The Israel Oceanographic and imnological Research (IOLR) is a governmental, non-profit corporation affiliated with the Earth Sciences Research Administration. The IOLR consists of three research centers: the National Institute of Oceanography in Haifa, the Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory near Tiberias, and the National Center for Mariculture in Eilat.

The broad aims of the IOLR are to provide a scientific basis for decision-making on the utilization, conservation and management of Israel's neighboring sea areas and its inland water bodies, and to support the country's economy through the development of new technologies for the exploitation of marine resources. Accordingly, the scope of IOLR's research and development program includes: Oceanography - multidisciplinary research focusing on three higihly diverse seas: the oligotrophic eatern Mediterranea; the tropical desert-enclosed Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba), forming the north-eastern branch of the Red Sea; and the land-locked Dead Sea, the lowest and saltiest on earth.
Limnology - multidisciplinary reserach focusing on Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Israel's only large freshwater lake, which provides about one-third of the country's water requirements, serves as a major tourist and vacation site, and is the source of a sizable commercial fishery.
Mariculture and Marine Biotechnology - research directed at the development of economically viable technologies for the cultivation of marine organisms for food and biochemical materials.

The IOLR also provides consulting, surveying and monitoring services and various training opportunities within its areas of expertise. While primarily designed to cater to national needs, the R&D program of IOLR encompasses many topics of universal significance. International cooperation is an important aspect of IOLR's activities.

The Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research:

http://www.ocean.org.il/MainPageEng.asp

Tel: 972-4-8526639
Fax: 972-4-8511911