Impact of climate change on marine and coastal biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea : current state of knowledge

This document constitutes a summary of the work, studies and reflection initiated by the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) following the recommendations of the Contracting Parties in Almeria in January 2008. It provides answers to the request to assess the knowledge gathered on the effects of climate change on the Mediterranean coastal and marine biodiversity. More information is still needed but the effects of climate change on the sea and the Mediterranean littorals are already most perceptible and affect without exception the different components of the Mediterranean biome. They also affect the natural resources and threaten the benefits they have for the populations around the Mediterranean basin and there are also social as well as economic repercussions.