cover image The Greenpeace Book of Coral Reefs

The Greenpeace Book of Coral Reefs

Sue Wells, Nick Hanna. Sterling Publishing (NY), $35 (160pp) ISBN 978-0-8069-8795-8

Coral reefs may be the oldest ecosystems on earth; they have existed for some 450 million years and are surpassed only by rain forests in diversity. In this lavishly illustrated volume, Wells, a marine conservation consultant, and freelance journalist Hanna introduce us to the natural history of coral reefs, explaining the types of coral and the value of the reefs as breeding grounds for sea life, protection of coasts, source of medicines. They discuss the vulnerability of reefs to such natural disturbances as hurricanes and to human activity. Military installations, commercial fisheries, thermal pollution from power plants and oil have caused destruction of reefs; shell collecting and the aquarium trade have also taken a toll, as has tourism. The great number of snorkelers flocking to popular spots has devastated some reefs. Wells and Hanna present a guide for protecting reefs and a list of organizations concerned with reef conservation. All this is interesting information about an exotic ecosystem. (Feb.)