Limnological Changes in the Lake Kinneret (Israel) Ecosystem: The Beginning and Its Significance

Abstract

The Lake Kinneret (Israel) ecosystem has undergone limnological changes. The trend of changes started in the mid 1990’s. The deviation from the previously known as stable long-term structure of the ecosystem included, among others, phytoplankton community structure, nutrient dynamics, zooplankton densities, water temperature increase, water level decline, and fishery management. This study is aimed at identifying ecosystem stability by focusing on three major compartments of the ecosystem: Total Dissolved Solids (TSS), Plankton (Phyto and Zoo), and Detritus (TSS minus plankton). It is suggested that although significant temporary changes of biotic and abiotic parameters were recorded and despite the existence of the normal seasonal fluctuations, the major compartments’ structural relations were not modified. The objective of the study is to analyze the process initiation of the modification trend. Previous studies and reports were focused on descriptive evaluation of the modified parameters. The expected outcome is a comprehensive evaluation of the modification process. Consequently, resulted prediction might be a tool for managers to improve management design.