Ecology & management of coastal waters The Aquatic Environment

This book provides a connection between ecological science and the sustainable development of the living resources in coastal waters. The first part reviews the interactions between physical and biological oceanography, explaining the links between climate, hydrology and biological production. The second part describes the degradation of coastal waters, which is occuring despite an acceleration in the acquisition of knowledge. The last, and most important section of the book proposes a change in strategy, based on ecological management integrated with the natural functioning of ecosystems , a form of cooperation between humans and nature.

Introduction.- Part A. Ecology and Development of Coastal Waters:1. Water, the oceans and the atmosphere.2. Water currents.3. Marine life and production of living matter.4. Physical factors, water movements and biological production.- Part B. Humans and Coastal Waters:5. Man and the shore.6. Fresh water input to the coastal zone.7. The exploitation of aquatic living resources: fisheries and aquaculture.-Part C. Management of Coastal Waters:8. Ecological planning.9. Conservation - the first form of management.10. Managed ecosystems in sheltered waters.11. Freshwater, waste water, coastal water.12. Creation of water movement.13. The hatchery-nursery and the management of recruitment.14. Interfaces, subtrates, reefs and fish aggregation devices.15. Filter feeding molluscs and managed systems.16. Examples of integrated development and management.17. General Conclusion.-Glossary.- Index.

Succinct and up-to-date summary of the functioning of coastal ecosystems
Recognises the need to use coastal waters for economic development, but emphasises the importance of taking an ecological approach