Conservation Overview of Mediterranean Deep-Sea Biodiversity: A Strategic Assessment

The Mediterranean has long been recognised as a global marine conservation priority. However, very little is known of its deep-sea environment, how it functions and how it is affected by the growing impact of humans. This vast area, which lies below 200 m, accounts for close to 78% of the Mediterranean Sea and it shelters a rich and fragile biodiversity. In recent years, scientists, with the aid of emerging technologies, have been exploring new regions and discovering new species which, in turn, has led to the realization that the deep- sea is home to ecosystems found nowhere else on the planet. Yet, conservation planning is still limited with respect to its actions to protect and improve this fragile environment. The objective of this document is to guide and facilitate the implementation of a deep-sea conservation, research and sustainable management strategy in the Mediterra- nean region with all relevant partners. This document reviews the status of our knowledge of the Mediterranean deep-sea environment, its current regulations and policy instruments, main challenges and opportu- nities. It is intended to spur a more focused approach to the conservation of the Mediter- ranean deep-sea environment and to provide guidance where actions are most needed. Actions and areas identified herein can serve as initial components of a portfolio approach as countries move towards compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity, UNGA resolutions for the deep-sea and other Inter- national and national commitments. 9 The strategic orientation draws on the results of the 2015 meeting of deep-sea experts organ- ised by IUCN and which was followed by a series of scoping reviews and discussions in order to compile the most up-to-date infor- mation on deep-sea biodiversity as well as international and regional policies. For the group, this report also indicated where further research is needed in order to under- stand and identify the following: a) Major knowledge gaps; b) Key areas where vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots are now known and urgent action to conserve them should be developed. Before moving ahead with any planning process of the selection of actions and priority sites, however, other stakeholders should be consulted. Since its first draft, this group of experts has contributed to the development of a series of policy actions, and we hope that an increasing number of individuals and organizations continue to collaborate on this effort to understand, protect and improve the sustainable use of the Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystem