This book takes the place of “Biology of Seagrasses: A Treatise on the Biology of Seagrasses with Special Reference to the Australian Region”, co-edited by A.W.D. Larkum, A.J. MaCComb and S.A. Shepherd and published by Elsevier in 1989. The first book has been influential, but it is now 25 years since it was published and seagrass studies have progressed and developed considerably since then. The design of the current book follows in the steps of the first book. There are chapters on taxonomy, floral biology, biogeography and regional studies. The regional studies emphasize the importance of Australia having over half of the world’s 62 species, including some ten species published for Australia since the previous book. There are a number of chapters on ecology and biogeography; fish biology and fisheries and dugong biology are prominent chapters. Physiological aspects again play an important part, including new knowledge on the role of hydrogen sulphide in sediments and on photosynthetic processes. Climate change, pollution and environmental degradation this time gain an even more important part of the book. Decline of seagrasses around Australia are also discussed in detail in several chapters. Since the first book was published two new areas have received special attention: blue carbon and genomic studies. Seagrasses are now known to be a very important player in the formation of blue carbon, i.e. carbon that has a long turnover time in soils and sediments. Alongside salt marshes and mangroves, seagrasses are now recognized as playing a very important role in the formation of blue carbon. And because Australia has such an abundance and variety of seagrasses, their role in blue carbon production and turnover is of great importance. The first whole genomes of seagrasses are now available and Australia has played an important role here. It appears that seagrasses have several different suites of genes as compared with other (land) plants and even in comparison with freshwater hydrophytes. This difference is leading to important molecular biological studies where the new knowledge will be important to the understanding and conservation of seagrass ecosystems in Australia. Thus by reason of its natural abundance of diverse seagrasses and a sophisticated seagrass research community in Australia it is possible to produce a book which will be attractive to marine biologists, coastal scientists and conservationists from many countries around the world.

Hardbound. Seagrasses are a common feature of inshore coastal waters of all continents except Antarctica. This book, the first to attempt a comprehensive coverage of seagrasses, will attract a wide audience including botanists, zoologists, geologists, and experts in fisheries and coastal management. There are individual chapters on all aspects of the plants themselves, from questions of taxonomy, reproduction and evolution, through ecology and biogeography, to the physiological aspects of photosynthesis, nutrition and salt balance.The fauna associated with seagrass beds are also dealt with extensively, including meiofauna, large grazers (including dugongs and turtles), and fish. The book examines the role of seagrass beds as nursery grounds for commercially important fish, and addresses the problems of human impact on seagrass communities, the conservation of seagrass beds, and their restoration.The book is written for an international audience lar

The Wetland Book is a comprehensive resource aimed at supporting the trans- and multidisciplinary research and practice which is inherent to this field. Aware both that wetlands research is on the rise and that researchers and students are often working or learning across several disciplines, The Wetland Book is a readily accessible online and print reference which will be the first port of call on key concepts in wetlands science and management. This easy-to-follow reference will allow multidisciplinary teams and transdisciplinary individuals to look up terms, access further details, read overviews on key issues and navigate to key articles selected by experts.

Seagrasses are a vital and widespread but often overlooked coastal marine habitat. This volume provides a global survey of their distribution and conservation status.

A Guide to Southern Temperate Seagrasses describes the exceptionally diverse seagrasses in the temperate parts of the southern hemisphere. This book introduces readers to the evolution, biology and ecology of the southern temperate seagrasses and presents a visual key to allow species identification using easily recognisable features. Detailed information is presented summarising the distinctive features of each species or 'complex', with brief notes about their taxonomy, reproduction and ecology. With information provided in a highly concise format, this book allows readers to rapidly identify a particular seagrass, as well as other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a certain area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for students, researchers, environmental consultants and both government and non-government agencies.

The coast is one of our most valuable assets but how is it being treated and what is being done to look after it? COASTAL MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA is the first book to provide a comprehensive overview of this important subject. Interesting case studies are used to illustrate human impact on coastal processes as well as demonstrating the global significance of the coast and the international imperative to manage it properly. COASTAL MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA introduces the background to the various coastal management systems operating in Australia and illustrates these with 'real world' examples from the different states and territories. Since this book was first published yet another parliamentary inquiry has been added to some 30 years of national inquiries into coastal management, with further calls for national co-ordination. In addition, the Australian government has focused attention on the potential risks of climate change for the Australian coast. Both authors have national and international coastal expertise; significant academic teaching experience in coastal processes and coastal management; coastal planning and policy skills; and have extensive government expertise in coastal management.

Seagrass Strategic Review and Development of an R&D Plan was commissioned by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). It reflects a shift from viewing fished species or even fisheries habitats as separate, unconnected entities to viewing them as components of larger ecosystems, and it seeks to develop a comprehensive, ecosystem-based management plan.