Environmental Quality of Israel's Mediterranean Coastal Waters in 2004

חקר ימים ואגמים לישראל בע"מ .Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research Ltd תל-שקמונה, ת"ד 8030, חיפה Tel-Shikmona, P.O.B. 8030, Haifa 31080 פקס : Fax: 972-4-8511911 טלפון : Tel: 972-4-8565200

Annual Report of the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Program

Executive Summary

Barak Herut, Edna Shefer and Yuval Cohen

IOLR Report H34/2005a

The National Marine Environmental Monitoring Program is funded by The Ministry of the Environment The Ministry of National Infrastructures

Monitoring activities in ports and marinas are funded by The Ministry of Defense

September 2005

Executive Summary1

Introduction

This report presents information on the environmental quality of Israel’s Mediterranean coastal waters in the year 2004, based on the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Program (NMEMP) and related activities carried out by the National Institute of Oceanography of Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). The report also presents trends of environmental changes based on analysis of long-term monitoring data.

The NMEMP is guided by the Marine and Coastal Environment Division of the Ministry of Environment. The aim of the program is to provide a scientific basis for decision making with regard to protection of the marine environment, including enforcement of the provisions of national legislation and international conventions.

The NMEMP includes five components:

• Monitoring of heavy metals in the coastal waters (carried out since 1978); • Monitoring of the introduction of nutrients and particulate metals into the coastal waters through coastal rivers (since 1990); • Monitoring of the atmospheric fluxes of nutrients and heavy metals into the coastal waters (since 1996); • Monitoring of nutrient levels and algal populations in the coastal waters (since 2000); • Estimation of the overall pollution load introduced into the coastal waters derived from a database on point sources of pollution (as of 2002).

The NMEMP has been updated over the years in accordance with the available information on pollution sources. Fig. 1 shows the main sources of pollution along the coastline. Fig. 2 presents the NMEMP sampling stations. Location of the sampling stations and the parameters measured at each station are listed in Table 1.

All the data collected within the framework of the NMMP is archived at the Israel Marine Data Center (ISRAMAR), IOLR. The evaluation of temporal trends in the environmental quality of the coastal waters is based on analysis of all relevant ISRAMAR databases.

1 The original full report submitted to the Government is written in Hebrew ( available at the IOLR web site, Hebrew Version - www.ocean.org.il). This executive summary presents the main findings of the report and the figures included therein.

Monitoring Activities in the Year 2004

• Heavy metals in sediments: 14 sampling stations in Haifa Bay; 10 stations on the continental shelf along the coast (~5 m depth); 31 stations at the lower reaches and outlets of the coastal rivers. • Heavy metals and organic pollutants in ports and marinas: Sampling stations (water and sediments) in Haifa, Qishon and Ashdod ports and in Akko, Atlit, Hadera, Michmoret, Hertzelia, Tel-Aviv, Ashdod and Ashquelon marinas. • Heavy metals in suspended particulate matter: 9 sampling stations along the coast between Ashdod and Haifa; 10 stations in Haifa Bay; 31 stations at the lower reach of the coastal rivers. • Heavy metals in benthic organisms: 173 specimens of bivalves, 408 specimens of gastropods and 10 specimens of Hermit crab from Haifa Bay and other areas along the coast. • Heavy metals in fish: 182 specimens of 10 species of inshore fish and 157 specimens of 4 species of trawl fish caught in Haifa Bay and in other areas along the coast. • Pesticide residues in fish (preliminary screening): 11 specimens of 3 species of inshore fish. • Heavy metals in atmospheric dust: 43 samples from Haifa area and 47 samples from Maagan Michael. • Nutrients in rainwater: 36 samples from Haifa area. • Nutrients in the coastal rivers: 31 sampling stations at the lower reaches and outlets of the rivers sampled twice (winter and fall). • Nutrients, chlorophyll and algae in coastal waters: Sampling during several cruises along the coastline including Haifa Bay.

Appendix 1 presents the total number of heavy metal analyses carried out since the beginning of the monitoring program.

Main Findings

The findings of the monitoring activities carried out in 2004 reveal that in general, the level of pollution of Israel's Mediterranean coastal waters is not high relative to international marine environmental quality guidelines and criteria. Trends of decreasing pollution identified in previous years continued in 2004. However, the situation is not yet satisfactory. Significant quantities of anthropogenic materials are introduced into the coastal waters both from point sources (marine outfalls and coastal rivers) and from diffuse sources (runoff waters and atmospheric deposition). As a result, a number of local pollution problems exist along the coastline.

The findings and conclusions of the report are summarized below in two ways. First, in a table of environmental indicators (e.g. heavy metals in sediments, heavy metals in fish etc.). The table presents the status of the coastal waters in 2004 and trends in the last decade. Second, in maps presenting the status of different areas along the coastline relative to four environmental criteria: (1) status of the shallow water area

based on the values of the "Diversity Index"2 of the microalgae populations – four levels; (2) status of the lower reaches/outlet areas of the coastal rivers based on chlorophyll concentrations – three levels3; (3) status of the coastal sediments based on the concentrations of heavy metals, pesticide residues (DDT) and PCB's – two levels4; (4) status of the coastal sediments based on tributyl-tin (TBT) concentrations – two levels5.

Environmental Indicators - Status and Trends 6

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade Heavy metals in Haifa Bay: Medium level Mercury pollution sediments of mercury pollution in the decreased. northern part of the Bay and the Qishon estuary.

No change in mercury levels compared to 2003.

Low concentrations of other heavy metals. Lead Lead concentrations and zinc enrichment decreased. relative to other areas.

Coastal rivers : High level of pollution by mercury, zinc, cadmium, Pollution in the Qishon nickel and medium level estuary decreased. of pollution by copper, lead and chromium in the lower reach of the Qishon River.

Medium level of pollution No clear trend of change in by some metals in the other rivers. Betzet, Naaman, Hadera, Taninim and Alexander rivers.

2 Number of species divided by the aquare root of the algal biomass (decreasing values indicate a trend towards eutrophication). 3 Based on the Sediment Quality Guidelines developed by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the National Status and Trends Program. The two levels used are pollutant concentrations smaller and greater than ERM values (concentration of pollutant above which biological effects frequently occur). An area/site is marked as "polluted" when the concentration of one of the metals/organic compounds considered exceeded ERM. 4 Low, Medium and High levels of nutrient pollution based on chlorophyll concentration data, according to NOAA's estuarine trophic state classification. 5 Less than and more than 100 microgr./Kg. 6 Pollution levels in the table (high, medium and low) are relative to water and sediment quality guidelines and criteria commonly used by US Government agencies for environmental assessment purposes and to the Israeli standeards for marine water quality.

