Site-specific limitations on the use of palaeontological resources

Abstract

Palaeontological resources are used by many people for diverse purposes, and in generating a best practice model for utilisation and conservation of these sites, the requirements of all of these interested parties should be taken into account. Fossil bearing sites vary tremendously, especially in rates of depletion of the rock and fossils, frequency of visits by interested parties and the scientific significance, size and distribution of fossils therein. We argue that it is these criteria that should dictate best practice for any particular site, and in doing so a far more rational conservation strategy can be achieved.