Surtsey is a new island formed by volcanic eruptions in 1963-67. Free from human interference, Surtsey has produced long-term information on the colonisation process of new land by plant and animal life. Criterion (ix): Ongoing biological and ecological processes: Surtsey was born as a new volcanic island in 1963-67 and since that time has played a major role in studies of succession and colonisation. Above all, because of its continuing protection, Surtsey will continue to provide invaluable data on biological colonisation long into the future. 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.