Pronunciation: [ˈalbɔːɹən sˈiː] (IPA) 
The Alboran Sea is a body of water located in the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea, between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Its name comes from the Arabic word "al-Bahr al-Ahmar", meaning "the Red Sea". In pronunciation, "Alboran" is often spelled with stress on the second syllable, "al-BO-ran" /ælˈbɔːɹən/. The phonetic transcription of the original Arabic name, "al-Bahr al-Ahmar", is /æl baːr al ʔaħmar/.
The Alboran Sea is defined as a small section of the western Mediterranean Sea, located between the southern coast of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco. It stretches approximately 400 kilometers from east to west and 200 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of around 78,000 square kilometers.
This sea is named after the Spanish island of Alboran, which is the most geographically significant feature within the region. It is characterized by its relatively shallow depth, averaging around 300 meters, and is considered a transitional zone between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Alboran Sea is noteworthy for its rich marine biodiversity, serving as an essential habitat for various marine species. Its warm waters support a diverse range of ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and important feeding grounds for marine mammals, such as dolphins and whales.
Due to its strategic location as a gateway between Europe and Africa, the Alboran Sea has significant historical and cultural importance. It has been a major trade route since ancient times, attracting civilizations like the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Today, it remains a vital channel for maritime transportation and supports economic activities such as fishing, tourism, and shipbuilding.
The Alboran Sea is also prone to environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution from urban and industrial activities, and the impacts of climate change. Efforts are underway to conserve and protect this important ecosystem, including the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and preservation of the Alboran Sea's unique marine environment.
The word "Alboran" has its origin in the Arabic language. It is derived from the Arabic word "al-Bahlul", which refers to a small island off the coast of North Africa. In Arabic, "Bahlul" means "little sea" or "small piece of land surrounded by water". Over time, the name evolved to "Alboran", as it was adopted by various cultures and languages in the region. The Alboran Sea itself is a small westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea, located between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, and it is named after this small island.
