Books : Science & Nature : Biological Sciences : Hydrobiology : General AAS

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Books : Science & Nature : Biological Sciences : Hydrobiology : General AAS

• Mapping the Deep: The Extraordinary Story of Ocean Science

  Robert Kunzig

  
  The title of Mapping the Deep suggests that it is primarily about oceanography. Although the extremely interesting history of this subject forms a major element in the book, its broader, richer subject is man's changing relationship with the oceans. Until recently these have been characterised by high-handed ignorance, the oceans seen at once as inexhaustible resource and bottomless dump. Robert Kunzig remarks that politicians and science writers seem to be most interested in space exploration, whereas the real story is closer at hand--in the oceans. The symbolic goals of space exploration are easier to understand than the endlessly complex ecology of the deep oceans or the mysteries of the great currents that circle the globe and control its weather. Yet, as Kunzig demonstrates, the oceans are where the future of mankind may be determined. It is now widely accepted, for example, that global warming may precipitate a sudden, massive realignment of the ocean currents, an event certain to have vast but unforeseeable consequences. The climatic catastrophes attendant on the relatively minor disturbance known as El Nino give an idea of what may be in store.

  Mapping the Deep records the extraordinary (and chronically underfunded) work of the scientists who have painstakingly explored the huge chemical, biological and geographical mechanism of the oceans. Robert Kunzig provides expert and gripping accounts of the (literally) earth-shattering revelation of plate tectonics, the novel life-forms of the black smokers, the unexpected diversity of life at the greatest depths, the commanding ecological role played by the overlooked organisms of the oceanic plankton, the dreadful consequences of over-fishing; and much more. His ability to make complex science comprehensible to the non-scientist without over-simplification make him the best kind of populariser. A remarkable book, both a celebration and a warning. --Robin Davidson

  
   

• Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts

  Michel Kaiser, Martin Attrill, Simon Jennings, David N Thomas, David Barnes, Andrew Brierley, Nicholas Polunin, David Raffaelli, Peter Le B Williams

  
  
   

• Freshwater Life (Collins Pocket Guide)

  Malcolm Greenhalgh, Denys Ovenden

  
  
   

• Marine Mammal Biology: An Evolutionary Approach

  
  
   

• Ecology of Fresh Waters: Man and Medium, Past to Future

  Brian Moss

  
  
   

• Photographic Guide to Sea and Shore Life of Britain and North-west Europe (Oxford natural history)

  Ray Gibson, Ben Hextall, Alex Rogers

  
  
   

• Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (Reef Set): Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (Reef Set)

  Paul Humann

  
  
   

• Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe

  
  
   

• Art Forms from the Ocean: The Radiolarian Prints of Ernst Haeckel

  Olaf Breidbach

  
  
   

• The Sea Around Us

  Rachel Carson

  
  
   

• Coastal and Estuarine Management (Routledge Environmental Management)

  Peter French

  
  
   

• Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology

  Jeffrey S. Levinton

  
  
   

• The Biology of Lakes and Ponds (Biology of Habitats)

  Christer Br\xf6nmark, Lars-Anders Hansson

  
  
   

• Seaweeds (Life)

  David Thomas

  
  
   

• The Log from the "Sea of Cortez" (Penguin Modern Classics)

  John Steinbeck

  
  
   

• The Shark Watchers Handbook: A Guide to Sharks and Where to See Them

  Mark Carwardine, Ken Watterson

  
  Not all nature lovers waffle on about twitching with Bill Oddie in a bird sanctuary. The Shark Watcher's Handbook caters for those with whose tastes lean toward the more extreme end of the wildlife-spotting spectrum, providing a thorough guide to the places, practicalities and politics of the sport.

  From its origins as an exclusive pursuit of monied daredevils in the 60s and 70s, to its ubiquitous presence in today's tourist industry, shark watching has become a world-wide phenomenon. This guide will prove indispensable if you're getting onboard, whether you're planning on delving into the chilly waters off the Isle of Man or spending several weeks in a floating hotel off the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Providing sound advice for every stage of a shark-spotting trip, from planning and preparation to safety in the water, The Shark Watcher's Handbook includes a complete shark-identification chart, a directory of sites, basic site maps and is bursting with stunning full-colour underwater photographs.

  This really deserves its "handbook" epithet, covering literally everything you need to know and transcending its field-guide status by touching on the ethical, political and environmental issues surrounding the sport. If Mark Carwardine and Ken Watterson assure us that, statistically, "there is a greater chance of winning the national lottery than of being eaten by a shark", it's clear that they have an ulterior motive: to dispel the great Jaws myth and engender a "sense of the colossal and barbaric injustice being inflicted on sharks today". Whether you tackle it in one big bite or take little nips out of it now and again, The Shark Watcher's Handbook is certain to satisfy any appetite--you might even call it a great write. The only criticism? It isn't waterproof. Fin. --Paul Eisinger

  
   

• Marine Conservation Biology: The Science of Maintaining the Sea's Biodiversity

  
  
   

• Marine Fisheries Ecology

  Simon Jennings, Michel Kaiser, John D. Reynolds

  
  
   

• Frozen Earth: The Once and Future Story of Ice Ages

  D Macdougall

  
  
   

• An Introduction to Marine Ecology

  R. S. K. Barnes, R. N. Hughes