Ecological Dynamics in the Kinneret Littoral Ecosystem

Abstract

A study of the Kinneret Littoral ecosystem is presented. Environmental parameters were integrated, aimed at evaluation of the Littoral ecosystem functioning: Water Level Fluctuations Index (WLFI), commercial fish landings with respect to stock assessment, fingerling food sources and density distribution, the beach vegetation impact, spawning intensity of nest builder-mouth breeder tilapias. It is concluded that WLFI is not affecting reproduction whilst long-term low WL altitude reduces the intensity of nesting by Sarotherodon galilaeus and Tristramella simonis simonis. Low WL did not affect reproduction of Coptodon zillii (Syn. Tilapia zillii). Density of fingerlings was not correlated with Inundated Beach vegetation during WL decline. Nevertheless, submerged macrophytes and shadowing Tamarix trees were preferably utilized by fingerling shoals as documented in the north-eastern half open lagoons of the lake shallows (Beteicha).