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A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute (IOLR) has conducted the first comprehensive ecological鈥揵iotechnological seaweed survey in Israel. Their findings suggest that the unique ecological conditions along the Israeli Mediterranean coast鈥攚arm, sunny, and dynamic鈥攃reate a natural habitat that supports the growth of distinctive and resilient seaweeds (macroalgae) rich in nutritional and health-promoting compounds.

The researchers believe these properties could serve as a foundation for groundbreaking innovations in food, health, and biotechnology. The study is in Marine Drugs.

The study was led by Dr. Doron Yehoshua Ashkenazi of Tel Aviv University and IOLR, under the supervision of Prof. Avigdor Abelson from the School of Zoology at Tel Aviv University, and Prof. 脕lvaro Israel from IOLR Haifa, in collaboration with Dr. Eitan Salomon from the National Center for Mariculture in Eilat. Additional contributors included Prof. F茅lix L. Figueroa and Julia Vega from the University of M谩laga, Spain, along with Guy Paz, head of the laboratory at IOLR, and Dr. Shoshana Ben-Valid.

Over several years, the researchers collected nearly 400 specimens, identifying 55 seaweed species鈥攑redominantly red, alongside brown and green seaweed. In contrast to earlier reports suggesting two annual peaks in seaweed productivity, this study indicates a single productive period in springtime, strongly suggesting an ecosystem shift likely driven by global warming.

Seasonality also had a pronounced effect on seaweed chemistry. Biochemical analyses revealed that local seaweeds exhibit particularly high protein content during winter, reaching several tens of percent of their dry weight, making them a promising alternative protein source for both human and animal nutrition. Antioxidant levels peaked in spring, increasing by up to 286% in some species.

These findings highlight seaweed as a natural source of health-promoting compounds and potential therapeutic agents that may contribute to longevity and immune support. The analyzed seaweeds also contained high levels of phenolic compounds and natural UV filters, making them ideal for eco-friendly cosmeceutical applications.

Dr. Ashkenazi explains, "Israel, located at the easternmost edge of the Mediterranean Sea, offers unique environmental conditions: a subtropical climate with year-round sunlight, rocky shores with small tidal fluctuations, and relatively high salinity and irradiance. Together, these factors stimulate the development of seaweeds with unique chemical traits that act as natural 'biological factories,' producing bioactive compounds in remarkable concentrations.

"We believe that this study, together with the growing seaweed research field, can place Israel at the forefront of global marine biotechnology. In addition to being 'a land flowing with milk and honey', Israel has also been blessed with a unique sea鈥攖he Israeli Mediterranean.

Last author Prof. 脕lvaro Israel emphasizes, "This study provides valuable insights into the environmental factors that influence seaweed growth and quality, allowing us to translate this knowledge into practical aquaculture methods. Seaweed offers immense environmental benefits鈥攖hey require no arable land, generate oxygen, capture carbon, and purify water from pollutants. They stand at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture, merging environmental advantages with economic opportunities.

Dr. Salomon adds, "Our findings illustrate the untapped biotechnological potential of seaweeds for the future of humanity鈥攆rom functional foods and pharmaceuticals to a variety of advanced health applications."

Prof. Abelson concludes, "The Israeli Mediterranean Sea is a unique natural laboratory. It can serve as a model for understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and help predict which species may thrive in a warming world. Beyond its scientific value, seaweeds represent a strategic national and global resource that can help address future challenges in food security, health, and the environment."

The research is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Itzchak (Itzik) Brickner of blessed memory, one of Israel's legendary marine biologists, in recognition of his friendship, mentorship, and inspiration.