The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity [Paperback]

Boyce Thorne-Miller (Author), Sylvia Earle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

The importance of biodiversity to planetary health and even human survival is now undisputed, yet little information exists about the importance of marine biodiversity. The world's oceans are exploited and used as dumping grounds with disastrous consequences for marine ecosystems and global biodiversity generally. This updated and revised edition offers a look at the condition of our oceans and provides an accessible explanation of marine biological diversity and the threats facing it. All varieties of marine ecosystems are discussed and practical, workable suggestions are provided for their protection. The book is intended as a tool for environmentalists, policymakers and all those concerned with the conservation of our marine environments.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; REV edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559636785
• ISBN-13: 978-1559636780
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,572,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book is not accessible for the casual reader, August 8, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity (Paperback)

I bought this book in an attempt to expand my understanding of marine ecology from the perspective of a recreational scuba diver and a scientific reader.

The book seems to have a lot of good content, but I had to put it down because I didn't have the strong foundation in marine biology for it to make much sense.

Probably suitable for advanced readers!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy read or pretty picture book, September 13, 2001

By 

Currahee (South Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity (Paperback)

There are many pretty books which do a good job cataloging threats to our ocean environment. If you want a brief, graphic outline effective at stirring your emotion and imagination stay away from this book. If you want in depth and have the time... check this out.
Boyce Thorne-0Miller took a interesting approach to a difficult assignment. She sets out to catalogue man's negative impacts of the sea and threats to oceanic biodiversity. She begins by outlining the definitions and necessity of biodiversity. Then chapter by chapter, topic by topic gives us the potential for various human-ocean interaction to damage it. She backs up her conclusions well with explanation and statistics and goes to great length to explain her deductive reasoning. This book would only be a bore to a person who doesn't have a serious interest in the subject and a little bit of a biology background. I would use this as a text for an undergraduate course on marine conservation biology. I would also suggest it for people with more than a cursory interest in marine conservation. It is wordy and thought provoking, but it presents information, it does not tell you what to think.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, but may need some marine science knowledge, August 8, 2004

By 

N. Blaschik "noreen121" (East Haddam, Ct USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity (Paperback)

This book clearly summarizes all the threats our oceans face today from human activities. I have a BS in Marine Science and I found that this book shows the reader how complex and inter-related the oceanic systems are and how many of our activities can, AND DO, adversely affect those ecosystems. I feel this book would be a great way for anyone interested in protecting the ocean to become familiar with the spectrum of destructive activities affecting the one element that allows for life to live on this planet. Chapter by chapter there is a different ecosystem and how it is in danger of losing its marine biodiversity. In addition, the author does a great job defining many of the science terms. However, not all casual readers may find this book an easy read because they may not have the understanding of the various oceanic ecosystems.