A methodology for the selection of aquatic natural areas

A methodology is presented for selection of aquatic natural areas based on numerical ranking of sites. Non-weighted points are assigned to 24 physical and biological characteristics of the aquatic and terrestrial components of a proposed natural area. Cumulative score reflects both natural diversity and occurrence of unusual species or conditions. A systematic selection procedure is described which can be utilised by land managers or natural area organisations to arrive at and support objective decisions involving natural area selection.