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade

Along the coast: In general, the concentrations of all metals in shallow areas are smaller than harmful levels.

Several local pollution problems:

Medium level of pollution No clear trend in TAS by mercury and cadmium (Tel-Aviv Region Sewage in TAS area. Treatment Plant) area (seasonal changes in the level of pollution). Chromium enrichment along the coast south of Palmachim and in the area of the "Agan Chemicals/Ashdod Refineries" outfall (off Ashdod).

Ports and Marinas: High Similar and even higher level of pollution by levels of pollution found mercury and zinc in Haifa previously in Haifa and Port. Medium level of Qishon ports. pollution by several metals in the ports of Haifa, Qishon and Ashdod and the marinas of Akko and Ashdod.

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade Heavy metals in Haifa Bay: suspended particulate Concentrations in southern No change in mercury matter Haifa Bay, near the Qishon levels. Cadmium levels in estuary, higher than those the southern part of the recorded outside the bay. bay decreased as of July 2000.

Coastal rivers: High concentrations of mercury, No significant trend cadmium and copper in several rivers.

Along the coast: Much lower concentrations than in the outlets of the coastal No significant trend. rivers. Mercury enrichment opposite the outlets of Yarkon and Soreq rivers. Dissolved heavy metals in Concentrations in Haifa seawater Bay higher than in other areas but generally lower than the Israeli water quality standard. Heavy metals in fish Fish fit for consumption Mercury concentrations with respect to national stabilized at a lower level safety limit. than in previous decade.

Mercury enrichment in inshore fish from Haifa Bay relative to fish from other areas.

Mercury enrichment in some trawl fish from the No change. northern part of the coastline relative to fish from the south. . Heavy metals in benthic Haifa Bay and Akko: Mercury concentrations in organisms Mercury enrichment in bivalves decreased during bivalves and gastropods 1980 – 1992; trend of relative to other areas. increase since 1993 has reversed in the past three years.

Cadmium enrichment in Cadmium concentrations gastropods from southern in Qishon estuary Haifa Bay relative to other decreased. areas.

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade Along the coast (selected sites): Cadmium enrichment in gastropods No change at Atlit Heavy metals in dust Concentrations similar to Lead concentrations Europe and higher than in decreased. No clear trend open sea areas. of change in cadmium, copper and zinc concentrations. Organic pollutants in Ports and marinas: sediments Pollution by pesticide residues (DDT) in the ports of Haifa, Qishon and Ashdod, Tel-Aviv marina and the cooling basin of Ashdod power plant. Medium level of pollution in the Qishon Port, Akko marina and the cooling basin of Hadera power plant.

High level of PCB's Similar levels of pesticide pollution in Haifa and residues, PCB's and TBT Ashdod ports and Akko found in the years 2000 – marina; medium level of 2003. Imposex (indicator pollution in Qishon Port of TBT pollution) found in and Tel-Aviv marina. snails from Haifa Bay.

Medium level of pollution by a few PAH's in Haifa and Ashdod ports.

Significant TBT pollution in Haifa, Qishon and Ashdod ports, in Akko, Michmoret, Tel-Aviv and Ashquelon marinas and in the cooling basin of Ashdod power plant. The findings indicate continued TBT input. Organic pollutants in Ports and marinas: At all No significant change water sites the concentrations of during 2000 – 2003. volatile and semi-volatile pollutants were below detection limit or much lower than level harmful to

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade marine organisms.

High levels of TBT No significant change pollution found in Haifa during 2000 – 2003. and Ashdod ports and in Akko, Michmoret, Hertzelia and Tel-Aviv marinas. At all ports and marinas, TBT concentrations were higher than the Israeli water quality standard. Nutrients in rain water Nitrogen and phosphorus Nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes into the coastal fluxes depend on annual waters smaller than in precipitation. Europe but higher than in open sea areas. No significant change in nitrogen flux in the last 7 years. Nutrients in coastal Medium to high levels of Some decrease in nutrient rivers (outlet areas) pollution in most rivers. concentrations (especially in Soreq and Qishon rivers). Nutrient load from point Coastal rivers (including Reported decrease in sources Qishon) > TAS outfall > quantities of nutrients others discharged into the rivers. Nutrients in coastal Haifa Bay: Nitrogen and Probably decreasing trend waters phosphorus enrichment since 2002; possibly a decreasing with distance change (increase) in N/P from the shore. ratio of the Qishon River discharge. Along the coast: Phosphorus enrichment near the outlet of Yarkon river and TAS outfall; nitrate enrichment near the outlets of Yarkon and Taninim rivers.

High nutrient concentrations near the effluent outfall of the Hertzelia sewage treatment plant. Microalgae in coastal Haifa Bay: waters High concentrations Monitoring started in relative to other areas. 2000; possibly beginning

Environmental Indicator Status in 2004 Trends in Last Decade of a decreasing trend.

Especially high concentrations in the Qishon River estuary.

Potentially toxic species Potentially toxic species found. found previously in Haifa Bay.

Along the coast: High concentrations near Yarkon River.

Relatively high concentration in shallow waters (< 10 m) compared to deeper water (30 m).

Genera that might include Potentially toxic species toxic species found along found in previous years. entire coastline.

Environmental status along the coastline

a. Status of the shallow water area based on the values the Diversity Index of the microalgae populations and of the lower reaches/outlet areas of the coastal rivers based on chlorophyll concentrations.

H EU1?

EU4 M H

EU2

L EU1

EU1

EU3 H

M EU3

b. Status of the coastal sediments based on the concentrations of heavy metals, pesticide residues (DDT), PCB's and TBT.

זיהום במתכות/DDT/PCB מתכות/DDT/PCB זיהום ב- TBT

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this report, it is recommended that the relevant government agencies take the following actions in order to reduce pollution of the coastal waters and to prevent potential public health risks and ecological damages:

1. Enhancement of the efforts to reduce wastewater discharges into the coastal rivers.

2. Develpoment of a data management system for wastewater discharges into the coastal rivers ( to improve the ability to estimate the overall pollution load from the rivers).

3. Identification of the sources of heavy metals (especially mercury) input to the Tel-Aviv Region Sewage Treatment Plant and treatment of the effluents at their sources in order to minimize metal discharges into the sea.

4. Adoption of sediment quality guidelines which would serve as targets for decisions on restriction of wastewater discharge into the coastal waters and as an interpretive tool for monitoring programs.

5. Updating of the national safety limit for mercury levels in edible fish which has been set many years ago. In addition, safety limits for other metals and for organic contaminants should be considered.

6. Porhibition of all fishing activities in polluted areas as well as in areas where there is a risk of accumulation of harmful substances based on information on wastewater discharge into the sea.

