Marine Life

Sperm whale found dead on Israeli beach near Gaza border, cause of death unknown

The cause of death has yet to be determined; experts from the University of Haifa and the Delphis Association for Marine Animals are expected to conduct an autopsy in the coming days. 

A mother sperm whale and her calf off the coast of Mauritius.
DR. SHADY FARAH and PhD student Qi Wu.

Technion scientists create MOLLUSC-inspired adhesive that seals wounds in seconds

A staff member from the Local Ocean Conservation shows a tag on the back flipper of a young Green sea turtle that was caught by a fisherman in Mida Creek, in Watamu on May 19, 2025.

‘Conservation efforts work’: Green sea turtles no longer an endangered species

 The dolphin being studied is of the Stenella frontalis species. Complex communication signals

'Cruel and unnecessary': Florida charter captain jailed for poisoning, shooting dolphins


Haifa University researcher documents longest ever journey of sperm whales in Mediterranean

Researchers document a sperm whale's journey, seeking to discover how the species persevered despite climate change's impact.

 A research team led by University of Haifa’s Dr. Aviad Scheinin documents the longest journey of a sperm whale to date

Whale shark the size of six catsharks spotted off coast of southern Israel

While whale sharks can grow to be over 18 meters in length, this one spotted in Eilat was apparently just around six meters. That's the size of six other sharks, assuming those sharks are catsharks.

 A whale shark recently spotted off the coast of Eilat in southern Israel.

Sandpaper-like shark skin is unique and may have medical uses for human wounds and burns - study

Sharks differ from other fish in their amazing ability to heal from wounds, according to reports of sharks recovering from injuries sustained in the wild.

 Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), a small shark species, at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Chicago.

This simple change to fishing habits could lower whale deaths

The team found that reducing the amount of gear used by the fishermen was more impactful in reducing whale deaths than other hi-tech options.

Fishermen unload their catch at the seaport of Gaza City, after Israel expanded fishing zone for Palestinians April 2, 2019.

New species of horny sponge discovered in French Polynesia

Quinn’s horny sponge has even been seen to include living animals and plants which continue to grow whilst being part of a symbiotic relationship with the sponge.

 A sea sponge attached to the ocean floor.

Whale spotted off Israel's coast, washes ashore lifeless hours later

This is the seventh whale in recent years to have washed up dead on Israel's shorelines.

 Large, humpback whale spotted off the coast of Israel, August 2023

Octopus' complex cells are key to their high intelligence, study finds

New research on octopus cognition presents a promising model for studying memory networks in other animals and humans.

 A purplish-red octopus extends its arms and floats in dark blue water.

Cruise ship witnesses slaughter of dozens of pilot whales

Passengers aboard a cruise ship that had docked in the Faroe Islands were shocked and horrified to bear witness to the mass slaughter of pilot whales.

 Pilot whales.

Shark Awareness Day: One-third of sharks and rays at risk of extinction

BioDB CEO says shark and ray species are threatened in Israel’s Mediterranean Sea.

 Whale Shark and a diver.

Bottlenose dolphins use 'baby-talk' with their calves - study

Just as humans often modify our speech and use 'baby-talk' when talking to babies, a new study finds that bottlenose dolphins do the same with their young.

 How do dolphins communicate? (illustrative)