Coral reefs are often seen as vibrant ecosystems of corals and fish—but new research reveals that an equally dynamic world exists beyond what the eye can see. A study conducted at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat shows that coral reefs actively transform the surrounding seawater, structuring microscopic life in a distinct daily rhythm.
Published in Science Advances, the study was led by Dr. Derya Akkaynakfrom the University of Haifa, together with Dr. Hardis Steinsdottir, and in collaboration with Dr. Miguel Frada from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research uncovers how reefs influence the composition and behavior of microorganisms – bacteria, microalgae, and single-celled organisms, on a continuous, diurnal cycle.
These findings highlight coral reefs not only as biodiversity hotspots, but as powerful environmental engineers that regulate biological processes across multiple scales. By shaping microbial communities, reefs play a critical role in ocean health, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem resilience—insights that are increasingly vital in the face of climate change and marine degradation.
The significance of the research has drawn wide public attention, with coverage initiated in Israel Hayom and leading international and national media outlets including Ynet, Israel National News, and The Times of Israel, underscoring the global relevance of marine research led by the University of Haifa.