That part of the Indian Ocean bordering Saudi Arabia is a rich mosaic of coastal and marine ecosystems, both natural and man-made. Among these are coral reefs, mangroves, tidal flats, seagrasses, and other hard and soft substrata. Some ecosystems are relatively simple, while others such as the coral reefs are highly complex and among the most diverse in the Indian Ocean. The region divides into several large, semi-enclosed water bodies whose different physical characteristics result in distinct habitats. The overall aridity, extremes of water temperature, and often very high salinities have produced some of the most extreme marine climates on Earth. This book summarizes the available information on the region, then reviews the processes shaping the various marine and coastal systems. It relates patterns in marine assemblages to the strong environmental gradients and biogeographic barriers in the region. Finally, the book considers the human dimension. Some of the world's poorest and richest nations border these seas, making diverse claims on fisheries and other natural resources. The 1991 Gulf War is only the most recent of a range of impacts affecting the region. Approaches for resolving the increasing resource use conflicts are described. This volume will be of immense value to research workers, students of marine biology, and environmental managers in general, as well as to those with a particular interest in this part of the world. One of the few published works on this unique and diverse region Serves as a basic introduction to the area Provides a detailed analysis of ecosystem function Discusses human pollution and its effects

The Arabian Seas Marine Region encompasses marine areas from Djibouti to Pakistan, including the northern part of Somalia, the Red Sea, the Arabian/Persian Gulf, and parts of the Arabian Sea. Human pressures on the coastal and marine environments are evident throughout the region, and have resulted in harmful environmental effects. Oil and domestic, urban and industrial pollutants in several areas of this part of the world have caused local habitat degradation, eutrophication and algal blooms. Further, coastal landfill, dredging, and sedimentation, as well as nutrient and sediment runoff from phosphate mining, agriculture and grazing, and reduction in freshwater seepage due to groundwater extraction are all contributing to the degradation of coastal environments. This book discusses aspects not covered in other books on the region, which largely focus on marine biodiversity, and examines several environmental challenges that are often ignored, but which have a significant impact on the environment. Evaluating the status quo, it also recommends conservation measures and examines the abiotic factors that play a major main role in the environmental changes. Lastly, the book addresses the biodiversity of the area, providing a general context for the conservation and management measures discussed.

Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts offers a carefully balanced and stimulating survey of marine ecology, introducing the key processes and systems from which the marine environment is formed, and the issues and challenges which surround its future conservation.

Oceanographic and Marine Environmental Studies around the Arabian Peninsula presents studies on a range of topics related to the marine environment of the Red Sea and Arabian (Persian) Gulf. This book contains invited and peer-reviewed chapters from diverse researchers active in their respective fields. The chapters offer new data and include a comprehensive lists of references. Some of the main topics included in the book are pollution from heavy metals and petroleum, hydro-environmental characteristics of the seas, conservation of marine ecosystems, risk of climate change on the Red Sea region, and the mangrove environment. With new developments occurring in the coastal regions in recent decades, the book will be not only a helpful resource to researchers but also be a valuable reference for anyone curious about managing the marine and littoral environment of these two unique seas.

The Ecology of the Indonesian Seas distills for the first time the information found in thousands of scholarly works relevant to an understanding of the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in these islands—many of them available up to now only in Dutch, German or Indonesian. It is an invaluable tool for government planners, resource managers, ecologists, university students, scuba divers, and all those with an interest in the sea. The first volume provides a review of the geology, physical oceanography and meteorology of the archipelago. Coral reefs, one of the most important, yet least known ecosystems in Indonesia, are introduced in this volume through discussions of the geologic history of reefs, followed by a review of the major theories of coral reef formation, development and their world distribution. Corals and other reef-associated organisms are then examined. The chapter on foraminifera, major producers of the present and past carbonate deposits, presents some little-known Indonesian assemblages. Next, the authors look at the natural environmental factors that affect coral reef development and survival. A chapter on coral reef growth and development concludes the first volume.