yosta holds an M.B.A from INSEAD University. He served as a naval officer in the Israeli Navy and currently serves as a professional board member in several public and private Israeli companies. With a deep passion for the sea, Yosta brings extensive experience, and is an experienced skipper and a certified Dive Master.
Board Member
A Certified Public Accountant with a master's degree in Legal Studies. During her career at Intel, Edna held a variety of positions, starting as CFO of Intel's Construction and Infrastructure Group in Israel, Europe and Russia and later managing strategic real estate projects. She now focuses on managing and overseeing employee recruitment and onboarding processes within the organization.
Board Member
Jonas is an entrepreneur and investor across various sectors, ranging from healthcare through financial services and the development of advanced technologies. He is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on the environment, education, healthcare and the promotion of tolerance. Deeply Jonas has been connected to the sea from a young age, and is keen sailor and a senior diver.
Board member
Hezi is Professor of Ocean and Climate Research at the Hebrew University Institute of Earth Sciences. He leads a research group engaged in applied oceanography and focusing on performing measurements and running numerical models. In addition, Hezi advises commercial and governmental bodies on environmental and infrastructure projects.
Board member
Yossi is a marine geologist, researching the geodynamics of the eastern Mediterranean, northern Red Sea and southern Black Sea. Yossi is also interested in climate reconstruction through researching sea levels. He served as Head of the Leon Recanati Institute of Marine Studies and Chairman of the Department of Marine Civilizations at the University of Haifa.
Board Member
Beverly serves as Head of the Department of Geo-Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, with areas of research including Geo-archeology and the coastal environment. She is a specialist in sedimentology, tsunami, marine and coastal geology and human impact on the coastal environment from a geological perspective. Beverly has been selected by The National Geographic magazine as one of the 'promising researchers' of the past decade.
Board
With an MBA from Tel Aviv University, Dubi currently serves as the CFO of the Israeli Antiquities Authority. He began his career in the Accountant General's Division of the Ministry of Finance, where he fulfilled a variety of management positions in economics and finance leading to his current position. Dubi describes himself as having a deep and personal connection to the whole issue of sustainability and concern for the environment.
Board Member
Ilana serves as Head of the Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences and Director of the Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Oceanographic Biology at the University of Haifa. Ilana's research focuses on organisms that are at the base of the food web in the sea and the interactions between marine ecosystems and their environment.
Board member
Sven co-founded Eco-Ocean together with Andreas Weil in 2002. He received his Doctorate in marine biology from Tel Aviv University, and serves to this day as Professor Emeritus there as well as at Stockholm University. He is a specialist in marine vegetation and photosynthesis at sea, and has over 130 publications in these fields.
Board Member
Founder and Scientific Director of The M. Kahn Marine Research Station, Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Vice President of Resource Development & External Relations, University of Haifa, and Director of the Deep Med research group. Dani has hundreds of scientific publications in marine biology, and is an expert on coral reefs and climate change.
Board Member
Rani managed the Mevo-ot Yam Marine High School, where he established the aquaculture department. He founded the Marine College which later became the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Ruppin Academic Center. Rani was a partner in the establishment of Eco-Ocean and was part of the team that brought the RV Mediterranean Explorer to Israel.
Board Member
Amitai is the Co-founder of Global Quality, a company specializing in 'Smart Home' solutions. He holds an MS in Industrial Engineering from Ben Gurion University and an MBA from George Washington University.
Chairman
Andreas studied environmental and marine sciences in Israel and the USA. He specialized in Environmental Policy in the Arava Institute. After settling in Israel, he established Eco-Ocean in 2002 and has since served as Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Board member
Yosta holds an M.B.A from INSEAD University. He served as a naval officer in the Israeli Navy and currently serves as a professional board member in several public and private Israeli companies. With a deep passion for the sea, Yosta brings extensive experience, and is an experienced skipper and a certified Dive Master.
Board Member
A Certified Public Accountant with a master's degree in Legal Studies. During her career at Intel, Edna held a variety of positions, starting as CFO of Intel's Construction and Infrastructure Group in Israel, Europe and Russia and later managing strategic real estate projects. She now focuses on managing and overseeing employee recruitment and onboarding processes within the organization.
