The Great Barrier Reef: Biology, Environment and Management (Coral Reefs of the World)

'This book gives readers a broad overview of biological and physical attributes of the Great Barrier Reef and, where relevant, other reefs of the world. Contemporary pressing reef issues such as coral bleaching, coral disease and the challenges of coral reef fisheries are discussed by world research leaders.'--Provided by publisher. Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Acronyms......Page 9 Author Biographies......Page 10 1 Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef......Page 16 2 Geomorphology of Coral Reefs with SpecialReference to the Great Barrier Reef......Page 20 3 The Great Barrier Reef in Time andSpace: Geology and Palaeobiology......Page 32 4 Oceanography......Page 43 5 Coral Reef Habitats and Assemblages......Page 55 6 Seabed Environments, Habitatsand Biological Assemblages......Page 66 7 Primary Production, NutrientRecycling and Energy Flow throughCoral Reef Ecosystems......Page 74 8 Calcification, Erosion and the Establishmentof the Framework of Coral Reefs......Page 89 9 Human Impact on Coral Reefs......Page 100 10 The Future of Coral Reefs in aRapidly Changing World......Page 110 11 Terrestrial Runoff to the Great BarrierReef and the Implications for ItsLong Term Ecological Status......Page 123 12 Planning and Managing the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park......Page 129 13 Biodiversity......Page 137 14 Plankton......Page 144 15 Macroalgae......Page 160 16 Mangroves and Seagrasses......Page 171 17 Sponges......Page 186 18 Pelagic Cnidaria and Ctenophora......Page 203 19 Hexacorals 1: Sea Anemones andAnemone-like Animals (Actiniaria,Zoanthidea, Corallimorpharia,Ceriantharia and Antipatharia......Page 214 20 Hexacorals 2: Reef-building orHard Corals (Scleractinia)......Page 224 21 Octocorals......Page 237 22 Worms......Page 261 23 Arthropoda: Crustaceans andPycnogonids......Page 277 24 Mollusca......Page 291 25 Bryozoa......Page 305 26 Echinodermata......Page 311 27 Tunicata......Page 323 28 The Fish Assemblages of the Great BarrierReef: Their Diversity and Origin......Page 342 29 Reptiles......Page 358 30 Marine Mammals......Page 365 31 Seabirds......Page 374 Epilogue......Page 384 The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is 344 400 square kilometres in size and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This comprehensive guide describes the organisms and ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the biological, chemical and physical processes that influence them. Contemporary pressing issues such as climate change, coral bleaching, coral disease and the challenges of coral reef fisheries are also discussed. In addition,the book includes a field guide that will help people to identify the common animals and plants on the reef, then to delve into the book to learn more about the roles the biota play. Beautifully illustrated and with contributions from 33 international experts, The Great Barrier Reef is a must-read for the interested reef tourist, student, researcher and environmental manager. While it has an Australian focus, it can equally be used as a baseline text for most Indo-Pacific coral reefs.