You Are Here:
Heavy metals and persistant organic pollutants (POPs) cause
irreversible risks to health and marine life. High concentrations of
mercury, cadmium, zinc and lead in sediments are found at “hot-spots”,
generally located in the coastal zones receiving high levels of
industrial effluents, solid waste and domestic sewage. These substances
can travel thousands of kilometres, across national boundaries, far
from their source.
This creates a serious health risk in a region where fish is an integral part of the regional diet and many people depend on the sea for a living.
The discharge of chemical tank washings and oily wastes represent a significant source of marine pollution. The Mediterranean Sea constitutes 0.7 percent of the global water surface and receives seventeen percent of global marine oil pollution. It is estimated that every year between 100,000 and 150,000 tonnes of crude oil are deliberately released into the sea from shipping activities.
Approximately 370 million tonnes of oil are transported annually in the Mediterranean (more than 20% of the world total), with around 250 to 300 oil tankers crossing the Sea every day. Accidental oil spills happen frequently with an average of 10 spills/year. A major oil spill could occur at any time in any part of the Mediterranean.
Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for many Mediterranean countries. It also supports small communities in coastal areas and islands by providing income alternatives far from urban centres. Despite providing economic benefits to the region, it has had a major role in the degradation of the coastal and marine environment.
Rapid development and the building of infrastructure have been encouraged by governments in Mediterranean countries to support the large numbers of tourists visiting the region each year. This overcrowded urban development has caused serious erosion and pollution problems in many places along the Mediterranean coasts.
Tourism often concentrates in areas of high natural wealth, causing a serious threat to the habitats of endangered Mediterranean species such as sea turtles and monk seals.
This creates a serious health risk in a region where fish is an integral part of the regional diet and many people depend on the sea for a living.
Shipping
Some of the world’s busiest shipping routes are contained in the Mediterranean. It is estimated that approximately 220,000 vessels of more than 100 tonnes cross the Mediterranean each year – about one third of the world’s total merchant shipping. Many ships are carrying hazardous cargo, which if lost would result in severe damage to the marine environment.The discharge of chemical tank washings and oily wastes represent a significant source of marine pollution. The Mediterranean Sea constitutes 0.7 percent of the global water surface and receives seventeen percent of global marine oil pollution. It is estimated that every year between 100,000 and 150,000 tonnes of crude oil are deliberately released into the sea from shipping activities.
Approximately 370 million tonnes of oil are transported annually in the Mediterranean (more than 20% of the world total), with around 250 to 300 oil tankers crossing the Sea every day. Accidental oil spills happen frequently with an average of 10 spills/year. A major oil spill could occur at any time in any part of the Mediterranean.
Tourism
The most popular tourist destination in the world, the Mediterranean Seas unique combination of pleasant climate, beautiful coastline, rich history and diverse culture attracts approximately one third of the world’s international tourists.Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for many Mediterranean countries. It also supports small communities in coastal areas and islands by providing income alternatives far from urban centres. Despite providing economic benefits to the region, it has had a major role in the degradation of the coastal and marine environment.
Rapid development and the building of infrastructure have been encouraged by governments in Mediterranean countries to support the large numbers of tourists visiting the region each year. This overcrowded urban development has caused serious erosion and pollution problems in many places along the Mediterranean coasts.
Tourism often concentrates in areas of high natural wealth, causing a serious threat to the habitats of endangered Mediterranean species such as sea turtles and monk seals.