Initiative
Protecting Critical Marine Habitats
Accelerating the designation and effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the Mediterranean Sea.
The Issue
Urging Governments to Declare 30% of Their Waters as Protected Areas, with 10% Strictly Protected
0.23%
of the Mediterranean Sea is fully or highly protected
6%
of the Mediterranean Sea is designed as a protected area by a protected status
95%
of these protected areas have no stronger regulation than the surrounded unprotected waters
The Plan
Marine ecosystems host immense biodiversity, much of which is under threat from overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Protecting 30% of the sea is essential to preserving vulnerable marine habitats like seagrasses, coralligenous, and maerl beds. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) also serve as refuges for threatened species, such as sharks and rays, enabling these populations to recover and thrive.
MPAs) are a critical tool for biodiversity conservation and fish stock restoration, acting as nurseries for fish and other marine life. Increased populations within protected zones often spill over into surrounding waters, boosting fish stocks and supporting sustainable fisheries. Moreover, they contribute to climate resilience by capturing and storing carbon dioxide, as well as providing species and habitats the ability to withstand and recover from climate disturbance.
Protecting 30% of the sea aligns with global biodiversity commitments like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Scientific studies suggest that safeguarding at least 30% of marine areas is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and preventing catastrophic biodiversity loss.
In 2020, researchers including Claudet et al. found that 1,062 MPAs currently cover 6% of the Mediterranean basin, falling short of the 30% target. However, a larger concern is that 95% of the area within these MPAs lacks sufficient regulations to reduce human impacts on biodiversity and protect ocean health. Only 0.23% of the basin is fully or highly protected, and these MPAs are unevenly distributed across political boundaries and eco-regions. More efforts are needed if we are to protect our oceans and safeguard environmental and human well-being.
The Med Sea Alliance is undertaking coordinated advocacy efforts and strategic campaigns at the national and regional levels to accelerate political action. While some countries are making progress towards the 30x30 goal, there is a risk that the 30x30 objective is being watered down, potentially failing to restore the marine ecosystems in one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in the world.
REPORTS
Achievements
25% of the Spanish Mediterranean marine area has been declared as a protected area.
The Goal
Urge Governments to Declare 10% of Their Waters as Highly Protected Areas
Governments must accelerate efforts to designate at least 10% of the Mediterranean Sea as highly protected by 2030. These areas should implement strict conservation measures to safeguard critical marine ecosystems and ensure their recovery.
Call on Governments to Declare 30% of Their Waters with Priority Habitats as Protected
Governments should prioritise the protection of key habitats by declaring 30% of the Mediterranean Sea as protected by 2030. These protected areas must focus on safeguarding habitats essential for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Improve Marine Protected Area (MPA) Effectiveness
To ensure meaningful conservation outcomes, MPAs must be equipped with effective management plans, proper enforcement mechanisms, and sufficient funding. This approach will enhance the ecological and social benefits of protected areas, ensuring they achieve their intended goals.
Get Involved Now
The Mediterranean Sea, a vital hub of marine biodiversity, is facing an unprecedented threat from illegal fishing practices