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geomorphological and biogeographic diversity. Our proposal contemplates eight subregions
instead of Spalding et al.’s seven.

Ecoregions by Spalding et al. 2007 Marine Strategy Framework Our proposal (Fig. 2-4)

(Fig. 2-3) Directive

1. Alborán Sea 1. Western Mediterranean Sea 1. Alborán Sea

2. Western Mediterranean 2. Algero-Provencal Basin

3. Tyrrhenian Sea

3. Adriatic Sea 2. Adriatic Sea 4. Adriatic Sea

4. Ionian Sea 3. Ionian Sea and Central 5. Ionian Sea
5. Tunisian Plateau – Gulf of Sidra
Mediterranean Sea 6. Tunisian Plateau – Gulf of Sidra

6. Aegean Sea 4. Aegean – Levantine Sea 7. Aegean Sea

7. Levantine Sea 8. Levantine Sea

Table 2-1. Comparison among different subdivisions of the Mediterranean into subregions.

The proposed scheme will also allow encompassing subregions within the four main subdivisions
of the Mediterranean Sea established by the 2008 EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Table
2-1, central column), which is relevant to those Mediterranean riparian nations that are European
Union member states.

Fig. 2-4. Suggested subdivision of the Mediterranean into eight subregions (1. Alborán Sea, 2.
Algero-Provencal Basin, 3. Tyrrhenian Sea, 4. Adriatic Sea, 5. Tunisian Plateau/Gulf of Sidra, 6.
Ionian Sea, 7. Aegean Sea, 8. Levantine Sea).