7. Strict enfircement of the porhibition to use TBT antifouling paints within Israel and on Israeli vessels.

8. Routine monitoring of bathing water quality in all beaches which are adjacent to the coastal rivers, are not "Declared Bathing Beaches" (where routine monitoring is carried out) and yet are open to the public.

Fig. 1: Location of land-base sources (triangles=marine outfalls, yellow points=coastal river outlets, black points=emergency/drainage outlets, red stars=power plants cooling water).

Monitoring stations, 2004

A Bezet r. 33.1

33.0 Map B Naaman r.

HB1-HB5 32.9

n a H1-H4 Qishon r. e n a r a r 32.8 e te S i

d e

32.6

Dalia r.

H5-H8 32.6 Taninim r.

Hadera r. 32.5

Coastal stations (water) H9-H12 Alexander r. Coastal stations (sediment) Aerosol stations

River stations (sediment & water) 32.4 34.8 34.9 35.0 35.0 35.1

Fig. 2: Location of monitoring stations along the Mediterranean coast of Israel and at the lower reaches of the coastal rivers (A – northern area of the coast, B – Haifa Bay, C – southern area of the coast, D – Locations of benthic fauna sampling). The square south of Tel-Aviv (map C) represents the monitoring area of sewage sludge disposal at sea.

Monitoring stations, 2004

Coastal stations (water) 260000 B Coastal stations (sediment & benthic fauna) Aerosol sampling station 2 1 258000

1110 98 256000 12

14 254000 Haifa Bay

252000 18

250000

23 22 26 248000 27

Carmelit 246000

146000 148000 150000 152000 154000 156000 158000 160000

Fig. 2: Cont.

Monitoring stations, 2004

C 32.3 H43-H40 Poleg r.

32.2

H13 H14-H17

32.1 Yarqon r.

n a e n 32.0 a r a r e te S i H21-H18 d Soreq r. e

Shafdan M 31.9 Agan/Baza AGAN H22-H25 Lakhish r. 31.8

Evtach r. H26-H29 31.7

Shiqma r. 31.6 Coastal stations (water) Coastal stations (sediment) River stations (sediment & water)

31.5 34.4 34.5 34.6 34.6 34.8 34.9 35.0

Fig. 2: Cont.

D 33.2

33.0 North Akko

32.8 Haifa

32.6

Center I Hadera

32.4

Netanya Center II 32.2 Herzllya

Tel Aviv Jaffa 32.0

South

31.8 Ashdod Trawl fish

Coastal fish Molluscs 31.6

34.6 34.8 35.0 35.2 35.4

Fig. 2: Cont.

1 1984 station 27 1985 station 8,9 1986 1987 0.8 1988 ERM 1989 ) 1990 1984 1991 0.6 1992 1993 1994 1995 g/g drywt. g/g 1996 µ 0.4 1997 g/g dry wt.)

µ 1998 Hg ( 1999 2000 Hg ( 0.2 2001 ERL 2002 2003 2004 2004 0 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Distance from Station 1 (km)

Fig. 3. Mercury concentrations (µg g-1 dry wt.) in surficial sediments from the shallow area of Haifa Bay during 1984-2004. ERL is Effects Range Low; ERM is Effects Range Median.

1.1

1 Station 8 Station 9 0.9

) 0.8 ERM 0.7

0.6

g/g dry wt. dry g/g g/g dry wt.)

µ µ 0.5

Hg ( Hg ( 0.4

0.3

0.2 ERL

0.1

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Year

Fig. 4: Mercury concentrations (µg g-1 dry wt.) in surficial sediments from stations 8 and 9 in northern Haifa Bay, at water depths of 3 and 6m respectively, during 1981-2004. ERL is Effects Range Low; ERM is Effects Range Median.

2000 1000

100 1600 r 10

1200 1

0.1 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 800

Mercury input (kg/yea input Mercury Mercury input (kg/year) 400

0 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005

Years

Fig. 5: Annual amounts of mercury introduced into Haifa Bay by effluents from the 'Electrochemical Industries'. The factory was closed in 2004.

HgHg ((ug/gµg/g dry dry wt.) wt.) 0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 -5

-10

-15

-20

-25 Depth cm Depth cm Depth

-30

-35 St. 10 1985

-40 St. 10 1989 St. 10 1993 St. 10 1997 -45 St. 10 2004

-50

Fig. 6: Profiles of mercury concentrations in sediment cores at station 10 in Haifa Bay during 1985 – 2004 (the integrated area below the profile represents the total amount of mercury in the core per cm2).

32.94 Hg in Sediments A Haifa Bay, 2004

32.92 0.45 to 0.72

32.90 0.25 to 0.45

0.15 to 0.25

32.88 0.00 to 0.15

32.86

32.84

32.82

32.80 34.96 34.98 35.00 35.02 35.04 35.06 35.08 35.10

32.94 B Cd in Sediments Haifa Bay, 2004 32.92

1.20 to 6.60 32.90 0.10 to 1.20

0.00 to 0.10

32.88

32.86

32.84

32.82

32.80 34.96 34.98 35.00 35.02 35.04 35.06 35.08 35.10

Fig. 7: Mercury (A) and cadmium (B) concentrations (µg g-1 dry wt.) in Haifa Bay sediments, 2004 (size of arrows represents concentration).

100 1.00

) Hg ( Hg 10 Hg (

µ µ g/g dry wt. g/g dry wt.) 0.10 g/g dry wt. dry g/g

Cd ( 1 )

Cd Hg

0 0.01 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004

Year

30 0.9 B 0.8 25 ERM (Hg) 0.7

20 0.6 Hg (µg/g dry wt.)

Hg ( 0.5

15 g/g dry wt.)

0.4

g/g dry wt.) µ Cd (µg/g dry wt.) dry (µg/g Cd 10 ERM (Cd) 0.3

Cd (

0.2 ERL (Hg) 5 0.1 ERL (Cd) 0 0.0 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

Year

Fig. 8: Cadmium and mercury concentrations (µg g-1dry wt.) in surficial sediments from the Qishon River estuary (station 27) during 1984-2004. (A) logaritmic scale; (B) linear scale for 1997–2004.

30 A 1984 - 2004 1 25 2 8 9

xx 20 10

11 15 12

g/g dry wt.) 14

µ 10 Pb (µg/g dry wt.) dry Pb (µg/g 18 Pb ( 22 5 23

0 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006

Ye ar

12 B 1988-2004 H8

10 H12 H17

) 8 H40

g/g dry wt.)

