Conservation and management of the coastal streams of Israel: an assessment of stream status and prospects for rehabilitation

Adoption of the concept that "dilution is a feasible solution to pollution' was apparently behind the practice of using streams for wastewater removal. The outcome of this approach in Israel was a gradual transformation of rivers into conduits of waste. The following is an overview of the current status of the coastal streams in Israel, with special regard to the changes that have taken place in the last 30-50 yr in their hydrology, water quality, and aquatic life. Changes in aquatic biota are summarised, concentrating on macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, fish, and other vertebrates. Stream conservation and the prospects for rehabilitation are discussed. -after Author