Glossary

PSSA is a shortcut for --->'Particularly Sensitive Sea Area'. Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) are areas of the ocean that have been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as requiring special protection due to their unique ecological, economic, scientific, cultural, or recreational importance.

There are currently 23 PSSAs that have been designated by the IMO, and they cover a variety of different types of marine environments, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine protected areas.

The purpose of designating a particular area as a PSSA is to ensure that the area is protected from the impacts of shipping and other human activities that could potentially harm the marine environment. To achieve this, the IMO has established a set of guidelines and recommendations that are intended to minimize the environmental impacts of shipping in PSSAs. These guidelines cover a range of issues, including vessel traffic management, pollution prevention, and the protection of marine habitats and species.

The designation of a particular area as a PSSA does not necessarily imply that shipping is prohibited in the area. Rather, it indicates that special measures are needed to ensure that the marine environment in the area is protected.

Here are a few examples of PSSAs that have been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO):

1. Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is a PSSA that is located off the coast of Australia and covers an area of approximately 133,000 square miles. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales, and it is also a major tourist attraction. The PSSA designation for the Great Barrier Reef aims to protect the reef from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and vessel groundings, which could potentially harm the marine environment.

2. Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos Islands are a PSSA that are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of unique and endangered species, such as giant tortoises, iguanas, and marine iguanas. The PSSA designation for the Galapagos Islands aims to protect the islands and their marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

3. Sargasso Sea: The Sargasso Sea is a PSSA that is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by the presence of large mats of Sargassum seaweed. The Sargasso Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and whales, and it is also an important breeding ground for many species of birds. The PSSA designation for the Sargasso Sea aims to protect the sea and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

4. Cape Horn: Cape Horn is a PSSA that is located at the southern tip of South America and is known for its rugged and stormy conditions. Cape Horn is an important migratory route for marine animals, including whales and seabirds, and it is also a popular destination for recreational boaters. The PSSA designation for Cape Horn aims to protect the area and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and vessel groundings.

5. Mediterranean Sea: The Mediterranean Sea is a PSSA that is located in the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, reptiles, and mammals, and it is also an important economic and cultural resource for the countries that border it. The PSSA designation for the Mediterranean Sea aims to protect the sea and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

6. Wadden Sea: The Wadden Sea is a PSSA that is located in the North Sea and extends along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. The Wadden Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, birds, and invertebrates, and it is also an important economic resource for the countries that border it. The PSSA designation for the Wadden Sea aims to protect the sea and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and vessel groundings.

7. Bering Sea: The Bering Sea is a PSSA that is located in the northern Pacific Ocean and is bordered by the United States and Russia. The Bering Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, whales, and seals, and it is also an important economic resource for the countries that border it. The PSSA designation for the Bering Sea aims to protect the sea and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

8. Great Lakes: The Great Lakes are a PSSA that are located in the northeastern part of North America and are bordered by the United States and Canada. The Great Lakes are home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, birds, and invertebrates, and they are also an important economic and recreational resource for the countries that border them. The PSSA designation for the Great Lakes aims to protect the lakes and their marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

9. Virgin Islands: The Virgin Islands are a PSSA that are located in the Caribbean Sea and are home to a wide variety of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats. The Virgin Islands are also a major tourist destination, and the PSSA designation aims to protect the area's marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

10. Arctic Ocean: The Arctic Ocean is a PSSA that is located in the far north of the globe and is characterized by its icy conditions and unique marine life, such as polar bears, seals, and whales. The PSSA designation for the Arctic Ocean aims to protect the area and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

11. Coral Triangle: The Coral Triangle is a PSSA that is located in the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by its rich coral reefs and marine life, including fish, turtles, and dolphins. The Coral Triangle is an important fishing and tourism destination, and the PSSA designation aims to protect the area and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

12. Red Sea: The Red Sea is a PSSA that is located in the region of the same name and is home to a wide variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The Red Sea is also an important fishing and tourism destination, and the PSSA designation aims to protect the area and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.

13. Belize Barrier Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef is a PSSA that is located off the coast of Belize and is characterized by its rich coral reefs and marine life, including fish, turtles, and dolphins. The Belize Barrier Reef is an important fishing and tourism destination, and the PSSA designation aims to protect the area and its marine environment from the impacts of shipping, such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.