Background

Abstract

In the Mediterranean, deep seabed encompasses some unique habitats such as hydrothermal vents, seamounts, submarine canyons and deep coral reefs characterized by high biodiversity and endemism. In addition, oceanographic features and large-scale water movements like upwelling, gyres or fronts create critical habitats for the development, reproduction and feeding of many pelagic species. They are also supporting a wide range of components of the trophic chain from planktonic species to top predators like bluefin tuna, pelagic sharks and cetaceans. But these ecosystems are under several pressures due to human activities.