ECOLEGACY MEDITERRANEAN
Marine Atlas
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the richest yet most fragile marine ecosystems in the world. This semi-enclosed sea hosts a complex web of life with thousands of species, natural resources that have shaped coastal cultures, and a long-standing relationship between humans and the sea.
Today, however, pressures such as climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and overexploitation are making this delicate balance increasingly vulnerable. The Marine Atlas aims to make the living system of the Mediterranean more visible by bringing together key topics that help us understand its ecological structure.
In this section, we focus on three major themes shaping the Mediterranean ecosystem: invasive species, seagrass meadows, and marine protected areas. Each plays a critical role in maintaining ocean health, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Seagrass Meadows
Seagrass meadows are among the most valuable and productive habitats in the Mediterranean. In particular, Posidonia oceanica meadows provide essential habitat for countless species, protect coastlines from erosion, and contribute to climate regulation by storing large amounts of carbon.
However, pressures such as coastal development, pollution, and physical disturbance are causing these sensitive habitats to decline rapidly.
In this section, you can explore the ecological role of seagrass meadows, why they need to be protected, and their distribution across the Mediterranean.
Invaders
Hundreds of new species have entered the Mediterranean over the past century. Most are Lessepsian species arriving from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, or organisms transported through global maritime traffic.
In some cases, these invasive species compete with native species, altering ecosystem balance, affecting food webs, and creating significant impacts on local fisheries.
In this section, you can explore the main invasive species present in the Mediterranean, their pathways of introduction, and their effects on marine ecosystems.
Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas are designated zones where certain activities are restricted or managed in order to conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity. When properly planned, these areas not only protect habitats but also support the recovery of fish stocks, the regeneration of ecosystems, and create important opportunities for sustainable use of the sea.
In this section, you can explore the role of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean, the strategies used for their protection, and why they are critical for the future of our seas.
Sharks
The coastal waters of the Bodrum Peninsula host one of the richest—yet often overlooked—marine communities in the Mediterranean. Cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Sandy seabeds, seagrass meadows, and rocky habitats in the region provide critical living spaces for these species.