Spencer Tunick, the artist known for gathering together hundreds of naked volunteers, is planning his next project at the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea in Israel. He is using the Internet to raise money for it.

The Dead Sea, popular for the restorative powers of its mud baths and mineral waters, is shrinking more than three feet (a meter) a year, marine experts said. The drop is caused by the diversion of agricultural and drinking water and dry winters.

U.S.-born Tunick, 44, has photographed large groups of naked people at the Big Chill Festival in the U.K., and cities including London, Amsterdam, Sydney and Buenos Aires.

“This project is dear to me, one that I have dreamed of since my early days as an artist,” Tunick said in an e-mailed statement seeking backers. “I look forward to your support in exposing a part of Israel that hasn’t been seen before and at the same time bring attention to the deteriorating situation of the Dead Sea.”