The Mediterranean Sea - Underwater volcano, Ferdinandea
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The Mediterranean Sea
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Introduction
The sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea are home to over 700 varieties of fish and almost 10 per cent of the world's marine species. Its coastline is one of the most densely populated in the world and the human pressure on this sea is magnified each summer with the influx of holiday makers. Western civilisation developed around these shores but now human activity is having a profound effect on this endangered sea.
Underwater volcano, Ferdinandea
Overview
The Ferdinandea volcano lies 25 miles south west of Italy. This submerged volcano is over 400m high and its summit is eight metres below the surface. It was formed at the collision point of the African and European tectonic plates and has disappeared under water since it surfaced during the 19th century. Underwater volcanoes can be biodiversity hotspots as they bring up nutrients from the sea bed and offer a place in which fish can shelter.
Ferdinandea hosts an abundance of life, such as schools of small fish, algae and underwater plant life. However, eye witness accounts have documented a recent drop in the numbers of open water fish in the seas, such as sardines or tuna. This is thought to have been caused by the increased volume of fishing taking place in the Mediterranean. Conservationists warn that this entire sea is endangered.
| Importance: | Extensive fishing in the Mediterranean is removing crucial species from the food chain. |
| Dive category: | This is an open water dive. The volcano starts at a depth of eight metres. |
| Access: | Dive boats can be chartered from one of the many dive companies that operate in Sicily. However, be warned that this volcano is still active and could erupt at any time. |
Interesting for
- Seamounts - hotspots for marine life
- This article by a North Atlantic research organisation looks at the reasons why marine life congregates around seamounts.
- Seamounts
- Submerged volcanic island
- Wikipedia looks at the history of this volcano that has been the subject of many colonial disputes.
- Ferdinandea
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Paul Rose
- Oceans presenter biography: Lucy Blue
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans presenter biography: Tooni Mahto
- Oceans image gallery: The Mediterranean Sea
Episode region
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