This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

The collapse of many of the World’s fisheries continues to be of major concern and the enhancement of fish stocks through techniques such as ranching is of huge importance and interest across the globe. This important book, which contains fully peer reviewed and carefully edited papers from the 2nd International Symposium in Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching is broadly divided into sections covering the following areas: The present situation of stock enhancement Seed quality and techniques for effective stocking Health management of hatchery stocks Methods for evaluating stocking effectiveness Population management in stock enhancement and sea ranching Management of stocked populations Ecological interactions with wild stocks Genetic management of hatchery and wild stocks Socio-economics of stock enhancement Case studies Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching has been written and edited by some of the world’s foremost authorities in fisheries science and related areas and is essential reading for all fisheries scientists throughout the World. Fish biologists, marine and aquatic scientists, environmental biologists, ecologists, conservationists, aquaculture personnel and oceanographers will all find much of use and interest within this book. All libraries within universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught should have copies of this book on their shelves.