ECOOCEAN

EcoOcean is an NGO, Not for Profit Organization, based in Israel and dedicated to promoting the protection of the marine & coastal environments in their region, to enhance public awareness and to influence policy makers for the protection of these environments. EcoOcean’s strategies include the use of research, education, conservation, international cooperation and the implementation of FEE programs in Israel. In addition, they operate the unique R/V research vessel, Mediterranean Explorer in order to provide state-of-the-art research opportunities. The crew of the R/V Mediterranean Explorer has vast experience in monitoring and collecting marine organisms for research purposes. Additionally, EcoOcean is an active organization regarding the conservation of the marine environment, cooperating with local and international organizations such as MEDPAN, CNRS, MIO-CESDE, and others. EcoOcean is also operating marine environmental education programmes in their own educational center.

EcoOcean plays a key role in the collection of bio-resources in Work Package 1 and also contributes to Work Package 7 (socio-economic and environmental impacts) and to Work Package 8.