The Mediterranean is only 1% of the world's oceans, but its waters are bordered by 19 nations. Millions of people live and work along it's shores and depend on its waters for their livelihood, affecting its natural environment.
The Mediterranean marine ecosystem is considerably degraded due to the influence of expanding human population, overfishing, coastal and offshore development and water pollution. Activities such as discharge of industrial and municipal sewage, non-point runoff from agricultural and urban areas, and desalination facilities influence it's water quality. Large quantities of plastic debris are building up in the Mediterranean Sea affecting biological wealth, and offshore industrial activities and shipping routes have significant impacts on the sea and seabed.
The Batsheva de Rothschild Seminar aims to review the up-to-date environmental knowledge with an emphasis on the south eastern Mediterranean Sea. The significance of this workshop lies in the assembly of leading researchers, policy makers, public health professionals, governmental partners and industrial representatives for mutual collaboration for an elaborating discussion on the Mediterranean current and future environment.
