An Overview of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most ancient waters, stretching between Europe, Asia and the African continent. Formed millions of years ago by the crashing together of two tectonic plates, the sea is incredibly diverse, containing numerous unique species of sea life. Its salt levels, depending on the water’s depth, can range from as low as 1 percent in its shallowest depths to more than 3 percent in its deepest reaches. Its length, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the coasts of Lebanon, is roughly 2,000 miles.
How Deep is the Mediterranean Sea?
The Mediterranean Sea has an average depth of 1,500 meters (just shy of five thousand feet), with a maximum depth of 5,267 meters (17,280 feet) off the coast of Sicily. Several of its deepest points are located near civilizations already existing long before modern man — such as the four-thousand-year-old city of Kadisha, which lies just over 2400 meters beneath the surface. By comparison, the deepest reaches of the Atlantic Ocean could plunge as much as 11,000 meters (36,000 feet).
The Mediterranean Sea’s Role in Ancient Civilization
Early civilizations such as the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans all made use of the Mediterranean Sea for trade and transportation. It has been an important source of sustenance for humans for millennia, providing access to fisheries and being an integral part of ancient cultures. The sea is also believed to have been the site of the infamous battle of Thermopylae and of Julius Caesar’s 2nd naval battle.
The Impact of Human Activity
Human activity has definitely had some adverse effects on the Mediterranean Sea over the years. Overfishing, industrial waste runoff, and coastal development are severely damaging the environment. The Greek island of Lesvos, is particularly unique in this respect, as it contains more than a million olive trees, bringing an abundance of native and migratory birds to the area. Unfortunately, it has also been subjected to high levels of fishing and tourism, causing much of the ecosystem to suffer.
Mutual Efforts for the Conservation of the Mediterranean Sea
Recent efforts have been made by several countries like Israel, Greece and Italy to restrict the amount of fishing and waste dumping into the sea in order to reduce the damage to its environment. They are also looking into introducing protected areas and protected species in order to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity.
Potential of the Mediterranean Sea as a Source of Renewable Energy
The Mediterranean Sea’s potential for renewable energy harvesting has also recently been explored, with potential methods such as wave and tidal energy being investigated. Scientists believe that, with the right technology, the sea could provide enough renewable energy to meet the demands of the countries that surround it.
What Lies Ahead?
The effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and rising sea levels, pose a major challenge to the preservation of the Mediterranean Sea’s unique ecology. The effects of human activities on the environment are also proving to be increasingly damaging. However, with mutual recognition and a commitment to sustainability, future generations can still benefit from the rich array of resources the Mediterranean Sea provides.
Marine Life of the Mediterranean Sea
The deep depths of the Mediterranean Sea are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It is home to nearly a thousand species of fish, dozens of types of dolphins, whales and porpoises, sea turtles, and a variety of marine invertebrates. Primarily, the sea supports cold-water species, yet warm-water species can also be found. Its variable salinity also supports many species which cannot be found anywhere else.
Challenges of Exploring the Mediterranean Sea
Exploring the immense depths of the Mediterranean Sea has long posed several significant challenges. For example, currents in the deeper parts of the sea can reach speeds of up to three kilometers an hour, making navigation difficult at best. Furthermore, large ships are unable to navigate the area, making it difficult for small expeditions to reach the bottom. However, with new technology, scientists are continuing to explore and learn more about the mysteries of the sea’s depths.
The Fragility of the Environment of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is home to an incredibly diverse set of species and habitats, many of which are highly vulnerable and exhibit low resilience. This is due to the shallow natures of the sea, and the many endemic species that exist only in the area. Due to this fragility, it’s important for us to be careful with the way we interact with the Mediterranean Sea’s environment, as any negative changes could have a drastic effect on delicate species.
Tourism Impact on the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most visited regions in the world for tourists to explore. The eco-tourism industry has exploded in the Mediterranean and it’s not difficult to see why. Along with its numerous historical sites, the Mediterranean also provides a plethora of aquatic and marine wildlife. However, such huge amounts of tourism can have a negative impact on the environment and disrupt delicate ecosystems. We must therefore be mindful of the way we interact with this precious ocean.
Government Regulation and Efforts
The effects of pollution and over-exploitation are ever-growing issues in the Mediterranean. To counteract this, many governments have enacted regulation and legislation to protect the sea and its inhabitants. Many states have created protected areas and regulations on fishing, tourism and pollution. Collaborative efforts between the governments of the states that border the Mediterrean have also grown in recent years and hopefully these efforts can help secure the area’s ecology.
