What is the Mediterranean Sea?
The Mediterranean Sea, also known as the “Middle Sea” is a large inland sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar. It stretches from the Iberian Peninsula in Spain to the west coast of Turkey to the east, and from Italy’s southern coastline in the north to the north coast of Egypt in the south. The sea covers a vast area of almost 2.5 million km² and its deepest point is 5,267 metres in the Ionian Basin.
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the oldest bodies of water on Earth, and it has had a complex history and played a crucial role in shaping human history. With its mild climate and abundance of fish, the Mediterranean was the birthplace of leading ancient civilisations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans.
Today, the Mediterranean Sea supports and sustains over 120 million people living around its shores, creating geopolitical and economic hotspots. Tourists flock to the Mediterranean coast annually, enjoying its beautiful scenery, its long coastline filled with long sandy beaches and its warm waters.
How Long is the Mediterranean Sea Coastline?
The exact length of the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is estimated to be from 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres (4,970 to 6,213 miles). This coastline encompasses more than 20 different countries, with the largest portion located in Turkey.
The Mediterranean coastline is a source of great beauty, but also complex socio-economic and geopolitics dynamics, providing home for much of the population of the countries it touches. The region is a source of major economic activity, with numerous ports, winter and summer resorts, major industrial centres and shipping lanes along its shore.
Physical Characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is largely surrounded by land, making it a semi-enclosed sea. Its two main inlets are the Strait of Gibraltar in the west and the Dardanelles in the east. Its length and depth vary throughout, with 6 deep basins each with depths ranging from 3,900 to 5,500 metres.
The Mediterranean is filled with hidden treasures, with a unique biodiversity, including unique species of fish like the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Rays, Sharks, and numerous species of dolphins.
The oceanographic regime of the Mediterranean Sea is distinct from surrounding seas. Its waters contain the highest concentrations of salts, a consequence of the marked evaporation and its semi-enclosed basin. The surface water displays high salinity and, due to its dense density, is capable of rapidly sinking, which contributes to its strong circulation.
Cultural Significance of The Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea has been vital for the emergence of some of the world’s oldest and most advanced cultures. It has a very rich cultural and historical heritage, often related to navigation and trade including the ancient cities of Athens and Rome. It is still actively used by the fishing communities and the numerous tourist resorts that exist throughout the region.
The Mediterranean Sea has been a source of inspiration for many literature and art works, including songs, plays, films, and books. It has also been an area of conflict between different nations due to its strategic location. Throughout history, the Mediterranean Sea has been a contested space, with rivalries and war often occurring for control of the sea and its resources.
Environmental Hazards of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a unique and fragile environment and is increasingly polluted as a result of human activities such as fishing and urban development. Pollution includes oil spills, industrial and agricultural wastewater, sewage, plastic and other chemical pollutants.
The Mediterranean is also under pressure from climate change. Warmer temperatures and the gradual rise in sea level has the potential to cause disruption to its environments, with devastating consequences on its coastline and marine life. Overfishing is also a major issue in the Mediterranean, with some species facing extinction as a result of over-exploitation.
What Can Be Done To Protect The Mediterranean Sea?
The Mediterranean Sea is a unique, biologically diverse environment that supports millions of people and numerous economic activities in the region. However, it is under threat from human-induced impacts. For example, large parts of the Mediterranean Sea have been overfished, and the rate of sea level rise due to climate change is greater in the Mediterranean than other parts of the world.
Several initiatives have been proposed to protect the Mediterranean Sea from further degradation, such as the Mediterranean Drylands Initiative and the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. These initiatives aim to ensure the conservation of the Mediterranean Sea through increased public awareness and sustainable management practices. Such initiatives can help ensure the Mediterranean Sea remains a valuable asset for future generations.
Economic Impact of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea provides an abundance of resources and economic benefits which are essential to the well-being of the region. This includes its fishery resources, tourism, sustainable use of coastal and offshore resources, and maritime transport – all of which contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund, maritime activities contribute over 25% of the Gross Domestic Product of the Mediterranean coastal countries.
The economic benefits of the Mediterranean Sea cannot be understated, and it is essential that the region remains well managed and continues to develop responsibly in order to preserve it for future generations. This can be achieved through sustainable development initiatives, as well as innovative education and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most popular and historically significant bodies of water in the world, providing the backdrop for the emergence of some of the earliest civilisations and numerous economic and cultural benefits. However, the Mediterranean Sea is facing increased environmental threats due to human activity, making it essential to take action to ensure its future sustainability. Initiatives such as the Mediterranean Drylands Initiative and the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development can help protect the Mediterranean Sea and ensure it remains a valuable resource for future generations.
