The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is 344 400 square kilometres in size and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This comprehensive guide describes the organisms and ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the biological, chemical and physical processes that influence them. Contemporary pressing issues such as climate change, coral bleaching, coral disease and the challenges of coral reef fisheries are also discussed. In addition,the book includes a field guide that will help people to identify the common animals and plants on the reef, then to delve into the book to learn more about the roles the biota play. Beautifully illustrated and with contributions from 33 international experts, The Great Barrier Reef is a must-read for the interested reef tourist, student, researcher and environmental manager. While it has an Australian focus, it can equally be used as a baseline text for most Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Winner of a Whitley Certificate of Commendation for 2009.

"This book with its easy-to-follow chapter "Learning to Snorkel" is ideal for the novice on the coral reef. It is also an invaluable resource for the more experienced snorkeller. Subsequent chapters deal with the coral animals and reef structure, the plants, worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustacea, fishes, and reptiles. First aid and photographic hints are also covered. The more than 200 color photographs have substantial captions detailing unusual or interesting features of the plant and animal life of the reef ecosystem. Looking at the book's gorgeous photos of fantastic coral formations and exotic sea creatures will be enough to lure you into the water with a mask and snorkel... Valuable to ocean lovers anywhere." --Honolulu Star-Bulletin

A complete picture of life on Australia's phenomenal Great Barrier Reef. Over 800 full colour photographs are included.