Marine ecosystems

An overview of the ecology and values of coral reefs, and of the global changes which are threatening reefs and the societies and species which depend on them. Focuses particularly on those changes expected to occur due to global warming, and describes the programme to establish a long-term monitoring system of coastal and near-shore phenomena related to climate change.

A straight forward presentation of the keynote papers and case studies prepared for the workshop on coastal marine biosphere serves held in 1989. The keynote papers together provide an excellent digest of the different factors to be considered in biosphere reserve planning, examining constraints across the full range of physical to socio-economic spheres.

This series provides extensive details on the various issues that need to be considered in the planning of a system of marine and coastal protected areas, from legislation and administrative frameworks to key habitats and species, resource use and environmental problems. Each report concludes with a recommendations section which includes a summary of coastal and marine areas considered to be priorities for protection.