Pb (µg/g dry wt. dry Pb (µg/g 4 Pb (

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Ye ar

Fig. 9: long-term trends of lead concentrations in surface sediments in Haifa Bay (A) and along the coast (B) during 1984-2004.

33.20 A

Mediterranean Bezet r.

33.00 Sea

0.71 to 0.85 Naaman r.

32.80 0.25 to 0.71 Qishon r.

0.15 to 0.25

32.60 0.00 to 0.15 Dalia r. Taninim r.

Hadera r. 32.40 Alexander r.

Poleg r.

32.20

Yarqon r.

32.00 Soreq r.

31.80 Lakhish r. Hg in sediments, 2004 Evtach r. (µg/g dry wt.)

31.60 Shiqma r.

34.60 34.80 35.00 35.20 35.40

Fig. 10: Mercury (A) and cadmium (B) concentrations in sediments along the Mediterranean coast of Israel in 2004 (size of arrows represents concentration).

33.20 B

Mediterranean Bezet r.

33.00 Sea 9.60 to 27.00 Naaman r. 1.20 to 9.60 32.80 Qishon r. 0.00 to 1.20

32.60 Dalia r. Taninim r.

Hadera r. 32.40 Alexander r.

Poleg r.

32.20

Yarqon r.

32.00 Soreq r.

31.80 Lakhish r. Cd in sediments, 2004 Evtach r. (µg/g dry wt.)

31.60 Shiqma r.

34.60 34.80 35.00 35.20 35.40

Fig. 10: Cont.

1000 TBT in water, 2004

100

L g/ µ 10

TBT

0.1

מע מר מ מר מע מר גן מעגן י נמל נמל קצא נמל רי י גן נמל נמל י נמל נה ק " נמל נה נה מרינה נה א א א א חי חי ישו אשד ן שד פה אש מכמ עכו חיפה תל פה שכול חדרה - שדוד וד ד הרצל וד II I אשקלו III II I I ורת I ן מס I וד יה אביב פנ ות

Fig. 11: TBT concentrations (µg/L, logarithmic scale) in seawater at ports and marinas along the Mediterranean coast of Israel (August 2004).

1000 TBT in sediment, 2004

t 100

g/kg dry w dry g/kg µ

g/kg dry wt.) µ

TBT 10

TBT (

1 נ צפ נ מ נ נ מ נ ו מע מרי קצ מרי ר מעג מרי מ מ מרי ל ן ג א מעגן מל ן נמל נמל נ ל מעגן נמל ל נ נמל מל ן נה " נה ינה ח ה ח א ה מפ א א י א ש ח חד אשד עכ פ מכמ ש תל רץ ר יפה I ו ה I ד יפהקישון חיפה ח ה הרצלחדרה Iאשדוד אשכול וד I ור וד דוד I I - I V II ת I II I I מ IV אשדוד יה I שקלון I אביב יפה ספ נות Fig. 12: TBT concentrations (µg/kg, logarithmic scale) in sediments at ports and marinas along the Mediterranean coast of Israel during 2004.

נמל חיפה נמל חיפה Cr 0.9 6 210 46 Cu Ni 5 170 42 0.8 130 38 Hg 4 Ni

Hg Cd 0.7 Cd Cu Cr, 90 34 3 50 30 0.6 2 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

נמל קישון נמל קישון 0.8 25 300 80 20 0.6 60 200 15 `` 40 0.4 Ni Cd Hg 10 Cu Cr, 100 0.2 20 5

0.0 0 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

נמל אשדוד נמל אשדוד 0.07 1.8 70 34 0.06 1.4 60 30

0.05 50 26 1.0 Ni Cd Hg 0.04 Cr, Cu 0.6 40 22 0.03 30 18 0.02 0.2 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Fig. 13: Trends of heavy metal (µg/g dry wt.), PCB's ((µg/g dry wt.) and TBT (ng/g dry wt.) concentrations in surface sediments in ports and marinas during 2000-2004.

מרינה הרצליה מרינה תל אביב 0.200 0.60 80 20 Hg Cr 0.160 Cd Cu 16 60 0.40 Ni 0.120 12 40 Ni Hg Cd 0.080 8 0.20 Cr, Cu 20 0.040 4

0.000 0.00 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

מרינה עכו מרינה עכו 0.80 1.4 160 40

120 30 0.70 1.0

Hg Cd 80 20 Ni 0.60 0.6 Cr, Cu 40 10

0.50 0.2 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

מרינה הרצליה מרינה הרצליה 0.030 0.30 40 10

8 30 0.020 0.20 6 20 Ni Hg Cd 4 0.010 0.10 Cr, Cu 10 2

0.000 0.00 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Fig 13: cont. (heavy metals).

מעגן מכמורת מעגן מכמורת 0.030 0.10 20 8 Hg 0.025 Cd 16 Cr 0.08 Cu 6 0.020 12 Ni 0.06 4 Ni

Hg Cd 0.015 8 Cr, Cu 0.04 2 0.010 4

0.005 0.02 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

מרינה אשדוד מרינה אשדוד 0.016 0.25 12 20

0.014 0.20 10 16 0.012 8 0.15 12 0.010 6 Ni

Hg Cd 0.10 8 0.008 Cr, Cu 4 4 0.006 0.05 2

0 0 0.004 0.00 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

מרינה אשקלון מרינה אשקלון 0.164 0.30 60 26

50 22 0.124 0.20 40 18 0.084 30 Hg Cd Ni 14 0.10 Cr, Cu 20 0.044 10 10

0.004 0.00 0 6 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

קצא"א קצא"א 0.018 0.10 25 20 0.09 0.014 20 16 0.08 15 12 0.010 0.07 Ni Hg Cd 10 8 0.06 Cr, Cu 0.006 5 4 0.05 0.002 0.04 0 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Fig 13: cont. (heavy metals).

120 2001 Tributyltin (low values) 100 2002

b 2003 80 2004

40 Tributyltin (pp Tributyltin Tributyltin (ppb) 20

מעגן קצא"א מרינה מעגן אשכול מרינה מעגן חדרה עתלית צפון מפרץ

אשדוד הרצליה חיפה

400 Tributyltin (medium values)

2001 300 2002 b 2003 2004 200

Tributyltin (pp Tributyltin

Tributyltin (ppb) 100

0 מרינה אשקלון נמל אשדוד מרינה ת"א מעגן מכמורת

12000 6000 Tributyltin (high values) 2001 2002

4500 2003

2004 3000

Tributyltin (ppb)

Tributyltin (ppb) 1500

0 נמל אשדוד מעגן עכו נמל קישון-מספנות נמל חיפה

Fig 13: cont. (TBT).

