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2.3 State of the art
2.3.1 Sub-regional classification
In a recent report (Notarbartolo di Sciara and Agardy 2008) we have argued that in planning a
regional network of MPAs the adoption of a three-step hierarchical approach is recommended,
which begins at the large scale and focuses in on ever-smaller scales. At the largest scale, in this
case that of the Mediterranean Basin, the first recommended step in designing an ecological
network is the identification of large scale ecological units. The purpose of this is to recognize
ecological distinctions between different parts of the region, and ensure that something that is
called a Mediterranean Network of MPAs is truly comprehensive and representative of all of its
sub-regions. The first task is therefore to subdivide the Mediterranean into broadly homogeneous
sub-units, which will help priority setting and planning for marine conservation in the region.

Fig. 2-3. The seven “ecoregions” proposed by Spalding et al. (2007) for the Mediterranean (36. Alborán
Sea, 35. Western Mediterranean, 30. Adriatic Sea, 34. Ionian Sea, 33. Tunisian Plateau/Gulf of Sidra,
31. Aegean Sea, 32. Levantine Sea).

The most recent attempt at developing a detailed, comprehensive biogeographic system to classify
the oceans was recently proposed by Spalding et al. (2007), who subdivided the world’s coastal
and shelf areas into a nested system of 12 realms, 62 provinces and 232 ecoregions. In Spalding
et al.’s classification, the Mediterranean Sea Province, part of the Temperate North Atlantic Realm,
is subdivided into seven ecoregions: Alborán Sea, Western Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Ionian
Sea, Tunisian Plateau/Gulf of Sidra, Aegean Sea, and Levantine Sea (Fig. 2-3).
We consider Spalding et al.’s (2007) contribution a significant advance in the development of
geographic tools for marine conservation planning, but suggest that the subdivision of the
Mediterranean Province into ecoregions be slightly modified to fit more closely the region’s existing