Coral reefs are the 'rain forests' of the ocean, containing the highest diversity of marine organisms and facing the greatest threats from humans. As shallow-water coastal habitats, they support a wide range of economically and culturally important activities, from fishing to tourism. Their accessibility makes reefs vulnerable to local threats that include over-fishing, pollution and physical damage. Reefs also face global problems, such as climate change, which may be responsible for recent widespread coral mortality and increased frequency of hurricane damage. This book, first published in 2006, summarises the state of knowledge about the status of reefs, the problems they face, and potential solutions. The topics considered range from concerns about extinction of coral reef species to economic and social issues affecting the well-being of people who depend on reefs. The result is a multi-disciplinary perspective on problems and solutions to the coral reef crisis.

‘Coral Reef Conservation provides an up to date review of the progress made in this field with contributions by leading scientists and specialists. … The author is to be congratulated for bringing to our attention the very important contributions made by individuals working within the confines of a huge and important continent … I would strongly recommend this book to 'all' biologists to rectify any imbalance that may have occurred in their scientific education to date. … this new volume on coral reef conservation is a highly useful reference for students, researchers and advocates of conservation. The editors have managed to include a wide array of subjects and authors with good reviews of relevant research and many suggestions for further work.’

Source: Biologist

' … this current and well-illustrated volume will be a very welcome addition to the library of anyone who is concerned about any aspect of marine conservation.'

Source: Reef Encounter