Mediterranean pelagic habitat : oceanographic and biological processes, an overview

The Mediterranean Sea is a highly variable and dynamic environment, with very high biologic diversity. However, human activities have a large impact on this environment and sometimes lead to permanent ecosystem shifts. A broad-based dynamic conservation approach is needed to preserve essential ecological processes and services, and to protect economic and cultural resources for future generations. Hence, this publication aims to apply a process approach to habitat conservation, seeking to ensure that not only the pelagic marine species, but also the dynamic pelagic habitats upon which they depend, are considered when Marine Protected Areas are formed.