Marine ecosystems support a wide range of species and life forms, making an important contribution to global biodiversity. For this reason they must be protected and safeguarded from anthropogenic pressures such as overfishing, damage to the seabed, water pollution, spread of non-native species and waste and, where possible, restored. These actions require the deepening of scientific knowledge, the strengthening of the monitoring and protection programs and Directives but also a widespread awareness of the socio-economic value of marine ecosystems in local communities and citizens.