Board Member
Jonas is an entrepreneur and investor across various sectors, ranging from healthcare through financial services and the development of advanced technologies. He is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on the environment, education, healthcare and the promotion of tolerance. Deeply Jonas has been connected to the sea from a young age, and is keen sailor and a senior diver.
Board member
Hezi is Professor of Ocean and Climate Research at the Hebrew University Institute of Earth Sciences. He leads a research group engaged in applied oceanography and focusing on performing measurements and running numerical models. In addition, Hezi advises commercial and governmental bodies on environmental and infrastructure projects.
Board member
Yossi is a marine geologist, researching the geodynamics of the eastern Mediterranean, northern Red Sea and southern Black Sea. Yossi is also interested in climate reconstruction through researching sea levels. He served as Head of the Leon Recanati Institute of Marine Studies and Chairman of the Department of Marine Civilizations at the University of Haifa.
Board Member
Beverly serves as Head of the Department of Geo-Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, with areas of research including Geo-archeology and the coastal environment. She is a specialist in sedimentology, tsunami, marine and coastal geology and human impact on the coastal environment from a geological perspective. Beverly has been selected by The National Geographic magazine as one of the 'promising researchers' of the past decade.
Board
With an MBA from Tel Aviv University, Dubi currently serves as the CFO of the Israeli Antiquities Authority. He began his career in the Accountant General's Division of the Ministry of Finance, where he fulfilled a variety of management positions in economics and finance leading to his current position. Dubi describes himself as having a deep and personal connection to the whole issue of sustainability and concern for the environment.
Board Member
Ilana serves as Head of the Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences and Director of the Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Oceanographic Biology at the University of Haifa. Ilana's research focuses on organisms that are at the base of the food web in the sea and the interactions between marine ecosystems and their environment.
Board member
Sven co-founded Eco-Ocean together with Andreas Weil in 2002. He received his Doctorate in marine biology from Tel Aviv University, and serves to this day as Professor Emeritus there as well as at Stockholm University. He is a specialist in marine vegetation and photosynthesis at sea, and has over 130 publications in these fields.
Board Member
Founder and Scientific Director of The M. Kahn Marine Research Station, Marine Biology Department, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, Vice President of Resource Development & External Relations, University of Haifa, and Director of the Deep Med research group. Dani has hundreds of scientific publications in marine biology, and is an expert on coral reefs and climate change.
Board Member
Rani managed the Mevo-ot Yam Marine High School, where he established the aquaculture department. He founded the Marine College which later became the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Ruppin Academic Center. Rani was a partner in the establishment of Eco-Ocean and was part of the team that brought the RV Mediterranean Explorer to Israel.
Board Member
Amitai is the Co-founder of Global Quality, a company specializing in 'Smart Home' solutions. He holds an MS in Industrial Engineering from Ben Gurion University and an MBA from George Washington University.
Each year, the EcoOcean Association operates over 1,000 volunteers in designated teams, all working to achieve one goal: Protecting Israel’s coastal and marine environment.
An article exploring the phenomenon of sharks gatherings off the coast of Hadera and the importance of protecting these fascinating and vital apex predators.
Towards the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, Arik Rosenblum, CEO of EcoOcean, was selected as one of Israel’s top-20 influencers leading the way out of the climate crisis!
EcoOcean, which operates the “National Network of Sea Emergency Volunteers,” is featured in an article about its response during the tar pollution incident, the role of its research vessel (the MedEx), and the volunteer command center.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and EcoOcean Have Launched Campaign to Raise Awareness About Keeping Beaches and Seas Clean
The Ministry of Environmental Protection's National Marine Environmental Protection Unit has led a regional exercise, aimed at preparing for an oil spill that causes pollution of the sea and the beach
The Ministry of Environmental Protection on a visit on the Ecoocean's research ship Mediterranean Explorer the Ecoation Association
The ROV robot, or as it is called by the researchers, Ruthie, is the unique research robot used by researchers in the depths of the Mediterranean.
Municipalities join the initiative from Ecoocean to establish a group of emergency volunteers who will be trained to assist in marine and coastal pollution scenarios
We’ve weathered many waves, storms, and governments…
And thanks to supporters like you, we keep moving forward!
