Product Description
This book provides a fascinating look at the natural history and evolution of coral reefs that forms the foundation for understanding reef ecology and its practical application in closed system aquaria. Beginners and experienced hobbyists will appreciate the wealth of information and beautiful illustrations. Special emphasis on reef construction, zoogeography, marine algae, and microbiology affords and invaluable tool for designing an ecologically responsible system. 650 high quality color photographs, numerous maps, tables, drawings, and diagrams.It is the bible of reef books in Europe! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Highly recommended
There are those who swear by Delbeek and Sprung's series whereas others gravitate toward Fossa and Nilsen series. Personally I think the modern marine aquarist should have both and they both have something to contribute and offer a slightly different perspective. For the beginner though one should decide to follow one set of advice and only after some experience try to assimilate the works of many authors and slowly experiment.
For some Fossa and Nilsen some mightfind a little more approachable and straight forward.
Inthe end I believe it is a matter of personal taste.

Magnífico
This book is a great guide to those who approach the coral reef aquarium and are specially interested in knowing why things happen such a way. Try to read it and you'll get delighted for sure.
Finally, I should mention it's full of magnificient photos, both from aquariums and nature.

Amazing book
This book is simply amazing. That's all I have to say.

An Excellent Book, A Must For Any SALTWATER HOBBYIST
This was an excellent book, which was so easy to read and understand.Even if you never thought about owning a saltwater aquarium , this book will make you start one. It has alot of detail, discusses alot of equipment and how to use it.It discusses every aspect of the hobby and it should be one of the first books on your bookshelf if you have a saltwater aquarium. It not only talks about setting up the aquarium, but it also talks about what fish to put in the aquarium.Fossa and Nilsen are great authors and know everything about saltwater aquariums, buy their books if you can, their well worth the money.

It`s fantastic!
This book is what I have always been looking for. A great reference on cnidarians that is not to complicated. The price is very high,but indeed,it is worth the money as it deals with 500+ species of corals and other cnidarians,some of which I have seen in no other of my fantastic fish/invertebrate books. It includes descriptions of more than 40 species of horn corals as well as a lot of sea anemones,which are very beautifull. This book is actually an updated,english edition of the norwegian 1992 book "Korallrevsakvariet Band 4". The authors are very experienced and they truly show that with all advices they give about keeping a saltwater aquarium in this book. It is definitly magnificent. Unfortunatley,I do not keep living cnidarians my self. I am just studying about them as wild animals. But the book was worth it and it made me discover a series of books that may be the best survey ever made on marine life,although more species would have been a good idea (1000 or more would be able to cover a book of this dimensions)I will soon buy the other ones. I`ll highly recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
For millennia, coral reefs have flourished as one of the planet’s most magnificent natural wonders. As Earth's most biodiverse ecosystem–surpassing even the rainforests–they are home to a cooperative network ranging from immense fish to sunlight-capturing algae to invisible microbes. Coral Reefs In The Microbial Seas is the first book to unveil the complete picture of how these relationships uphold coral reef health and what impact human activity has on this delicate balance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Loved Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas
This is a book about what is happening with the coral reefs and why they are in so much trouble. I like this book because it is written in clear and readable language for non-scientists. It also tries to give positive actions we can take to help rather than being all gloom and doom.

The stories about the scientists at the beginning of each chapter were really funny too!

A fascinating view of corals with a strong call to action
Forest Rohwer and Merry Youle have written a spectacular and accessible account of coral reefs and the impact that overfishing, climate change, and human waste are having on them. Each chapter begins with an often hilarious anecdote from Forest's recent expedition to the Northern Line Islands - I especially enjoyed the story of the 'Goddess' and the 'Microbe'. These stories emphasize the personal nature of these studies which also shines through in the writing throughout each chapter, even as the story becomes progressively more complicated, as we begin to appreciate the coral reef ecosystem at multiple levels, from sharks to grazers to the vast diversity of microbial life.

I'd recommend this book for anyone interested in microbiology or just science in general. Later on in the book, we become more aware of the impact humans are having on the reefs, often with tragic results. These sections have some similarities to "An Inconvenient Truth", "Fast Food Nation", and "An Omnivore's Dilemma", in that the authors clearly describe a global problem and present some easy solutions that allow each reader to personally make a difference.

