A new report from Israel's Environmental Protection Ministry raises serious concerns about the future of the coral reef in the Gulf of Eilat.
The National Monitoring Program report reveals that sea surface temperatures in the area have been rising at a rate 2.5 times faster than the global average since 1988, with deep water temperatures also continuing to increase. These warming trends are expected to significantly impact the entire ecosystem.
The report highlights a record high temperature of 30°C in the Gulf of Eilat, compared to the average annual temperature of 27°C. Additionally, a disease outbreak in 2023 led to widespread mortality among the sea urchin population, with uncertain prospects for recovery.
Despite these challenges, the report notes some positive developments. Most monitoring sites have seen an increase in stony coral density, in some cases reaching levels observed before a damaging storm in 2020. However, the lagoon area between the reef and the shore has been unable to recover and has been deteriorating since 2010.
The report's authors stress the need to reduce local stressors such as marine pollution and oil spills, which the coral reef may struggle to cope with alongside global climate changes. Of particular concern is the accumulation of nitrates in the gulf's deep waters, which threatens water quality throughout the area.
This report comes as the Israeli government considers reversing a policy that protects the reef to allow increased oil transportation through the gulf. Environmental groups, local authorities, and Eilat's mayor oppose this move, citing risks to both residents and the ecosystem.
* Ynet contributed to this article.