The Bering Sea, which lies between the United States and Russia, is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and has prolific fishing grounds. Yet there have been significant unexplained population fluctuations in marine mammals and birds in the region. The book examines the Bering Sea ecosystem's dynamics and the relationship between man and the ecosystem, in order to identify potential reasons for the population fluctuations as well as identify ways the Sea's living resources can be better managed by government.

Seventy-three papers covering present knowledge about the natural science of the Eastern Bering Sea Shelf. Volume I deals with geological, physical and chemical oceanography; Volume II concerns biological subjects.

"A must read for anyone interested in the ecology of whales, this timely and creative volume is sure to stimulate new research for years to come."—Annalisa Berta, San Diego State University

Synthesis of results of oceanographic explorations conducted in the region extending from the Northern Bering Sea to the southern Chukchi Sea between 1922 and 1973.

Seventy-three papers covering present knowledge about the natural science of the Eastern Bering Sea Shelf. Volume I deals with geological, physical and chemical oceanography; Volume II concerns biological subjects.