Human health benefits supplied by Mediterranean marine biodiversity

► The high Mediterranean biodiversity provides natural medicines, healthy seafood products and recreational opportunities that contribute to human well-being. ► The so-called “Mediterranean diet” has several health benefits, including cardio and cancer protective effects, which are attributed to the high intake of seafood-derived n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. ► The Mediterranean marine organisms, particularly the benthic ones, have furnished a large variety of bioactive metabolites, some of which are being developed into new drugs to threat major human diseases such as cancer. ► The Mediterranean coastal areas provide environments for practising maritime leisure activities that provide physical and psychological benefits to users. ► Despite all this, fishing, tourism, contamination and sea warming are deteriorating this rich marine ecosystem, which needs to be protected to assure human welfare.