Biodiversity Conservation in Mediterranean Sea

Dear Colleagues,

Astonishing species richness and high number of endemics make the Mediterranean Sea a biodiversity hotspot. Unfortunately, the Mediterranean Sea is also a hotspot of human pressure, because of the high population density along its coasts, the intensity of tourism, the huge volume of maritime traffic, and a rate of marine invasion with few equals in the world. Being a semi-closed basin, the Mediterranean Sea is also particularly exposed to the consequence of sea water warming. Conserving the Mediterranean marine biodiversity has therefore become a priority. A major step towards this goal has been the Barcelona Convention, adopted in 1976 and signed by all Mediterranean countries and the European Union, with the aim of protecting the marine environment and the coastal region of the Mediterranean. In 1999, the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas produced two reference lists, one with the marine habitats and one with the marine species to be protected. In addition, numerous Marine Protected Areas and other similar institutes have been established throughout the Mediterranean Sea, including the International whale Sanctuary “Pelagos”.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collate papers reporting on the results of these conservation initiatives: present status of protected habitats and species, trajectory of change in marine ecosystems, activities of marine protected areas, biodiversity monitoring and management plans. Papers dealing with ecological, socio-economic, and legal-administrative aspects will be accepted, and regional comparisons as well as case studies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Carlo Nike Bianchi
Dr. Carla Morri
Guest Editors

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