Macquarie Island has outstanding universal value for two reasons. The geological evolution of Macquarie Island began 10 million years ago and continues today with the island experiencing earthquakes and a rapid rate of uplift, all of which are related to active geological processes along the boundary between the two plates. Macquarie Island is the only ophiolite (a well-developed and studied geological complex) recognised to have been formed within a major ocean basin. Human impacts, commencing on Macquarie Island in 1810, have resulted in major changes to the biota of the reserve. Management of the reserve is guided by the Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan 2006.