1.8 0.8 PCB's 2001 2002 ) 0.6 2003 2004 0.4

PCB's (ppm PCB's 0.2

0 נמל מרינה תל מעגן עכו נמל מול חוף נמל חיפה נמל חיפה אשדוד אביב קישון - שמן I II מספנות

Fig 13: cont. (PCB's).

wt.

y 3

wt. dry % Fe 2 Fe % dr Rivers March 04 1 Rivers Sep 04 Sea Aug 04 0 0123456 Al % dry wt.

1000

100

g/g dry w dry g/g µ g/g dry wt.)

Pb Pb 10

µ Rivers March 04 Pb ( Rivers Sep 04 Sea Aug 04 1 0123456 Al % dry wt. Al % dry wt.

Fig. 14: Relationships between Fe, Pb and Al in suspended particulate matter sampled in shallow surface water along the Mediterranean coast of Israel in 2004.

Donax Sp. Haifa Bay > 0.25 1.0

0.8

0.6

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g

µ 0.4

Hg ( Hg 0.2

0.0

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Year

Mactra corallina Northern Haifa Bay

0.6 stations 1,2 8,9,10,12

0.4

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g

µ 0.2

Hg ( Hg

0.0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Year

Fig. 15: Decrease of mercury concentrations (µg g-1 wet wt.) in bivalves from Haifa Bay: Mactra corallina (1980-2004) and Donax sp. (1975-2004).

30 Donax sp. 0.10

0.01

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g µ

Hg (

0.00

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g µ

Cu ( 1

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g µ 10

Zn (

0 EI QY MM

Fig. 16: Box plots of Hg, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the bivalve Donax sp. collected at different sites during 2004. The bottom and the top edge of each box are located at the sample 25 and 75 percentiles. The center horizontal line is drawn at the sample median (EI=Electrochemical industries, QY=Qiryat Yam, MM=Maagan Michael).

Mactra corallina 1980-2004

HB 1,2,8,9,10,12

-1

-3

g/g wet wt wet g/g g/g wet wt.) µ

µ -5

Ln Hg (

Ln Hg ( -7

-9 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Year

Mactra corallina 2002-2004 HB 1,2,8,9,10,12 0

-2

g/g wet wt wet g/g g/g wet wt.) µ

µ -4

Ln Hg ( Ln Hg (

-6

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Year

Fig. 17: Variations of Hg concentrations (logarithmic scale of µg g-1 wet wt.) in the bivalve Mactra corallina from northern Haifa Bay during 1980 – 2004. Analytical detection limit was 0.0005 µg g-1 dry wt.

0.1

0.01

g/g wet wt.) g/g wet

Hg (

0.001

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4 g/g wet wt.) wet g/g

µ 0.2 Cd ( 0.0

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g µ 10

Zn (

ACH AK-B AK-P QY HS TS AT MM HAD MIC PAL ASH

Fig. 18: Box plots of Hg Cd and Zn concentrations in the gastropods Patella sp. collected at different sites during 2004. The bottom and the top edge of each box are located at the sample 25 and 75 percentiles. The center horizontal line is drawn at the sample median (ACH=Achziv, AK-B=Akko sewage, AK-P=Akko port, QY=Qiryat Yam, HS=Hof Shemen, TS=Tel Shiqmona, AT=Atlit, MM=Maagan Michael, HAD=hadera, MIC=Michmoret, PAL=Palmachim, ASH=Ashdod marina).

Patella sp. 3.0 4 A HS 2.5 ) QY 3 Cd (ton/year)Cd 2.0 Cd load

1.5 2

g/g wet wt. wet g/g µ g/g wet wt.)

µ 1.0

Cd ( Cd 1 Cd ( 0.5

0.0 0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

50 B HS 40 QY

g/g wet wet wt. g/g µ g/g wet wt.) 20 µ

Zn ( Zn

Zn ( 10

0 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

Years

Fig. 19: Cadmium (A)and zinc (B) concentrations (µg g-1 wet wt.) in the gastropods Patella sp. at the Qishon River estuary (HS) and Qiryat Yam (QY), during 1997–2004. Bold line (in graph A) represents the anthropgenic Cd load introduced into the Qishon River

Patella sp. 0.06

0.05 HS QY 0.04 MM 0.03 Akko-b g/g we wt. g/g ACH µ

g/g wet wt.) µ 0.02 Akko-p Hg ( Hg TS Hg ( 0.01 0.00 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Year

Fig. 20: Mercury concentrations (µg g-1 wet wt.) in the gastropods Patella sp. at different sites in Haifa Bay during 2001 – 2004.

Diplodus sargus

Haifa Bay 0.012

0.008

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. wt.)/Fish wet g/g 0.004 g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt.

µ µ Hg ( ( Hg Hg (

0.000 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005

Year

Diplodus sargus

Other area 0.012

0.008

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. wt.)/Fish wet g/g µ 0.004

Hg (

Hg ( Hg

0.000 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005

Year

Fig. 21: Mercury/body weight ratios in the muscle tissues of specimens of Diplodus sargus (annual average±standard deviation) from Haifa Bay and from other areas along the Israeli coastline, during 1979-2004.

Lithognathus mormyrus

Haifa Bay 0.012

0.008

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. wt.)/Fish wet g/g 0.004 µ

Hg ( Hg

0.000 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005

Year

Lithognathus mormyrus Other area 0.012

0.008

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt.

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. wt.)/Fish wet g/g 0.004 µ

Hg ( Hg ( Hg

0.000 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005

Year

Fig. 22: Mercury/body weight ratios in the muscle tissues of specimens of Lithognathus mormyrus (annual average +standard deviation) from Haifa Bay and from other areas along the Israeli coastline, during 1979-2004.

Sargocentron rubrum Haifa Bay 0.016

0.012

0.008

g/g wet wt.)/Fish wt. g/g wet wt.) /Fish wt. /Fish wt.) wet g/g µ µ 0.004

Hg (

Hg ( Hg 0.000

1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005

Year

Fig. 23: Mercury/body weight ratios in the muscle tissues of specimens of Sargocentron rubrum (annual average +standard deviation) from Haifa Bay and from other areas along the Israeli coastline, during 1979-2004.

Mullus barbatus North israel (Atlit - Rosh-Ha niqra) 0.3

0.2

g/g wet wt.) wet g/g

µ 0.1

Hg ( Hg

0.0

1969 1973 1977 1981 1985 1989 1993 1997 2001 2005 Year

Fig. 24: Changes in mercury concentrations (µg/g wet wt.) in specimens of Mullus barbatus (annual average±standard deviation) caught along the northern part of the Israeli coastline during 1974-2004.

