Where is Mediterranean Sea Located?
The Mediterranean Sea is amongst the most beautiful and enigmatic bodies of water on the planet. Surrounded by vibrant countries and rich history, the Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the world’s most remarkable cultural destinations. But just where is the Mediterranean Sea located and what makes this body of water so special?
The Mediterranean Sea is located in the southern and eastern parts of Europe, as well as northern Africa and the Middle East. Specifically, the countries that border it are Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Albania, Cyprus and Tunisia – to name just a few. It is the world’s largest inland saltwater lake, covering an area of 2,515,404 square kilometers.
The Mediterranean Sea has been inhabited by people since prehistoric times. Archeological evidence suggests that civilizations began living along the Mediterranean Sea at least 8,000 years ago. It has also served as a hub for centuries for trade and commerce, connecting East and West across its waters. As a result, the Mediterranean Sea has acquired a range of cultural, political and economic significance throughout history.
The climate of the Mediterranean Sea is largely temperate, carrying hot and dry summers and mild winters. The Sea’s landscape is additionally comprised of islands, archipelagos and coasts, making the Mediterranean something of a paradise for nature lovers and those interested in the great outdoors. The geological formation of the Sea, as well as its vast ecosystem, home to thousands of marine species, further makes it a unique feature of the planet.
The Mediterranean Sea is filled with a variety of activities and attractions, from watersports to cuisine, from nightlife to history catching glimpses of the past. The cultural heritage of the region attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year who come to explore its stunning beaches, vibrant cities and Greek ruins. Alongside the stunning sights, visitors to the region can also take part in a vast array of activities such as swimming, yachting, island hopping, bicycling, and photography.
Effects of Global Warming on the Mediterranean Sea
Since the industrial revolution, global warming has reached alarming levels and the Mediterranean Sea is among the most affected areas in the world. Studies show that temperature rises of the Mediterranean are likely to exceed global temperature increases in the upcoming years, mainly due to its geographical position at the south of Europe. Increasing temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea will have a negative impact on the marine life, impacting species of fish, invertebrates, and organisms.
Moreover, climate change is causing more water evaporation and heat waves that could lead to a decline in tourism and economic activities in the Mediterrean Sea. The rise in air temperature in the Mediterranean Sea over the summer months has already had a drastic effect on its ecosystem, aquatic flora, and fauna. As a consequence, some species are facing death and even extinction, as many Mediterranean fish and shellfish are unable to withstand increases in temperature.
Warmer temperatures in the Sea can lead to an increase in water density and salinity, as warmer water can’t hold as much gas. When water’s temperature rises, metabolic rates increase which can cause an oxygen crisis. In addition, rising temperatures may cause water temperatures to become too warm, killing off large masses of seaweed and plankton- which are an essential part of the food chain in the Mediterranean Sea.
The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is also leading to ocean acidification in the Mediterranean Sea. Ocean acidification makes the water more acidic and decreases the concentration of essential minerals like calcium and carbonate- which are essential for the formation of coral and mollusc shells. It also reduces the ability of aquatic organisms to regulate levels of pH and absorb precious nutrients from the environment.
The Impact of Overfishing on the Mediterranean Sea
Overfishing is an increasingly pressing problem in the Mediterranean- with 50% of assessed stocks are now overfished. This implies that the stocks that are targeted are overfished, and so their populations have been reduced to decrease the amount taken by fishermen. In some cases, certain species of fish can have declined to extinction levels.
Fishing in the Mediterranean is more intense than in other seas, and many stocks are already overexploited. Rapid population declines in many species are a direct result of overfishing, with examples including Atlantic bluefin tuna, European eel, European anchovy, and European hake. As global demand for seafood from the Mediterranean continues to increase, so does the pressure on many species to be overexploited.
There are solutions put in place to manage overfishing. For instance, governments have established fisheries management tools such as marine protected areas, individual transferable quotas, limitation of gear types, allocation of fishing licenses, etc. However, those measures often face reluctance from fishermen since they may interfere with their livelihoods.
Moreover, illegal fishing is thought to be one of the biggest threats to the sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea. Illegal fishing implies fishing in unregulated areas, where the local population belonging to coastal fishing communities are being pushed out and stripped off access to fishing resources. Illegal fishing is detrimental to any efforts of fishery resource sustainability, and a loss of critical fish species in the region.
Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is under great strain from an array of environmental stressors, from local sources and from the many rivers that convey their pollutants from the in-land catchment areas. Pollutants and threats in the Mediterranean Sea include marine litter, nutrient enrichment and acidification, oil and chemical spills, hazardous substances, and eutrophication.
Marine Litter is an important source of pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, with significant volumes of plastic water bottles and other synthetic material floating around as well as litter accumulating on the sea floor. In addition, marine litter is often ingested by local wildlife- which can cause lethal gill blockage and may result in the death of species.
Nutrient enrichment is another form of human-made pollution. Excessive amounts of fertilizers, domestic and industrial wastewater, and other sources of nitrogen and phosphorus enter the Mediterranean Sea and affect the balance between the oxygen and the nitrogen levels of the Sea.
The Mediterranean Sea is considered particularly sensitive to the effects of global warming due to its small surface area and shallower depths, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its bathymetry and its location at the interface of different biogeochemical provinces make it prone to anoxic conditions, which can give rise to episodes of oxygen depletion and eutrophication.
Moreover, persistent organic matter (POPs) and othes hazardous substances have the potential to have large-scale and long-term effects on the Sea’s flora and fauna, because of their ability to accumulate in the food chain. As such, it is essential to consider ongoing sources of hazardous material entering the Mediterranean Sea.
The Benefits of the Mediterranean Sea for People
The Mediterranean Sea is beneficial to humans, as it provides resources and opportunities for economic activities. It remains one of the major sources of world fish production and fish consumption, helping to increase food security. The fishing and maritime activities in the region are fundamental economically, as the sector provides millions of jobs and supports millions of livelihoods, especially in small coastal towns.
Tourism is another fundamental activity in the region, as the Mediterranean offers endless attractions, from sunny coastlines and historical monuments to religious and cultural sites. From Croatia to Greece, Portugal to Turkey, the Mediterranean Sea remains one of the most popular places for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Medicinal products derived from the sea hold potential for industrial development, new markets and income creation, although further research is still needed to assess the potential of these products for social and economic benefits in the region.
The basin of the Mediterranean Sea is home to thousands of species of birds, fish, and other mammals, making it one of the most important biodiversity-rich regions in the world. As such, the Mediterranean Sea extends environmental benefits to Earth’s inhabitants, as a rich biodiversity is essential to the balance of nature and living conditions on Earth.
Efforts to Protect Mediterranean Sea
In order to protect and preserve the Mediterranean Sea, several efforts have been put in place by international organisations and the local population. The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) was launched in 1980s,and two regional Protocols – such as the Barcelona Convention – were established to address key threats to the Mediterranean Sea.
The European Union has also taken measures to protect the environment of the Mediterranean sea – such as with the launch of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). This fund provides funds for coastal fisheries, aquaculture, and mariculture activities, as well as funds for initiatives such as beach cleans and the rehabilitation of degraded coastal areas.
The creation of more marine protected areas is another key tool for protecting the Mediterranean Sea. These are managed areas where activities such as fishing, editing, or dumping are restricted or prohibited, creating refuges for biodiversity and improving the health of the marine ecosystem.
Moreover, local communities are increasingly taking steps to protect the environment of the Mediterranean sea, with initiatives such as the LIFE Alboran Sea project. This program aims to combat plastic pollution, increase coastal management and reduce the impact of climate change on Mediterranean fishing communities.
Other individual initiatives are also sprouting up across the Mediterranean to safeguard its waters, such as beach patrols and educational projects. As a result, a new wave of environmentally friendly practices and lifestyles is emerging throughout the whole Mediterranean, as people learn to better coexist with nature.
The Mediterranean Sea of the Future
For the Mediterranean Sea to remain healthy in the future, strong management and conservation measures must be put in place.
Sustainable fishing practices can help maintain the balance of populations and promote healthy aquaculture. It is essential for fisheries in the Mediterranean, particularly small-scale ones, to be sustainable, employing the use of single-use technologies and traditional methods of fishing.
The European Union has also included a set of targets, within the targets of the 2015-2030 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. These targets incentivize local fishermen to use modern and sustainable fishing practices, as well as increase their knowledge and understanding of sustainable practices.
International cooperation is essential to tackle the threats that face the Mediterranean Sea. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) have designed initiatives to promote the conservation and management of this fragile environment.
Finally, the sustainable use of resources, combined with technological and educational reforms, can help preserve the Mediterranean Sea’s marine life and provide economic development opportunities for the region. Ultimately, with the right measures in place, the Mediterranean Sea and its inhabitants could have a bright, sustained future.
