An up-to-date, detailed, and fully-illustrated account of the biodiversity and status of coral reefs.

Seagrasses are a vital and widespread but often overlooked coastal marine habitat. This volume provides a global survey of their distribution and conservation status.

With more than 6000 photographs of marine fishes this book sets a new benchmark for their identification. It provides the greatest possible coverage and is aimed primarily to assist people interested in marine fishes and their scientific names or classification. Presented here are the fishes one is likely to see when diving or snorkeling in the sea, as well as those that are traded in the aquarium industry. This World Atlas includes both tropical and temperate fishes. Depending on the size and popularity of the groups or families, introductions to these provide general information, distribution and habitat, number of species, interesting facts on behavior and aquarium suitability. In the case of very large families like wrasses, damsels or gobies, separate introductions may be dedicated to each distinctive group or subfamily. The greatest possible number of photographs is used on a page, but in sizes that clearly identify the fish. Variable species may be illustrated with more than one picture. In all, included are some 4,200 species. This is an invaluable reference book for the great variety of marine fishes found in the world's seas. As such it addresses all fish enthusiasts - divers, snorkelers, fish watchers, fisherman, reef surveyors, aquarists, ichthyologists and bio-geographers.

"This atlas provides the first truly global assessment of the state of the world's mangroves. Written by the leading expert on mangroves with support from the top international researchers and conservation organizations, this full color atlas contains 60 full-page maps, hundreds of photographs and illustrations and a comprehensive country-by-country assessment of mangroves. Included are the first detailed estimates of changes in mangrove forestcover worldwide and at regional and national levels, an assessment of these changes and a country-by-country examination of biodiversity protection. The book also presents a wealth of global statistics on biodiversity, habitat area, loss and economic value which provide a unique record of mangroves against which future threats and changes can be evaluated. Case-studies, written by regional experts, provide insights into regional mangrove issues, including primary and potential productivity, biodiversity, and information on present and traditional uses and values and sustainable management."--Pub. desc.

Global biological diversity, ecosystem diversity.