1400 2500

) 1200 particulate Pb (TS) flux ( -1 2000 yr

-2

g m 1000

µ 1500

800

1000 µ g m 600 -2

-1 500 ) particulate Pb (MM) flux ( flux (MM) Pb particulate 400 Pb-TS

Pb-MM

200 0 19 1996 1 19 1 2 20 20 2 20 2005 9 99 9 999 00 0 0 00 0 5 7 8 0 1 2 3 4

11 300 Cd TS Cd MM Cu TS 10 Cu MM 250 particulate flux Cu ) -1

yr -2 9 200 g m µ

( 8 150 (

µ g m 7 100 -2 yr -1

) particulate Cd flux Cd flux particulate 6 50

5 0 1995 1996 19 19 1 2000 200 200 200 2004 2005 97 98 999 1 2 3

Fig. 25: Atmospheric fluxes of particulate Pb Cd and Cu at Tel-Shikmona (TS) and Maagan Michael (MM) during 1996 – 2004. Annual fluxes were calculated on the basis of sampling during 25% of the total annual days.

0.7 1000

0.6 annual precipitation (mm) 800 (m precipitation annual

x 0.5

600 0.4

0.3 400

dissolved IP flu 0.2 dissolved IP flux dissolved IP m 200 0.1 IP flux precipitation 0.0 0

19 199 19 1995/9619 1997/981 1999/002 2001/022 2003/042 99 00 00 00 92 3 94 96 8 0 2 4 /93 /94 /95 /97 /9 /0 /0 /0 9 1 3 5

x 40

dissolved IN flu dissolved 20

dissolved IP flux dissolved IP

0 1 1 1 1 1 1997/981998/991999/002000/012001/022002/03200 200 992/ 993/ 994/ 995/ 996/97 3 4 9 9 9 9 /04 /05 3 4 5 6

Fig. 26: Atmospheric wet fluxes of inorganic phosphorus (IP) and inorganic nitrogen (IN) (mmol m-2 yr-1) at Tel-Shikmona during 1992 – 2004. The annual amount of precipitation at Haifa port is included.

March 2004

dissolved oxygen mg/L salinity 0481216 010203040

0 0

1 1 m m

2 2

water depth depth water Naaman depth water Naaman 3 Qishon 3 Qishon Alexander Alexander 4 4

September 2004

dissolved oxygen mg/L salinity

0481216 010203040 0 0

1 1

m m Naaman 2 2 Naaman Qishon Qishon water depth depth water water depth depth water Alexander Alexander 3 Yarqon 3 Yarqon Lachish Lachish 4 4

Fig. 27: Depth-profiles of salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations at the estuaries of Naaman, Qishon and Alexander Rivers during March and September 2004.

Shoreline sampling (A stations)

A 600

500 1990 1991 1992 1994 400 1995 1996 1997 1998 Mar 300 1998 Sep 1999 Mar 1999 Oct 2000 Mar 200 2000 Sep 2001 Mar PO4 (µM) PO4 2001 Sep 2002 Mar 100 2002 Sep 2003 Mar 2003 Sep 2004 Mar 0 2004 Sep

Dalia Bezet Poleg Soreq Qishon Hadera Yarqon Evtach Shiqma Naaman Lakhish Taninim

Alexander

50 m from shoreline (B stations) or more

700

600 1990 1991 1992 500 1994 1995 1996 M) 400 1997

µ 1998 Mar 1998 Sep 1999 Mar 300 1999 Oct 2000 Mar

PO4 ( PO4 2000 Sep 200 2001 Mar 2001 Sep 2002 Mar 2002 Sep 100 2003 Mar 2003 Sep 2004 Mar 0 2004 Sep

Dalia Bezet Soreq Poleg Qishon Hadera Yarqon Evtach Shiqma Naaman Lakhish Taninim

Alexander

Fig. 28: Phosphate (A), ammonium (B) and nitrate (C) concentrations (µM) in surface water at the coastal river outlets along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, during 1990–2004 (March & September).

Shoreline sampling (A stations)

1000 900 800 1994 1995 700 1996 1997 600 1998 Mar 1998 Sep 500 1999 Mar 1999 Oct 2000 Mar 400 2000 Sep 2001 Mar NO3 (mM) NO3 300 2001 Sep 2002 Mar 200 2002 Sep 2003 Mar 100 2003 Sep 2004 Mar 0 2004 Sep

Dalia Bezet Poleg Soreq Qishon Hadera Yarqon Evtach Naaman Lakhish

Taninim Alexander

50 m from shoreline (B stations) or more

1994 1800 1995 1996 1600 1997 1400 1998 Mar 1998 Sep 1200 1999 Mar 1999 Oct M)

µ 1000 2000 Mar 2000 Sep 800 2001 Mar 600 2001 Sep NO3 ( NO3 2002 Mar 400 2002 Sep 2003 Mar 200 2003 Sep 2004 Mar 0 2004 Sep Dalia

Bezet Poleg Soreq Qishon Hadera Yarqon Naaman Evtach Shiqma Lakhish Taninim Alexander

Shoreline sampling (A stations)

3000 2500 1996 1997 2000 1998 Mar 1998 Sep 1999 Mar 1500 1999 Oct 2000 Mar 2000 Sep 1000 2001 Mar NH4 (µM) NH4 2001 Sep 2002 Mar 2002 Sep 500 2003 Mar 2003 Sep 0 2004 Mar 2004 Sep Dalia

Bezet Poleg Soreq Qishon Hadera Naaman Yarqon Evtach Taninim Shiqma Lakhish Alexander

50 m from shoreline (B stations) or more

4500 4000 3500 1996 1997 3000 1998 Mar 1998 Sep M) 1999 Mar µ 2500 1999 Oct 2000 2000 Mar 2000 Sep 2001 Mar NH4 ( NH4 1500 2001 Sep 2002 Mar 1000 2002 Sep 2003 Mar 500 2003 Sep 2004 Mar 0 2004 Sep

Bezet Dalia Poleg Soreq Qishon Hadera Naaman Yarqon Taninim Evtach Shiqma Lakhish Alexander

32.9

A Haifa

32.8

32.7

32.6

Taninim

32.5 river

32.4

32.3

Netanya

32.2

32.1 Tel Aviv

31.9

31.8

Nitrate 31.7 Ashqelon August 2004

31.6 34.5 34.6 34.7 34.8 34.9 35

Fig. 29: Nutrient (µM) – nitrate (A), phosphate (B), silicic acid (C), and Chlorophyll a (D) (µg/l) concentrations in surface water along the Mediterranean coast of Israel (depth <30m) during 2004.

