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 National Infrastructures. The IOLR includes 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. IOLR has a staff of approximately 180 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel. In addition, graduate students and visiting scientists from Israel and abroad are involved in the activities of IOLR's research centers. The IOLR conducts scientific research in the fields of oceanography, limnology, mariculture and marine biotechnology, addressing issues of national, regional and global relevance and importance. In fulfillment of its mandate as a national institution, much of IOLR’s scientific effort is focused on research, monitoring and assessment of the environmental status of Israel’s neighboring sea areas (eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf of Aqaba/Red Sea) and inland water bodies (Lake Kinneret - the Biblical Sea of Galilee - and the Dead Sea) and predicting their response to human and natural perturbations. IOLR's R&D effort in mariculture and marine biotechnology is focused on innovative technologies for the exploitation of marine organisms for food and biochemicals. This diverse program of research, environmental monitoring and technology development bridges many different scientific disciplines including physics, chemistry, geology, biology and ecology, and involves collaboration with academic and research institutions within Israel and world-wide.