Establishing Underwater Parks Worldwide

Wallis, Orthello

National and international concern for the preservation of unique features on submerged lands and offshore waters is being manifested in the establishment of marine underwater parks, refuges, sanctuaries, and preserves. Additional underwater areas should be set aside to protect submerged features of national and international interest and importance that are threatened by a variety of adverse and competing activities. Underwater parks and like areas have been created or are under study by many countries including: United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Columbia, Israel, Turks and Caicos, St. Vincent, and Tobago. Underwater areas are administered at varying levels of government -- international, Federal, State, province, prefecture, county, and city -- depending upon where each is located. Submerged lands in several states have been designated as underwater parks, preserves or sanctuaries by the Federal and State governments. Purposes for marine underwater parks include: (1) perpetuation of unique marine ecosystems, biological and geological features and significant historical objects or sites; (2) protection of specific forms of marine life and their required habitats; (3) research and educational study of undisturbed marine environments; (4) recreational uses; and (5) buffer zones.