32.9 Haifa B 32.8

32.7

32.6

Taninim 32.5 river

32.4

32.3

Netanya

32.2

32.1 Tel Aviv

31.9

31.8

Phosphate 31.7 Ashqelon August 2004

31.6 34.5 34.6 34.7 34.8 34.9 35

32.9

C Haifa 32.8

32.7

32.6

Taninim 32.5 river

32.4

32.3 Netanya

32.2

32.1 Tel Aviv

31.9

31.8

Silicic acid

31.7 Ashqelon August 2004

31.6 34.5 34.6 34.7 34.8 34.9 35

32.9

D Haifa 32.8

32.7

32.6

Taninim 32.5 river

32.4

32.3 Netanya

32.2

32.1 Tel Aviv

31.9

31.8

Chl-a

31.7 Ashqelon August 2004

31.6 34.5 34.6 34.7 34.8 34.9 35

Fig. 30: Relative concentrations of Chl a derived from MERIS satellite images in 20 March 2004 (a), 25 May 2004 (b) and 20 August 2004 (c).

Counts (%) 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Qishon HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep H8 H5 H12 H9 H17 H14 H18 H21 H29 H26

Haifa Haifa Haifa Haifa H4 H1 Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon Bay Bay Bay Bay

Fig. 31: Distribution of Synechococcus counts in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the Mediterranean coast of Israel taken from shallow and deeper (30m) stations during August 2004.

Biomass (%) 100 90 80 70 60 50

20 10 0 HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep H8 H5 H12 H9 H17 H14 H18 H21 H29 H26

Haifa Haifa Haifa Haifa H4 H1 Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon Bay Bay Bay Bay

Synechococcus monads <5u Dinoflagellates Diatoms Other Flagellates

Fig. 32: Relative distribution of phytoplankton group biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the Mediterranean coast of Israel taken from shallow and deeper (30m) stations during August 2004.

Biomass (µgC/L) 100

90 80 70 60

50 40 30 20

0 HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 ShallowDeepShallowDeepShallow Deep ShallowDeep ShallowDeep Shallow Deep H8 H5 H12 H9 H17 H14 H18 H21 H29 H26

Haifa Haifa Haifa Haifa H4 H1 Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon Bay Bay Bay Bay Dinoflagellates Diatoms

Fig. 33: Distribution of microplankton (>10µm) biomass (µgC/L) of dinoflagellates and diatoms in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the Mediterranean coast of Israel taken from shallow and deeper (30m) stations during August 2004.

Biomass (µgC/L)

1800 1600

1400 1200 1000

800

600 400

200

0 May October Shallow Deep stations stations Qishon Qishon HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 Avarage Avarage port entry port entry

Fig. 34: Distribution of phytoplankton biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at Haifa Bay (August 2004) and at the Qishon River estuary (May and October 2004).

Counts Biomass (µgC/L) (Millions cells/L) 350 350

300 300

250 250 200 200 150 150 100 100 50 50 0 0

H9 H5 HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 H14 H21 H26 Deep Deep Deep H8 Deep Deep Deep H17 H12 H18 H29 Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow Haifa Haifa Haifa Haifa H4 H1 Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon Bay Bay Bay Bay Counts Biomass

Fig. 35: Distribution of total phytoplankton cells and biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the Mediterranean coast of Israel taken from shallow and deeper (30m) stations during August 2004.

Biomass (µgC/L) 140

120 Shallow Deep 100

20 0

2001 2002 2003 2004

Fig. 36: Average phytoplankton biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the coast (in shallow and deeper (30m) stations) during 2001 – 2004.

Biomass

(µgC/L) 120

100 80

H4 H1 H8 H5 H12 H9 H17 H14 H18 H21 H29 H26

Hof Dado Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon

Shallow Deep

Fig. 37: Average microplankton biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at stations (in shallow and deeper (30m) water) along the coast during 2001 – 2004.

Flagellates/Diatoms Ratio 35

30 25 20

15 10 5

H5 H9 H26 H21 HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1 H14 Deep Deep Deep H8 Deep Deep Deep H29 H18 H12 H17 Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow Shallow

Haifa Haifa Haifa Haifa H4 H1 Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon Bay Bay Bay Bay

2002 2003 2004

Fig. 38: Biomass (µgC/L) ratios of flagellates/diatoms in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the coast (in shallow and deeper (30m) stations) during 2002 – 2004.

Biomass (µgC/L) 800 700 600 500

400 300 200 100 0

Qishon HB5 HB4 HB2 HB1

Fig. 39: Average microplankton biomass (µgC/L) in surface water at stations in Haifa Bay and the Qishon River estuary during 2002 – 2004.

10 Shallow Stations 9 8

x 7 6

Diversity Inde Diversity 3 Diversity index 2 1 0 HB5 H4 H8 H12 H17 H18 H29

Qishon Haifa Bay Hof Dado Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon

16 Deep Stations 14 12 x 10

6 Diversity Inde Diversity 4 Diversity index 2

H1 H5 H9 H14 H21 H26 Hof Dado Taninnim Alexander Yarqon Soreq Ashqelon

Fig. 40: Diversity Index of the phytoplankton in surface water at Haifa Bay and along the Mediterranean coast of Israel taken from shallow and deeper (30m) stations during 2001 - 2004. The Diversity Index is calculated by dividing the number of species by the root square of total cell density.

53 0.6 25 Bovine liver (SRM 1577b) A Bovine liver (SRM 1577a) 0.5

23 wt dry (µg/g Cd

Dolt-2 0.4 21 0.3

.)(SRM 1577;1571) .)(SRM Dolt-3 .(Dolt-2;3) 19 0.2 Orchard leaves (SRM 1571)

17 0.1

Cd (µg/g Cd (µg/g dry wt

0 15 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 1.4 7 B

1.2 Tuna 6.5

Hg (µg/g dry wt 1 6

0.8 5.5

Dorm -2 .) (Dorm-2) 0.6 5

0.4 4.5 Hg (µg/g dry wt.) (Tuna wt.) dry (µg/g Hg Hg (µg/g dry wt.) (Tuna) (Tuna) wt.) dry Hg (µg/g 0.2 4

0 3.5 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004

3 6 C

A 2.5 PACS-1 5 Hg (µg/gdry wt

2 Buffalo river sediment 4 1.5 .) (PACS-1) 3 1 IAEA 405

Hg (µg/g wt.)(Buffalo,IAE dry (µg/g Hg 0.5

Hg (µg/g dry wt.) (Buffalo, IAEA) 0 1 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 Annual mean values

Fig. 41. Quality control charts for determination of cadmium (A) and mercury (B) in fish tissues and mercury in sediments (C). Points represent results (annual averages) of analyses of standard reference materials. Solid and dotted lines represent the certified values and their standard deviations.

