These documents summarize some of the recent studies of the relationships among climate, the aquatic environment, and the dynamics of fish populations. The studies are mostly from the North Pacific ocean, but there are reports of investigations from the North Atlatic Ocean and from fresh water. Various papers include numerous examples of the relationships between fish abundance trends and the environment.

In response to a continuing high loss of commercial fishing vessels and crews, the U.S. Congress has mandated development of new safety requirements for the industry. This volume provides a blueprint for an integrated national safety program that responds realistically to industry conditions, with priority on the most cost-effective alternatives. Fishing Vessel Safety addresses the role of the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing industry and evaluates such safety measures as vessel inspection and registration, and the training and licensing of fishermen. It explores vessel condition, the role of human behavior, the problem of weather prediction, the high cost of insurance, and more.

The ocean is under increasing threat from the expansion of human activities. The combined impacts of these threats as well as the potential impacts of climate change and ocean acidification have placed thousands of species at risk of extinction, and have impaired the structure, function, productivity and resilience of marine ecosystems. Currently, some parts of the world's oceans are significantly impacted, yet are without any form of effective management. Only a small proportion of the oceans are within protected area systems. Globally, measures are being taken to increase protection and sustainable management, but application is uncoordinated and not always effective. In order to support effective policy action by countries and competent international and regional organizations, it is critical to build a sound understanding of the most ecologically and biologically important ocean areas that support healthy marine ecosystems so that the necessary steps to ensure the long-term function and resilience of these systems can be taken.