Is marine biological diversity threatened?; how science defineds biological diversity; marine ecosystems - coastal; marine ecosystems - oceanic; conservation of marine biological diversity; national programs and laws; international conventions and programmes; conserving marine biodiversity in the future.
Boyce Thorne-Miller is marine science and policy coordinator at SeaWeb, based in Washington, D.C.
Human activities now threaten myriad species of plant and animal life not only on land but in the world's oceans. Stating that the ``deep-ocean floor, originally thought to be biologically poor, supports a diversity of species that may be comparable to that of the tropical rain forests,'' the authors define marine ecosystems and discuss such destructive practices as construction and dredging in coastal areas and the overharvesting of marine resources. In examining what can be done to stop the destruction, they note that many national programs and laws designed to protect marine biological diversity are poorly funded and difficult to enforce. Because of its clear presentation of urgent environmental issues as well as constructive suggestions for conserving marine biological diversity, this book, with its glossary of scientific terms, is suitable for general readers as well as for government planners on all levels. Recommended for public and academic libraries.-- Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Narragansett
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