Table: Heavy metal concentration range (µg g-1 wet wt.) in muscle tissue of inshore and trawl fish collected along the Mediterranean coast of Israel during 2004.

Species Location No. of Size Hg Cd Cu Zn Fe specimens (cm) דגי מכמורת

Mullus barbatus North part of Israel, 32-56 m 50 11.0-20.0 0.014-0.162 bdl 0.275-1.28 3.16-7.07 2.84-13.94 South part of Israel, 36 m depth 15 14.0-19.0 0.014-0.053 bdl 0.265-0.511 2.95-4.92 3.49-11.28

North part of Israel, 32-54 m 7 13.0-18.0 0.049-0.391 bdl 0.387-0.630 4.47-7.70 5.51-8.63 Upeneus moluccensis South part of Israel, 36 m depth 12 13.5-20.5 0.055-0.418 bdl 0.332-1.889 3.78-7.90 2.91-14.40 Pagellus erythrinus North part of Israel, 32-56 m 33 13.0-23.0 0.038-0.428 bdl 0.194-0.565 3.66-6.19 1.47-8.02 South part of Israel, 36 m depth 11 16.5-17.5 0.051-0.218 bdl 0.126-0.309 2.95-4.32 1.31-6.04 Rafael, 15 m depth. 10 12.0-18.0 0.143-0.493 bdl 0.247-0.412 3.33-4.86 1.81-8.39 Bat galim, 5 m depth 12 14.0-17.5 0.039-0.079 bdl 0.251-0.520 3.57-4.58 1.85-6.85 Epinephelus aeneus off Yafo, 35 m depth 7 20.0-69.0 0.028-0.211 bdl 0.220-0.275 3.45-4.74 0.27-2.80 Pargus coeruleostictus off Yafo, 35 m depth 2 34.0 0.265-0.295 bdl 0.182-0.244 2.90-2.92 1.75-2.33

Table: cont. Species Location No. of Size Hg Cd Cu Zn Fe specimens (cm)

דגים חופיים Lithognathus mormyrus Qiryat Yam, 2 m depth 11 16.0-21.0 0.067-0.428 bdl 0.246-0.490 4.61-6.74 2.34-5.02 Qiryat Haim, 10 m depth 9 14.5-16.0 0.026-0.069 bdl 0.168-0.427 3.95-5.69 3.62-9.72 Bat galim, 5m depth 18 12.5-17.0 0.025-0.089 bdl 0.218-1.75 4.53-7.36 1.22-9.37 Jisr-az-zarqa, 3.5m depth 6 14.0-20.5 0.034-0.162 bdl 0.215-0.292 25.29-6.79 1.60-5.32 Qesarya, 8 m depth 2 16.0-205 0.031-0.062 bdl 0.442-0.486 4.22-5.84 3.67-5.95 Diplodus sargus Frutarom, 15m depth 4 12.0-16.5 0.064-0.403 bdl 0.217-0.279 3.72-5.09 3.45-4.50 Bat galim, 5 m depth 10 15.0-25.0 0.036-0.568 bdl 0.246-0.487 1.81-2.50 1.26-3.88 Qesarya, 8 m depth 10 14.0-22.0 0.050-0.239 bdl 0.217-0.532 3.45-5.79 2.71-6.95 Herzliyya, 8m depth 6 19.5-22.5 0.102-0.433 bdl 0.252-0.416 3.19-6.38 3.85-9.13 Yafo, 35 m depth 2 2.75 0.293-0.492 bdl 0.227-0.283 3.04-3.21 2.34-3.77 Palmahim, 8 m depth. 12 16.0-20.0 0.100-0.405 bdl 0.173-0.428 3.70-5.58 3.56-8.21 Diplodus vulgaris Frutarom, 15m depth 10 14.0-17.0 0.148-0.482 bdl 0.199-0.814 4.04-5.21 2.30-10.1 Sargocentron rubrum Nahariyya, 11 14-20.5 0.285-0.740 bdl 0.175-0.794 2.84-4.64 4.0-6.3 Frutarom, 12m depth 10 14.5-16.5 0.274-0.485 bdl 0.221-0.536 3.07-3.5 3.2-7.3 Bat galim, 28 m depth 10 15-19 0.221-0.545 bdl 0.221-0.455 3.34-4.92 5.0-7.9 Palmahim, 8 m depth 5 15.5-18.0 0.159-0.226 bdl 0.309-0.441 3.15-3.87 3.42-8.31 Siganus rivulatus Bat galim, 5 m depth 1 18 0.012 bdl 0.257 3.53 3.44 Qesarya, 8 m depth 11 17.5-22.0 0.002-0..012 bdl 0.323-0.784 4.59-6.62 3.70-7.83 Frutarom, 16 m depth 10 15.0-18.0 0.006-0.026 bdl 0.171-0.449 4.39-6.58 3.69-5.87 Yafo, 10 m depth 8 14.5-18.0 0.005-0.010 bdl 0.485-1.117 3.81-5.67 3.80-12.08 Palmahim, 8 m depth. 3 19.0-25.5 0.005-0.008 bdl 0.154-0.283 3.07-4.55 2.31-2.74 Mullu surmuletus Frutarom, 17 m depth 8 18.0-22.0 0.157-0.384 bdl 0.289-0.649 3.24-4.18 3.77-9.65 Epinephelus marginatus off Yafo, 35 m depth 2 54.0-58.0 0.208-0.341 bdl 0.220-0.240 3.76-4.23 2.42-3.91 Epinephelus costea off Yafo, 35 m depth 1 33.5 0.117 bdl 0.275 3.86 2.8 bdl = below detection limit Cd<0.04µg/g wet wt. 56

Appendix Total number of heavy metal analyses in fish, mollusks and sediments since the beginning of the monitoring program

Fish (1974-2004)

Diplodus sargus 848 Lithognathus mormyrus 993 Mullus barbatus 759 Sargocentron rubrum 452 Upeneus asymmetricus 287 Upeneus moluccensis 107 Siganus rivulatus 278 Mullus surmuletus 254 Oblada melanura 122 Pagellus erythrinus 353 Saurida undosquamis 148 Other 925 Total 5526

Mollusks* (1975-2004)

Mactra corrallina corrallina 1780 Astropecten bispinosus 55 Rudicardium tuberculatum 145 Neverita josephinia 80 Patella sp. 713 Diogenes pugilator 196 Donax trunculus 585 C. gallina 36 Arcularia gibbosula 69 Cellana rota 92 other 528 Total 4724

Sediment and suspended particulate matter

Sea Sediments (1981-2004) 682 River Sediments (1988-2004) 530 SPM (1994-2004) 859 Total 2080

* Composite samples (>10,000 specimens)