Guidance for our survival, as well as for our reefs
Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas is a fabulous book. It is not only very informative [I see it as providing guidance to Humankind that goes far beyond the health of reefs to the health of our species], but also makes for amusing and easy reading. Anyone who has participated in "Field Trials" can identify with what it is like to collect data, away from our home laboratory, and the descriptions of the scientists and their episodes have a genuineness that I appreciate [although the depth of sympathy for any hardships they encountered while SCUBA diving in spectacular waters may be a bit limited . . .].
I liked reading each of the chapters, and the logical progression of chapters that leads to the DDAM model is totally convincing. Very well done.
I, like other reviewers, am pleased that Prof. Rohwer and Merry Youle have presented an Action Plan that can, possibly, reverse the devastating destruction of such an important part of our Ecosystem, but I generalize their guidance to be towards Sustainable Agriculture, both on our Lands and in our Seas.
The Global Community, indeed!

Lots of Sea Bugs Around Coral Reefs
For the amateur SCUBA enthusiast the material presented in the narrative is probably a real eye-opener. From low level microbs all the way up the food chain (web)to the sharks, the complex life formations required to keep the coral reef alive are mind boggling.

The book is part college text containing significant amounts of research and part recreational reading sure to keep even a lay diver interested in seeking more information as the story unfolds. A nice job all around. A background in reefs is probably presupposed as the authors jump right into research needs and findings without providing requisit underpinnings. But, then again, it's not going to be bought by a casual reader seeking colorful pictures. There is sufficient information to interest the lay reader as well as technical data to please SCUBA divers seeking to learn more about what they see in coral reef formations. In summary, the book is a good read and deserves a place on bookshelves for current and reference information.

Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas
My signed copy of this book might indicate my bias but I've known Merry Youle for a number of years. I rejoice that she has been such an integral part of this fine effort at trying to describe an ecosystem in danger to those of us who have never actually experienced a coral reef. Good luck with getting the word out! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Field Guide
I own 3 copies of the book (two of the second edition, one of the first) because I would fear the day that they would stop printing it.As an avid diver, research scientist, and conservation biologist, I am frequently diving around the world such as in Belize, Honduras, Panama, St. Lucia, Madagascar, Egypt, Sulawesi, Maldives, among other sites.I have never found a better or more accurate field guide as the ones that they have prepared that is useful in all of these sites, and provides such stunning and accurate illustrations that allow for easy identifications of very similar species.I strongly recommend buying this book!

As thorough as it gets
You'll appreciate this guide whether you're a curious amateur or serious naturalist.

It's got one of the most exhaustive coverages of each of the families of fish. Sure it misses out one or two species for some families, but it's hard to have a complete guide to the reef - it's too diverse.

It has one of the most complete guides to cartilaginous fish, pipefish, butterfly fish, groupers, damsels and wrasses, as far as I am aware, but it certainly has the most complete guide to gobies.

Colours for some species may be a little bit inaccurate, but then again, everything looks different in or out of water, and varies with visibility and health. It's not that big an issue.

Something else that's handy: pointers on the slate that highlight distinctive markings.

A good buy. You'd want to waterproof this. ... Read more

Product Description
Earle takes children on an undersea journey to explore an amazing "underwater city." She explains the formation of coral reefs and provides information about the conditions needed for survival. In addition, the author introduces other animals that live in and near the reef and stresses the importance of protecting corals from pollution. Matthews's ink-and-gouache paintings bring the colors and variety of this habitat to life. The book also includes a simple experiment that demonstrates how "filter feeders" strain food from the water. ... Read more

Product Description
Coral reefs declined worldwide during the 1980s and 1990s, making them perhaps the most endangered marine ecosystem on Earth. This realization spurred John W. Tunnell Jr. and others to write a comprehensive book that would raise awareness of coral reefs and their plight. Tunnell and coeditors Ernesto A. Chávez and Kim Withers present an integrated and broad-ranging synthesis, while Mexican and U.S. experts assess the current state of these fragile systems and offer a framework for their restoration.

