Title: A Guide to the Coral Reefs of the Caribbean Purchase Item Manufacturer: University of California Press List Price: $25.95 Our Price: $6.50
Customer Reviews:
A Guide to the Coral Reefs of the Caribbean by University of California Press 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.
A Guide to the Coral Reefs of the Caribbean by University of California Press 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.