Alboran Sea

Coordinates: 36°0′N 3°0′W / 36.000°N 3.000°W / 36.000; -3.000

The Alboran Sea is the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between the Iberian Peninsula and the north of Africa. The Strait of Gibraltar, which lies at the west end of the Alboran Sea, connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean.

Geography

Its average depth is 1,461 feet (445 m) and maximum depth is 4,920 feet (1,500 m).

The International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Alboran Sea as follows:

On the West. The Eastern limit of the Strait of Gibraltar: A line joining from tip (Europa Point) of Cap Gibraltar in Europe to the tip of the Península de Almina of Ceuta in Africa (35°54′N 5°18′W / 35.900°N 5.300°W / 35.900; -5.300).

On the East. A line joining from Cabo de Gata in Andalusia in Europe to Cap Fegalo in Algeria in Africa (35°36′N 1°12′W / 35.600°N 1.200°W / 35.600; -1.200).

Several small islands dot the sea, including the eponymous Isla de Alborán. Most, even including those close to the Moroccan shore are controlled by Spain.