About us

The Med Sea Alliance seeks to improve the well-being of the Mediterranean by driving policy change, supporting the protection of vulnerable and ecologically areas and the ending of illegal and destructive fishing.

Our Vision

A Mediterranean Sea with a rich and resilient ecosystem, where the rules and practice of fishing support the health of the marine environment for generations to come.

Regional Compliance Mechanism

A robust compliance system ensures that binding regulations on fisheries management are properly implemented, creating a level playing field across the basin. Strengthening compliance is not just about regulations—it’s about accountability, equity, and ensuring that conservation efforts deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity, coastal communities, and the resilience of the Mediterranean Sea.

Our Impact

Expansion and Improvement of Marine Protected Areas

In Spain, the alliance played a key role in advancing the expansion and improvement of Marine Protected Areas, working with local and national authorities to identify critical ecosystems and ensure their protection. This effort contributed to increasing the area under protection, fostering biodiversity recovery, and enhancing marine ecosystem resilience.

Our Team

Meet the Team Behind Med Sea Alliance

Our dedicated team of consultants brings together diverse expertise in marine conservation, communications, policy, and environmental advocacy. Together, we work tirelessly to protect the Mediterranean and drive meaningful, impactful change.

Karlijn Steinbusch

Managing Director

Maria Elena De Matteo

Head of Communications

Emily Tewes

Project Manager

"Achieving 10% strictly protected areas and 30% marine protected areas in the Mediterranean by 2030 is not just an ambitious target—it's a necessary step to ensure the survival of marine life and the resilience of coastal communities in this biodiversity hotspot. Beyond designating and expanding protected areas, good governance, sustained public funding, and active community engagement are key to ensuring lasting success."

Pablo Rodríguez Ros

30x30 Spain Coordinator at Marilles Foundation

Building networks

Our Members

The Mediterranean Sea, a vital hub of marine biodiversity, is facing an unprecedented threat from illegal fishing practices. As much as 50% of the total catch in the region is unreported or unregulated, leading to severe overfishing and the decline of crucial species like bluefin tuna and swordfish.

“Vulnerable habitats, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs, must be protected as they are crucial for biodiversity and climate protection. Yet, despite laws and global commitments to safeguard nature, we continue to see European countries bending the rules and authorising bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Without effective enforcement of EU law, MPAs are nothing more than empty promises—words on a page that fail to bring meaningful change in the water.”

Nils Courcy

Legal Expert at ClientEarth

Funding change

Our members

Get Involved Now

The Mediterranean Sea, a vital hub of marine biodiversity, is facing an unprecedented threat from illegal fishing practices