World Heritage Site: Surtsey

World Heritage site: Surtsey (Iceland) • • • •

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Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland Southern most point of Iceland In 2008, UNESCO declared the island a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its great scientific value. Formed in a volcanic eruption which began 130 metres below sea level and reached the surface on 14th November 1963 The eruption lasted until 5th June 1967 when the island reached its maximum size of 2.7km2 Provides the world with a pristine natural laboratory Since they began studying the island in 1964, scientists have observed the arrival of seeds carried by ocean currents, the appearance of moulds, bacteria and fungi, followed in 1965 by the first vascular plant, of which there were 10 species by the end of the first decade. By 2004, they numbered 60 together with 75 bryophytes, 71 lichens and 24 fungi. Eighty-nine species of birds have been recorded on Surtsey, 57 of which breed elsewhere in Iceland.

Threats: • Potential threats from humans (researchers, scientists etc) • Threat of erosion to the island from wind and waves as the island is slumping Conservation/ Management: • The purpose of strictly prohibiting visits to Surtsey is to ensure that colonisation by plants and animals, biotic succession and the shaping of geological formations will be as natural as possible and that human disruption will be minimised. • It is prohibited to go ashore or dive by the island, to disturb the natural features, introduce organisms, minerals and soils or leave waste on the island. Nearby construction is also strictly controlled. • The most significant management issue will be to retain the level of control and protection from human influence that has characterised the protective history of Surtsey. It is noted that, as an island ecosystem, there is the potential for human disturbance and pollution from a very wide area. Contingency planning, for example for oil spills, is required for the property and its wider surroundings.