Maintained by

Biodiversity is of benefit for humans directly, as it serves as a resource which contributes genes for improving yield and resistance in aquaculture organisms. In recent years much interest have also been put into developing medicines from derivates of marine organisms. Other benefits include its recreational value, which is enjoyed by divers, boaters and eco-tourists.

Several initiatives have been established to protect areas in order to maintain biodiversity. Some reasons for protecting areas might be: particularly high biodiversity, a large number of endemic/threatened species, or areas required by migratory species.