Aegean Sea Environment

Introduction

This is the third of three Books that together provide an integrated picture of the Aegean Sea, presenting the natural components of the system (Book I and Book II) as well as the human presence in the extended area (Book III).

The Aegean Sea

The Aegean Sea, also called Aegean Archipelagos, is an open, complex, and diverse marine system, with different compartments and interactions. Divided into 6 parts, this Book begins with a historical perspective of the region as an important cradle of civilization connecting the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea, followed by an account of the natural resources, natural hazards, and economic activities in the region, such as the potential of marine renewable energy, capture fisheries, and aquaculture.

Human Activities and Environmental Impact

The subsequent parts of the book explore the balance between tourism, sustainable development, and ecology in the Aegean Sea. Expert contributors review how human activities, e.g. tourism, fishing, and energy production, are threatening the marine systems, and the impact they have on different ecosystems and the climate. Particular attention is given to the current state of pollution, including topics such as the reconstruction analysis of radionuclides and metals for contamination assessment and coastal variability, pollution from hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants, as well as the pressing issue of marine litter, plastics, and microplastics in the Aegean Archipelago.

Conservation and Future Outlook

The Book III concludes with an overview of the national and international plans for the conservation of the Aegean Sea system and presents integrated guidelines and an outlook on the future of the region. Given the breadth and depth of its coverage, the book offers an invaluable source of information for researchers, students and environmental managers alike.