Cuckoo Wrasse and Whiting. The Mediterranean Sea contains approximately 6% of the world's marine species.

The Mediterranean Sea is an enclosed sea, covering 2,500,000 km2 with an average depth of 1,500m. The Sea is connected to the world’s oceans at its western end by the Straits of Gibraltar. The coastline extends 46,000km and runs through 22 countries.

The Mediterranean Sea represents only 1% of the world’s marine cover yet it contains approximately 6% of its marine species. Some of the world’s most endangered species, such as the monk seal, can be found in the Mediterranean. Fish stocks are down to 20% of natural levels in some areas, and the region is now a net importer of fish.

The Mediterranean Action Plan was established by the bordering countries in 1975, which in turn led to the development of a number of specific conventions notably the Barcelona Convention in 1976. Further action, however, is still necessary to provide protection for wildlife and to reverse destructive trends.

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Photo: Charles Hood/WWF UK