SUBJECT: Knowledge and conservation priorities
AUTHOR: Samir Grimes
DATE: 23rd April 2003

KEYWORDS: Marine biodiversity, protected species, knowledge.

SUMMARY: The author argues that the status of species is often decided on subjective grounds, and lists a number of research priorities in Southern Mediterranean states such as a species inventory, the role of species in sustainable development and possible threats.

Unfortunately, biodiversity is divided into two, if three very subjective categories. The first category is the biodiversity popular with scientists, economists, policy makers, media and the general public. These, as I am sure you will have gathered, are the "star" species that scientists often refer to as flagship species. The second group is composed of species that are less represented in the media but can be beneficial in certain ways. The third category is ecologically a little more marginalized and can be regarded as having a "minor" role.

This distinction between species is extremely subjective and one runs the risk of diminishing the role of unprotected species in the eyes of the general public. Together with their value, our ecological vigilance concerning the loss of marginal species and their habitat can be lessened. Research and conservation efforts are therefore biased, with action plans geared only towards the conservation of particular species and ecosystems. To take the example of the marine and coastal biodiversity in Algeria, the numbers of protected species is stable. Most species that are listed under annex II and III of protected areas in the Mediterranean have high population densities, even though a few species such as Pina nobilis, Patella feruginea and Centrostephanus logispinus are showing a slight decline. Similarly, there are no more monk seals in areas where they were once present (Habias and Rachgoun islands on the West Coast of Algeria). The problem of a species inventory still remains, with some species benefiting from increased funds for their conservation, whereas others, whose range is limited to Northern Africa, or even Algeria, are unknown to the general public and can become extinct in total anonymity.

Knowledge gaps in the Mediterranean are important and need to be addressed. We have to cooperate in order to improve our knowledge of species in the Southern Mediterranean area and reach a knowledge balance between Mediterranean countries. Research priorities include: a species inventory, species protection criteria, the threats present in each area, the role of species in sustainable development and local population stabilisation when dealing with important economic species...

A contribution by:

Samir Grimes
Laboratoire des Ecosystems Benthiques
Institut des Sciences de la Mer et de l'Amenagement du Littoral
Alger, Algerie