National Maritime Museum

This exhibition represents the result of over three decades of dedicated research and conservation efforts by IMMRAC (Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center). In this diverse and unique exhibition, 12 different cetacean species are displayed, showcasing the remarkable marine biodiversity found in Israeli waters. 

:Species featured in the exhibition include

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris)

Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)

Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus)

False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) 

The Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center (IMMRAC) has been dedicated to studying and conserving marine mammals since 1993. Over the past three decades, their extensive research along Israel's Mediterranean coasts has led to groundbreaking scientific discoveries about cetacean populations, many of which were previously unstudied. Through collaborations with fishermen, the Navy, and local communities, IMMRAC has built an unparalleled collection of over 300 cetacean specimens, housed at the University of Haifa. This collection, combined with their ongoing efforts in rescue operations, necropsies, and public education, highlights IMMRAC's critical role in advancing marine conservation and safeguarding the future of cetaceans in the region. 

During this project, we carefully selected the most unique specimens from this remarkable collection to display at the Maritime Museum.