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2. General overview and analysis of existing information

2.1 Introduction
The Mediterranean High Seas encompass a large part of the Mediterranean Basin, which covers
some 2,5 million km2 of ocean area. The high seas support a wide array of marine life and have
pockets of relatively high productivity, yet to date only a single marine protected area (the “Pelagos
Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals”) exists to safeguard this biodiversity. This project
aims to provide the foundation for a system of protected areas, designated as Specially Protected
Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs), which when implemented will contribute to staving
off further biodiversity loss.
We are aware of the fact the jurisdictions are fluid and changing, as exemplified in recent efforts
describing the situation (e.g., Suarez de Vivero and Slim, 2008). However, we are considering for
the purpose of this report the Mediterranean High Seas as all the seas beyond the riparian
nations’ territorial waters (i.e., 12 nautical miles from the coast, except for Greece and Turkey,
where territorial waters end at 6 n.m. from the coast). Figure 2-1, taken from Suarez de Vivero and
Slim, 2008, shows the limit of these territorial seas, as well as other categories of jurisdiction for
Mediterranean coastal countries.
Despite the dynamic nature of the legal framework for Mediterranean marine conservation,
selection of priority areas will create important impetus for more effective management. We feel
that if the legal regime in Mediterranean countries changes and countries move to declare
Economic Exclusive Zones up to 200 nautical miles out, the selection of High Seas SPAMI areas
will bolster rationale for countries to move ahead with unilateral protection, and at the same time
will act to bring international attention to these overlooked but valuable areas.

Fig. 2-1. A representation of the current status of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea,
proposed by J.L. Suarez de Vivero, University of Seville.