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In order to select areas of conservation significance or concern, known as Ecologically or
Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) within which potential SPAMI sites were elaborated, we
surveyed key experts in various aspects of Mediterranean ecology and marine biodiversity to
highlight especially important areas within each subregion, asking them to rank criteria according
to the extent to which it helped them in their determination. The resulting polygons were overlaid
to highlight especially critical areas, 10 EBSAs in all. Further analysis allowed us to list 15 highest
priority areas, within which RAC/SPA and the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention can
develop SPAMI nominations.

Finally, we elaborated a road map for carrying this further in order to eventually develop an
ecological and representative network of marine protected areas using SPAMI designations on
ABNJ. Next steps include a threat and socio-economic factors analysis in order not only to identify
vulnerable sites needing protection as SPAMIs, but also to be able to factor in feasibility. A
subsequent initiative should have three essential components: 1) development of a strategic plan
to elaborate the priorities within the SPAMI list; 2) targeted research to determine with greater
specificity the ecological characteristics of each priority area, its boundaries, and direct threats to
the biodiversity the area supports; and 3) analyses to determine the optimal spatial management
scheme for each of the SPAMIs, including whether protected areas should be zoned, what sort of
regulations should be instituted, how areas should be monitored and regulations enforced, and the
appropriate governance regime for these Mediterranean ABNJ.

These results should help guide RAC/SPA in presenting possible options for the Contracting
Parties to the Barcelona Convention to consider in future SPAMI designations, in order to take this
important step toward protecting Mediterranean marine biodiversity.