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5.0 International marine classification systems and spatial frameworks

5.1 Classification systems and spatial frameworks reviewed

Key attributes of a selection of international marine environment classification systems and spatial frameworks are identified in section 9 of this report. The systems included were chosen to cover a diversity of approaches.

Section 9 summarises key characteristics of these systems to facilitate comparisons between them. Aspects included in this table include:

• scale of operation
• part of the coast covered
• type of classification/spatial framework
• structure of classification
• original purpose

Appendix 1 provides detail on the structure of some of the classification systems addressed in section 9.

5.2 Trends observed for selected international coastal and marine classifications and spatial frameworks

The international marine classification systems and spatial frameworks reviewed can be divided into similar categories as for the New Zealand classification systems and frameworks. The major difference is that there are a number of international classification systems for marine habitats and communities whereas there are no comparable national systems for New Zealand.

Another important difference is the development of national marine environment classifications based geophysical attributes, such as that described in Roff and Taylor (2000) for Canada. Such systems are based on enduring geophysical features of the marine environment that identify habitat types that reflect changes in biological composition. This system has been developed recognizing that classifications based only on biological data are generally not possible at larger scales due to the lack of information. Instead Roff and Taylor use geophysical attributes in a hierarchical structure as a surrogate for community types. The data for this is available from mapped sources and remote sensing. The intention is to use this information to identify representative and distinctive marine habitats supporting different communities and to provide an ecological framework for marine conservation planning at the national level for Canada.

The reviewed international systems grouped according to category:

• Bioregional/biogeographic spatial frameworks
  • ANZECC interim marine and coastal regionalisation for Australia (1998)
  • US Marine Sanctuary Programme Classification (1982)
  • British Columbia Marine Ecological Classification at levels 1-3 (http://www.gis.luco.gov.bc.ca/mris/)
• Wetland classifications (using Ramsar Convention definition of wetland or similar)
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Classification (Cowardin et al, 1979) (very widely used)
  • Victoria, Australia Wetland Classification (1996)
  • California Marine System Classification
• Physical Classifications for Estuaries
  • Physical Classification of Australian Estuaries (Digby et al, 1999)
  • Estuary Geomorphological Classification, Natal, South Africa. (Cooper et al, 1994)
• Marine Geophysical Classifications
  • Proposed marine environment classification for Canada (Roff & Taylor, 2000)
  • British Columbia marine ecological classification at the ecounits level (http://www.gis.luco.gov.bc.ca/mris/)
• Detailed Marine Habitat and Biological Community Classifications (not using Ramsar definition of wetland)
  • BioMar Biotope Classification (North East Atlantic)
  • Caribbean Marine Habitat Classification (Mumby & Harborne, 1999)
  • NOAA Benthic Habatat Classification for Puerto Rico & US Virgin Islands.