The data in this estuarine profile on Humboldt Bay provides a scientific reference on the bay's natural resources and will aid in the management and protection of the estuary. It provides current and historical information on the geographic setting of Humboldt Bay; describes geological, climatological, hydrological, and physicochemical aspects of the bay environment; describes the biotic communities and the relationships; compares and contrasts other west coast estuaries to Humboldt Bay; provides management considerations in terms of procedures, socioeconomic factors, and environmental concerns; and identifies research and management information gaps important to proper management and protection of the bay.

Humboldt Bay is one of California's largest coastal estuaries, second only to San Francisco Bay in size. The bay is important ecologically, serving as habitat for many invertebrates, fishes, birds, and mammals. The bay attracts many recreational users and because it is an important shipping port also attracts industry, particularly that related to forest products. This report summarizes and synthesizes scientific data on the ecological relationships and functions of the estuary including information on geological, climatological, hydrologic and physical-chemical aspects of the bay environment; describes the biotic communities and their relationships; compares and contrasts other west coast estuaries to Humboldt Bay; provides management considerations in terms of procedures, socioeconomic factors and environmental concerns; and identifies research and management information gaps. Portions of the bay are managed as a national wildlife refuge. Management issues for this ecosystem includes loss of habitat and degradation of the environment by additional industrial development and nonpoint source pollution.

Marine fishes have been intensively studied, and some of the fundamental ideas in the science of marine ecology have emerged from the body of knowledge derived from this diverse group of organisms. This unique, authoritative, and accessible reference, compiled by 35 luminary ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and ichthyologists, provides a synthesis and interpretation of the large, often daunting, body of information on the ecology of marine fishes. The focus is on the fauna of the eastern Pacific, especially the fishes of the California coast, a group among the most diverse and best studied of all marine ecosystems. A generously illustrated and comprehensive source of information, this volume will also be an important launching pad for future research and will shed new light on the study of marine fish ecology worldwide. The contributors touch on many fields in biology, including physiology, development, genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution. The book includes sections on the history of research, both published and unpublished data, sections on collecting techniques, and references to important earlier studies.