Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR) is a national research institution (non-profit governmental corporation) established in 1967 to generate knowledge for the sustainable use and protection of Israel’s marine, coastal and freshwater resources.
The IOLR is affiliated with the Earth Sciences Research Administration of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructures.
Within the framework of its overall mission, the research effort of IOLR is directed at three strategic objectives:
-
Marine and Coastal Environment (Oceanography) – The National Institute of Oceanography in Haifa – creation and dissemination of knowledge to support the fostering and management of Israel’s marine and coastal resources.
-
Lake Kinneret (Limnology) – The Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory near Tiberias – creation and dissemination of knowledge to support the management of Lake Kinneret as a sustainable source of national water supply.
-
Mariculture and Marine Biotechnology – The National Center for Mariculture in Eilat (NCM) – development and transfer of know-how for Israel’s mariculture industry and associated biotech industries.
IOLR has a staff of approximately 180 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel. In addition, 80-90 graduate students and visiting scientists from Israel and abroad are involved in the activities of IOLR’s research centers.
IOLR participates in regional and international research programs, provides assistance to developing countries within its fields of competence, and represents Israel at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM).
