This book documents the first comprehensive survey of reef fishes ever undertaken in Hong Kong. It includes descriptions and colour photographs of over 320 fish species, a third of which have never before been recorded here.

Coral Reef Fishes is the successor of The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. This new edition includes provocative reviews covering the major areas of reef fish ecology. Concerns about the future health of coral reefs, and recognition that reefs and their fishes are economically important components of the coastal oceans of many tropical nations, have led to enormous growth in research directed at reef fishes. This book is much more than a simple revision of the earlier volume; it is a companion that supports and extends the earlier work. The included syntheses provides readers with the current highlights in this exciting science. * An up-to-date review of key research areas in reef fish ecology, with a bibliography including hundreds of citations, most from the last decade * Authoritative and provocative chapters written to suggest future research priorities * Includes discussions of regulation of fish populations, dispersal or site fidelity of larval reef fishes, sensory and motor capabilities of reef fish larvae, and complexities of management of reef species and communities

Reef fish spawning aggregations, ranging from small groups to many tens of thousands of individuals, are spectacular but poorly known natural phenomena whereby fish assemble at specific times and locations to spawn. For some species these large groups may be the only form of reproduction, the high fish numbers briefly giving a false impression of stability and abundance—an ‘illusion of plenty’. They are often a focus for intensive seasonal fishing because of their predictability and because many important commercial fishes form them. Highly vulnerable to overexploitation, many aggregations and their associated fisheries, have disappeared or are in decline. Few are effectively managed or incorporated into protected areas. Aggregations are not well understood by fishery scientists, managers and conservationists and their significance little appreciated by fishers or the wider public. To ensure their persistence to replenish important fisheries in coral ecosystems, maintain their ecosystem function and continue to delight divers, a significant change in perspective is needed to foster protection and management. This book provides comprehensive and practical coverage of the biology, study and management of reef fish aggregations, exploring their how, when, where, and why. It explores ways to better protect, study, manage and conserve them, while identifying key data gaps and questions. The text is extensively illustrated with many unique, never before published, photographs and graphics. Case studies on over 20 interesting and important fishes are included, outlining their biology and fisheries and highlighting major concerns and challenges.

From 6-25 April 1998, the Tenth International Workshop on the Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and South China was convened at the Swire Institute of Marine Science of the University of Hong Kong. Thirteen scientists from six countries and twenty-two scientists and students from Hong Kong investigated aspects of the marine flora and fauna of the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve and the southeastern waters of Hong Kong. This was to obtain more information about the newly-established reserve (the only one in Hong Kong) and the changes that had taken place on the seabed in the southern waters since they were dredged between 1992-1995, respectively, and, in the latter case, to see if there had been any subsequent benthic recovery. The Proceedings of the workshop contains thirty-six original research papers dealing with aspects of the taxonomy and anatomy, behaviour and physiology of marine life in Hong Kong and Southern China. Papers also explore aspects of Hong Kong's marine parks and reserves, including the pollution of Hong Kong's marine life with particular reference to the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve, established only in 1996, and the fauna of its territorial southern waters. The Workshop was sponsored by the University of Hong Kong, the Croucher Foundation and the K.C. Wong Foundation so as to bring eminent overseas scientists to Hong Kong to work with their local colleagues and students. The success of the workshop concept is self-evident in the contents and scope of these proceedings. This was the eighth workshop convened in Hong Kong since 1977 and these proceedings have become the single-most important body of information on the long-term changes that have taken place in its marine environment over an extended time-frame. The volumes are also the largest regional repository of information on the marine life of the territorial waters of Hong Kong and the northern rim of the South China Sea. For those with any interest in Hong Kong's marine environment, therefore, this proceedings and its predecessors are essential reading.

This is a new and fully updated edition of this very popular, compact and easy-to-use bird identification guide. It covers more than 250 species, and each bird description is supported by at least one clear colour photograph. The forests and coastline of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are home to a fantastic and vast array of birds, and offer many outstanding and easily accessible birdwatching locations, many of which are highlighted in the book's introduction. With easy-to-use thumbnail silhouettes, a regional map showing the best birding localities, up-to-date tips on birdwatching and information on bird biology and behaviour, this guide an invaluable for anyone birdwatching in the region.