Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Author: Yossi Loya

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-05-22

Total Pages: 984

ISBN-13: 3319927353

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This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths. During the past decade, there has been an increasing scientific and management interest in MCEs expressed by the exponential increase in the number of publications studying this unique environment. Despite their close proximity to well-studied shallow reefs, and the growing evidence of their importance, our scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in its early stages. The topics covered in the book include: regional variation in MCEs; similarities and differences between mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic and abiotic conditions, biodiversity, ecology, geomorphology, and geology; potential connectivity between MCEs and shallow reefs; MCE disturbances, conservation, and management challenges; and new technologies, key research questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and future directions in MCE research.

Acanthaster Planci
Acanthaster Planci

Author: Charles Birkeland

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1990-09-24

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 9780849365997

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The purpose of this book is to provide an organized compilation of information and techniques for all aspects of the biology and management of the Acanthaster planci species. This extraordinary coral predator has greater effects on coral reef communities than any other animal species. It can cause mortality of hard corals over large areas and have indirect effects that extend through the trophic levels of the reef community. This volume features A planci as an animal with a unique combination of morphological, physiological, and life history characteristics that contribute to its potential for major ecological impacts. It provides detailed techniques for disparate aspects of research and management (e.g., raising the animal through all life history stages, calculating growth curves, and treating victims of spinings). Chapters cover methods for surveys, tagging, and control of A. planci, in addition to an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The extensive subject index includes more than 1,000 references to A. planci and a BASIC program for estimating coral recovery after predation by the starfish. Acanthaster planci: Major Management Problem of Coral Reefs is an essential reference for all coral reef managers and researchers.

Descriptive Physical Oceanography
Descriptive Physical Oceanography

Author: George L. Pickard

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 269

ISBN-13: 1483278778

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Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction, Fourth Enlarged Edition considers the synoptic or descriptive aspects of physical oceanography with considerable illustrative materials and some 45 additional figures. This book is divided into nine chapters, and begins with an introduction to the basic goal of physical oceanographic study. The next chapters describe the features of the ocean basins, physical properties of seawater, and the ocean's distribution of water characteristics. These topics are followed by discussions of the conservation of seawater volume and salt; the techniques and methods of physical oceanography; and the general features of the main ocean circulations, as well as the circulation and character of the water masses in the individual oceans. The final chapters examine some of the characteristics of coastal oceanography. This book will prove useful to undergraduate and graduate students with oceanography and related subjects.