Beginning with a history of the research done in this region, Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico covers the geography, geology, oceanography, ecology, and biodiversity of the thirty-eight "emergent" or platform-type coral reefs in the southern Gulf. The editors include chapters on the biota--from algae to fish--followed by a look at environmental impacts, both natural (such as hurricanes and red tides) and human (such as ship groundings and dredging). The book closes with a discussion of conservation issues, which is both descriptive and prescriptive in its assessment of what has been done and what should be done to protect and manage these vital ecosystems. ... Read more

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During the late 1960s and 1970s, massive herds of poisonous crown-of-thorns starfish suddenly began to infest coral reef communities around the world, leaving in their wake devastation comparable to a burnt-out rainforest.In What is Natural?, Jan Sapp both examines this ecological catastrophe and captures the intense debate among scientists about what caused the crisis, and how it should be handled. The crown-of-thorns story takes readers on tropical expeditions around the world, and into both marine laboratories and government committees, where scientists rigorously search for answers to the many profound questions surrounding this event.Were these fierce starfish outbreaks the kind of manmade disaster heralded by such environmentalists as Rachel Carson in Silent Spring? Indeed, discussions of the cause of the starfish plagues have involved virtually every environmental issue of our timeover-fishing, pesticide use, atomic testing, rain forest depletion, and over-populationbut many marine biologists maintain that the epidemic is a natural feature of coral-reef life, an ecological ""balance of nature"" that should not to be tampered with until we know the scientific truth of the crisis.But should we search for the scientific truth before taking action? And what if an environmental emergency cannot wait for a rigorous scientific search for ""the truth?"" The starfish plagues are arguably one of most mysterious ecological phenomena of this century.Through the window of this singlular event, What is Natural lucidly illustrates the complexity of environmental issues while probing the most fundamental questions about the relationship between man and nature.Amazon.com Review
Students of marine biology have long been fascinated by thesuperorganisms called coral reefs, formed over thousands of years fromskeletal remains and other matter. Many of those students have warnedfor several decades that these uncommon reefs are endangered by humandevelopment. Now, historian of science Jan Sapp writes, they are facedwith another, paradoxical threat: the accelerating destruction ofreefs by a creature called Acanthaster planci, thecrown-of-thorns starfish. These starfish were a rarity when they werefirst observed off the coast of Australia in the late 1950s. Sincethat time their population has blossomed, with some scientistsdebating the cause but linking it at one time or another to familiartroublemakers, including global warming, overfishing, pesticide use,and atomic testing. Still other reputable scientists, Sapp writes,have dismissed the crown-of-thorns controversy as a hoax, claimingthat most coral reefs are in no danger. "Facts, theories, values, andpolitics were so entangled in the controversy that it was often asdifficult for us to separate them as it was for scientists to separateanthropogenic from natural change," he notes. Among the points in thedebate that he finds most interesting is this: What happens when anatural predator threatens an already endangered species or habitat?The answers that he suggests are far from definitive, but they open upa discussion that will become increasingly important as more and moreecosystems require protection. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent review of coral reef management
As a wedge in the reflection of our coral reef management policy, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks attracted people's attention on our deteriorating reef environments. With the concern of biodiversityconservation, Jan Sapp included and organized documents of scientificstudies and political events to examine the proposed reasons of starfishplagues and its influence on global reef management. For those who areinterested in coral reef biology and environmental management, thiseasy-read book provides good amount of reef ecology knowledge, also revealsa good case to understand how on-land decision makers determine the fate ofunderwater world. ... Read more

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Presents an in-depth examination of the basic composition of life found in the coral reef environment. ... Read more

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An introduction to the beautiful and busy world of a coral reef describes the tiny coral polyps that build up the reefs as well as the thousands of mysterious inhabitants that live there, from jewel-like fishes to tiny snails. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great guide for future dive enthusiasts!
As a diver, I am asked to speak to elementary schools on my experiences under the water.I found this book, full of wonderful pictures and easy to understand explanations of the coral reef, to be a great guide to suggestto the teachers prior to my visit.They have found the book to be a greatguide in teaching their students about the coral reef.It also preparesthem for my visit and loads them with tons of questions to ask me! A veryuseful book for future divers, one that will peak their curiousity andpromote a yearn to see what the coral reef is really like! ... Read more

Product Description
The most fascinating aspects of coral reefs relate to how corals and reef residents meet the challenges of survival and live together.

