"Be the change you want
to See in the world" Gandhi
TAL MERMAID
Hi, I'm Tal Raz, an environmental activist and a lecturer. I'm motivated to raise public awareness about environmental issues concerning the seas and shores. My business intends to encourage people to take care and be responsible for their actions in marine environments. It regularly includes documenting the wildlife along the reef of Bat Galim neighborhood in Haifa. Using social media I expose the richness of wildlife and the devastating impacts of human activities on marine life. Follow me.
Ever since my early years, I've been in love with the sea. Growing up in Bat Galim, and throughout my childhood, my father used to take me diving. By doing so, I was introduced to the magical dimension of the marine world.
The worrying condition of the environment and the pessimistic forecasts regarding the seas in the future have led me to take action and become the voice of underwater wildlife. My lectures emphasize that each and every one of us is responsible for the environment. Everyone can influence his/her surroundings by raising awareness, recycling, and reducing consumption. My wish is that my actions will serve as an inspiration for youth and the next generations.
"The sea is the source of my health, sanity and inspiration" Tal
BAT GALIM SEA TURTLES
Bat Galim Reef is the site with the highest number of sea turtles in Israel, and they can be seen here year-round: both loggerhead and green turtles (each endangered species). I swim with them and document them in order to amplify their voice, create awareness, and promote their protection and the preservation of their habitat from the many dangers they face.
At the Israel Nature and Parks Authority’s Sea Turtle Rescue Center, it is customary to name a rescued turtle after its rescuer (like the two females I rescued—Tal and Raz). But a few years ago, I decided that the sea turtles of Bat Galim deserve names even without having to reach the rescue center.
That’s how I founded the Individual Identification Project: I document every turtle I encounter in the water and follow their patterns of appearance—who is a passerby, who is a seasonal visitor, and who has adopted the reef as their home.
So far, I have documented 115 individual turtles (73 loggerheads and 42 greens) in over 600 observations.
The 68 turtles observed more than once received names:
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Green turtles are given names inspired by royal families and gods/goddesses.
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Loggerheads receive a wide variety of names.
Each turtle has an identification card I created, so that anyone who meets a sea turtle in the water can try to identify who they encountered. Identification is based on the scute patterns on their cheeks and other unique features each individual has.
Every turtle has its own personality and unique story.
They are the reason and the meaning behind my work: the endless cleanups of marine and coastal waste, and-above all-the drive to raise awareness for marine conservation through my lectures, guided sea tours, and shared content on social media.
We are blessed with rare natural treasures here - and it is our responsibility to protect them for generations to come.
Welcome with cheers to Bat Galim Reef sea turtle
Have you encountered a sea turtle in danger? Dial *3639
DID YOU MEET A SEA TURTLE?
Try to identify who it is based on the ID cards.
Couldn't figure it out?
Send me photos of the turtle's cheeks, and I’ll identify for you.
BAT GALIM REEF
Bat Galim Reef in Haifa is a rare marine gem in the Mediterranean Sea and the largest shallow reef in Israel.
It contains a variety of wildlife such as sea turtles, stingrays, bull rays, many fish species, squids, octopuses, and many more...
Some are already endangered and we can save them together.
WE ARE THEIR VOICE!
In 2021 a new marine reserve was declared in Haifa and it was supposed to include Bat Galim reef, but this didn't happen. Now is the time to Expand the Rosh Carmel Reserve by adding the Bat Galim Reef.
This action is crucial to protect our marine wildlife treasures.
Let's take the opportunity to really appreciate nature and protect it so that future generations of wildlife will thrive.
MARINE WASTE
Unfortunately, during most of my diving time, I find plastic bags, plastic, and fishing gear waste.
Sea turtles are easily confused between their favorite snack, jellyfish, and plastic bags, and end up dying by choking.
There is also danger from abandoned fishing gear, such as nets, fishing lines, hooks, and death traps for sea turtles, dolphins, and seals who are captured and unable to breathe.
Today we fully understand the pollution of plastic waste with its endless problems, and it also breaks down into microplastic particles which enter the food chain of all living creatures.
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SEA TOUR
want to join me in the water?
Come join me for a magical experience in Bat Galim Reef (Haifa)
A Sea tour with me is a unique activity for individuals, couples, and the whole family.
We will snorkel and touch a piece of history at the Haim Arlozorov illegal immigrants ship which was sunk by the British Mandate army in 1947. We will tour the reef, and if we are lucky we will encounter various wildlife such as sea turtles and other marine creatures.
In addition, during the experience, I will document you in the water, as a souvenir for life.
The tour is about an hour and a half and at your own pace.
Please bring your goggles/dive mask, snorkel, and fins if you have any, let me know if you are missing any gear.
* It is mandatory to be a capable swimmer.
We will schedule the tour when sea conditions are appropriate.
for more details, you are welcome to contact me at +972-522358970 Tal
IN THE MEDIA
