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Sea - Saltwater

Fish of the Mediterranean Sea

The great inland sea of the ancient world - fished, sailed, and mythologized for over 5,000 years. Overfished today but still biodiverse.

Continent: Europe/Africa/Asia Area: 2,500,000 km² Max Depth: 5,267m

📖 Overview

The Mediterranean has been the fishing ground of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. Twenty countries share its shores. It hosts bluefin tuna, groupers, dorado, red mullet, anchovies, and sardines - staples of Mediterranean cuisine. Overfishing has reduced many populations to critical levels.

🐟 Notable Species

Bluefin tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi), swordfish, red mullet, European seabass, gilthead seabream, anchovies, sardines, octopus, groupers.

🛡️ Conservation Status

Bluefin tuna once collapsed, now recovering under strict quotas. Grouper populations depleted. Overfishing remains chronic. Marine protected areas increasing but coverage patchy.