At the Water Chemistry Lab in Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, we are actively monitoring nutrient dynamics as part of our ongoing research efforts. This work is conducted within the framework of EMS FORE (Eastern Mediterranean Sea as a Model for Future Ocean Research) project , aiming to enhance our understanding of biogeochemical processes in a rapidly changing marine environment.

Our latest observations serve as background data for the upcoming METEOR cruise, focusing on the 800m station (N800) and the Sdot-Yam transect locations. These efforts are crucial for capturing baseline conditions and identifying trends in nutrient availability and utilization.

Our findings reveal a notable shift in nutrient sources, with the system transitioning from inorganic to organic nutrient reliance. Specifically:

• Alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) bioassays indicate increased utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) during summer, suggesting a shift in phosphorus acquisition strategies.
• Complementary analyses highlight the role of urea as a key nitrogen source, supporting photosynthesis and primary production, further reinforcing the trend toward organic nutrient uptake.

These findings provide the first experimental evidence of changing nutrient limitation dynamics, with potential implications for primary productivity and broader ecosystem functions.

We aim to continue advancing the understanding of how future ocean conditions may shape marine ecosystems. Looking forward to further collaborations and new insights into the evolving biogeochemical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea!

In the photo: one of our seasonal cruises aboard the MedEx.