Over the last decade or two marine scientists have become more aware of the role of freshwater outflow in coastal waters. Some have raised the question whether or not regulation of river flow may change the biological productivity in coastal marine ecosystems. The idea of organising a workshop to deal with this problem, arose from parallel concern in Norway and Canada, but it was soon recognised that the scientific interests were also shared by research groups in other countries. After the initial contacts had been made, it was agreed to establish a committee which should assist the workshop director in organising the workshop. The Organising committee consisted of K.F. Drinkwater, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada; S. Skreslet (workshop director), Nordland College, Norway; V.S. Smetacek, Institut fur Meereskunde an der Universitat Kiel, Germany; and H. Svendsen, University of Bergen, Norway. An Advisory committee was established to provide terms of reference for the Organising committee, with regard to the programme and selection of participants. This committee con sisted of J.B.L. Matthews (chairman), Scottish Marine Bio logical Association, U.K.; T.R. Parsons, University of British Columbia, Canada; R. S~tre, Institute of Marine Research, Nor way; M.M. Sinclair, Fisheries and Oceans, Canada; and W.S. Wooster, University of Washington, Canada.

The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

The crucial importance of biodiversity law to future human welfare is only now being fully appreciated. This wide-ranging Handbook presents a range of perspectives from leading international experts reflecting up-to-date research thinking on the vital subject of biodiversity and its interaction with law. Through a rigorous examination of the principles, procedures and practices that characterise this area of law, this timely volume effectively highlights its objectives, implementation, achievements, and prospects. More specifically, the work addresses the regulatory challenges posed by the principal contemporary threats to biological diversity, the applicable general principles of international environmental law and the visions, values and voices that are shaping the development of the law. Presenting thematic rather than regime-based coverage, the editors demonstrate the state-of-the-art of current research and identify future research needs and directions. This comprehensive and authoritative Handbook will be an indispensable resource for legal scholars, students and practitioners alike.