The focus of this book is on how a coral reef functions—the jobs of individual residents and how they collectively create a sustainable community. The author explores how solar energy powers the reef, how raw materials are used efficiently and waste is recycled, why biodiversity is security, and how everything is connected. There are also many insights into the more personal lives of reef residents—some are as strange as any science fiction. By viewing coral reefs in the context of a human city, one can more easily appreciate the creative ways reef communities operate; they neither undermine their own survival nor that of other communities elsewhere. In other words, a variety of species collectively enhances the survival of the entire community.

Dr. Murphy sees reef communities existing in a dynamic equilibrium where forces of competition, destruction, and decay are balanced by cooperation, repair, and rejuvenation.

There are lessons for those of us who are concerned about making our own communities more sustainable. The subject matter is serious, but it is not taken so seriously that it isn’t fun. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Charming, colorful illustrations help tell this story to 4-8 year-olds in unforgettable style
"The Octonauts & the Great Ghost Reef" is a daring, imaginative children's picture book about a team of eight animal explorers who rescue a sea turtle and tackle the task of helping to bring an endangered coral reef and the sea life it supports back to health. Charming, colorful illustrations help tell this story to 4-8 year-olds in unforgettable style. Designers of the mascots for 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, Meomi presents its educational message with incredible visual pizzaz and punch. Join Captain Barnacles Bear, Peso Penguin Tweak Bunny, Dr. Shellington, Tunip the Vegimal, Sauci Dog, Kwazii Kitten, and Professor Inkling the octopus in their undersea adventure and learn about how to help coral reefs survive and thrive.
... Read more

Product Description
This book will open up the underwater world of the Caribbean to everyone interested in exploring this vibrant environment--from those who know its waters well to those who have never visited. Conversational, beautifully illustrated, and loaded with information, A Guide to the Coral Reefs of the Caribbean is both a guide to the natural history of the coral reefs of the region and a diver's travel guide. In addition to providing comprehensive and easy-to-use information about some of the most popular and beautiful tourist, diving, and snorkeling destinations in the world, this book offers advice and practical suggestions to readers who want to protect these stunning, vital resources. Spalding is a highly acclaimed coral reef scientist who has visited and worked on coral reefs in over thirty countries. This guide is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The first section provides facts about reef wildlife, the interactions between humans and reefs, and the Caribbean area in general. Spalding discusses the problems facing the reefs, with a focus on what each person can do to protect them. The second section comprises thirty-five country-based chapters that provide key information about the coral reefs, marine parks, points of general interest, remote places, and unusual species. Throughout the text a set of stunning maps show the islands, coral reefs, marine features, dive centers, and many other key sites. Section three provides a photographic field guide and inventory of the marine flora and fauna of the region. The book concludes with useful listings of the best-known conservation groups, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to get involved at a practical level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Overview of Caribbean reefs and how to enjoy and protect them
This book starts off with an excellent discussion of reef formation and processes, followed by reef ecology and a general discussion of geology and weather patterns of the Caribbean. It goes on to discuss human intereactions with reefs and ways ot protect them before launcing into the main section of the book that goes island by island and country by country around the Caribbean (here taken to include the Bahamas and even Bermuda). Maps of reefs are provided that mark significant dive sites. The maps are not sufficiently detailed, for example, to tell you the best snorkeling beaches, but they give a much-appreciated view of the reef system off each shore and are accompanied by discussion of local highlights. Short histories are provided for each area, and the book is full of short box essays on sharks, algae, turtles, indigenous people, hurricanes, volcanoes, bioluminescence, and a host of other topics. The last section highlights some common reef species. Although this section is not as detailed as a typical field guide, it does cover many of the more common organisms one is likley to encounter and may save on the need to bring another book along. ... Read more