The 47th annual review of current research in oceanography and marine biology is intended for specialists in the field but should be read by all who realize that the oceans are an important indicator of changes in climate and ecology. Five of the six articles deal either with changes in the climate that are affecting the viability of sea life or unthinking human actions that have caused damage to the ocean's ecosystem. The first report is a comprehensive look at life in the North Atlantic, from zooplankton to sharks. The effects of global warming are significant and the unintentional important of an eel parasite may diminish the species, just for example. The migrations of zooplankton triggered by light are studied next. The authors suggest that further studies are needed to discover the interrelation of migration with ocean conditions. The next report is on cephalopods; squid show high levels of heavy metal and other toxins and are being over fished. In the next the fate of sea urchins and sea cucumbers is considered. They are also being over collected, used in medical research and destroyed inadvertently by industry. The life cycles of Adriatic sardines and anchovies are examined in another article that emphasizes the need for more international research on these fish. The final article reviews techniques for underwater stereo-image measurement, something that will be utilized in many future studies. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Increasing interest in marine biology and its relevance to environmental issues creates a demand for authoritative reviews of recent research. Oceanography and Marine Biology has addressed this demand for nearly 40 years. This annual review considers basics of marine research, special topics, and emerging new areas. Regarding the marine sciences as a unified field, the text features contributors who are actively engaged in biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of marine science. This edition includes a full color insert and covers such topics as the ecological status of the Great Barrier Reef, the effects of coral bleaching on fisheries, and the biology of octopus larvae.

Reflecting increased interest in the field and its relevance in global environmental issues, Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, Volume 47 provides authoritative reviews that summarize results of recent research in basic areas of marine research, exploring topics of special and topical importance while adding to new areas as they arise. This volume, part of a series that regards the all marine sciences as a complete unit, features contributions from experts involved in biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of marine science. These features along with the inclusion of a full color insert and an extensive reference list, make the text an essential reference for researchers and students in all fields of marine science.