Marine Geotope Protection

Abstract

Marine geotope is (1) an Earth science site at the seafloor (modified after Erikstad, 1994) or a (2) specific site or area at the seafloor that has significant geological and geomorphological value (modified after St€urm, 1994). Marine geosite is a key locality or area, at the seafloor, showing geological (and geomorphological) features of intrinsic scientific interest that allow us to understand the key stages in the evolution of the Earth (modified after Wimbledon and Smith-Meyer, 2012). Marine geosites can be large or small, e.g., submarine canyons, seamounts, or submarine moraines. Geological and geomorphological features and their diversity (i.e., geodiversity) are of great importance for several reasons, both in terrestrial and marine environments. Values of geodiversity include intrinsic or existence value, cultural value, aesthetic value, economic value, functional value, and research/educational value (Gray, 2004). Geosites, as well as landscapes, shaped and defined by their geology, form the geological heritage, which is a part of the natural heritage of any country (Wimbledon and Smith-Meyer, 2012), on land and at the seafloor. Geomorphological features and rocks are just as much part of natural heritage as animals and plants. Thus conservation of geosites and geodiversity is justified and important also in marine environment. The conservation of geological and geomorphological features, that is, geoconservation, has a long history. One of the first geoconservation, by legal action, has taken place already in 1819 in Scotland (McMillan et al., 1999). Geoconservation has been a well-established activity in the terrestrial environment, but it has been earlier largely absent in the marine environment. However, at present there are already several marine protected areas that are defined by geology. There are several national and international programs for site inventories and protection of important geological sites, like UNESCO’s Global Geoparks and IUGS Geosites Programmes. In addition UNESCO keeps a World Heritage List of certain places on Earth that have outstanding universal value and should form part of the common heritage of humankind. That list includes unique places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Kvarken Archipelago in Finland, among others, that make up the world’s marine heritage. Conservation of both biological and geological components of nature forms a basis for the sustainable use of marine resources, sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the world’s oceans and seas, and is the responsibility of all countries and their governments.