Product Description
Subject of text is coastal marine ecosystems. Students will easily relate to the content of the book as subjects are divided by the environment and scientific principles are applied to steps in management and the decision-making process. Previous edition, c1982, was titled 'Ecology of Waters: A Systems Approach.' Softcover. DLC: Coastal ecology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

AGuide to the Study of Freshwater Ecology
In William A. Andrews' A Guide to the Study of Freshwater Ecology, topics ranging from the issue of pollution, to environmental encounters, to niches, to aquatic organisms are discussed thoroughly. AGuide to the Study of Freshwater Ecology provides the reader with an excellent resource for both information, as well as experiment designs targeted at the classroom environment.
In Andrews' book, which is designed just like a textbook - gives definitions, explanations, examples, and questions, yet the author throws in his own style, which can be perceived as either good or bad, depending on the reader's interests. In the beginning of the first chapter - needless emotional outbursts are intertwined with the information presented, taking away from the focus on the important aspects of the chapter. Andrews added captions to aide in the release of the tension presented in the information, yet at the same time it makes the reader realize the intensity of the situation at the same time. "Does this look like freshwater to you?" was a question proposed to the reader under a picture of a littered pond. The author ineffectively attempts to persuade the reader by linking humans and the present generation to the problem. Although these accusations are apparently true, Andrews uses strict authority against the reader, which may slightly offend the reader.
Intellectual, well thought out examples are presented in order to link information with evidential reality. At the close of each chapter, recommendations for further exploration of the topics are given, which helps the reader with guidance towards investigations. The diagrams presented in the book are helpful, yet are not labeled to the extent at which they could have been - which makes following the textual evidence in a diagram more difficult. Overall, the book is simple and easy to understand, but at the same time manages to be informative.
The author also personalizes the information being handed out, and places everything into an example, similar to those found in a classroom atmosphere. The author, though, gets to the point where his personalizations cross the line, and he begins to make bold assumptions. He gets off on tangents and gets too in-depth when it comes to role-playing examples that he sets up.
There are no summarizing concepts at the closing of the book, which leaves the reader hanging - which is not acceptable in a book about science.
Although the author gives ludicrous examples and personalizations, he manages to get away with writing on tangents, and passes by a book that would be very helpful as a guide for a teacher to work into their lesson plans.
... Read more

Product Description

Stream Ecology by Allan and Castillo is extensively revised and updated from the successful first edition to include major developments over the past decade. Although the subject matter is relatively advanced, this book has been written with the express goal of being accessible to students with only modest backgrounds in ecology and aquatic sciences. The First Edition was widely praised for its readability, and that emphasis is retained. The second edition opens with a new introductory chapter that sets the stage for what follows. The treatment of geomorphology and hydrology are greatly expanded from the first edition, and have been split into two, more substantial chapters. Basal energy resources, trophic roles and food web interactions are retained but thoroughly updated, particularly to include recent advances in microbial ecology and the synergies between producers and decomposers. The discussion of species interactions has been re-organized so that modern topics receive more emphasis, including trophic cascades, subsidies and food web structure. Chapters on organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling have been substantially re-written to reflect the enormous growth in knowledge of stream metabolism and nutrient processes, the core of ecosystem functioning. The closing chapter on human impacts summarizes the status of river ecosystems and principal threats, and new material that describes advances in river management including the science of environmental flows, the successes and failures of river restoration, and the potential for ecosystem-based catchment management.

Customer Reviews (6)

Not the best, but gets the job done
I am a college student who was taught in a course using this textbook. From a student's perspective, the book was thorough and detailed but relatively unhelpful. The block text and lack of bolded words (or color, for that matter) was a huge deterrent to effective studying. These elements may not be important for professors, but they truly make a difference to students. The illustrations were confusing at best and unintelligable at worst (even reading the caption and text did not effectively explain the graph in some instances). All in all, it contained good information, but I ultimately used it very little.

Great transaction
Book came on time and in great shape just as the seller promised.Thank you very much.

This text has few pictures but...
The composition and content of this text make up for a lack of illustrations, which are black and white photos or graphs.

Accessible to Scientists - Not Fishermen

My interest in this book followed from a desire to obtain information that might help me outwit wild and wily trout by any and every means possible. And sure enough, this book contains a wealth of information. The only problem is that much of it is incomprehensible to the lay reader as opposed to the scientific community.

For instance, here's what I encountered as I researched what and how fish eat (feeding ecology of riverine fishes): "Herbivorous fishes with scraping mouthparts such as the stoneroller Campostoma anomalum clearly have little in common with ooze feeders such as the blunt-nose minnow Pimephales notatus. Some benthic invertebrate feeders utilize prey primarily from soft bottoms (the suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis), others from stony bottoms (the greenside darter Etheostoma blennioides)."

OK...

On the other hand, for biologists and advanced students of ecology the book presents a comprehensive exposition of technical information. And the rest of us, who may not be equipped to cut through the scientific jargon, will still take away a sense of the intricacy and complexity of the living systems of streams and rivers.

Disappointing
since this is the best text on the subject. Cluttered and difficult, reads more like a literature review than a textbook. There is no glossary and the index isn't very good. The figures are hard to interpret without reading the text. The drawings are poor quality. On the other hand, it is packed with information. Anything you want to know about stream ecology is in here, its just difficult to access. ... Read more

Product Description
This new edition of an established textbook provides a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to rivers, lakes and wetlands, and was written as the basis for a complete course on freshwater ecology. Designed for undergraduate and early postgraduate students who wish to gain an overall view of this vast subject area, this accessible guide to freshwater ecosystems and man's activities will also be invaluable to anyone interested in the integrated management of freshwaters. The author maintains the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Examples are drawn from the author's experience in many parts of the world, and the author continues to stress the human influence. The scientific content of the text has been fully revised and updated, making use of the wealth of data available since publication of the last edition.  Professor Brian Moss is a lecturer in Applied Ecology at the University of Liverpool, and has written three previous editions of this well-established textbook.

Product Description
Plankton serves as a wonderful tool for measuring water quality. Many local councils and water quality managers collect phytoplankton and zooplankton in response to the increasing incidence of algal (phytoplankton) blooms in rivers and estuaries; however, a lack of consistency and scientific rigor in the methodologies used often results in unresolved outcomes. While some guidelines have been developed for the collection and monitoring of freshwater algae (Algal Watch), there are differences between the methods and protocols used to sample estuaries and freshwater systems as well as those used to sample zooplankton.

This practical book gives an introduction to the biology and ecology of plankton and its use as a tool for monitoring water quality. It explores the ecology of plankton, its associated environmental and water quality issues, and its importance as an environmental indicator. A chapter on best practice in sampling and monitoring details how to design, implement and conduct meaningful phytoplankton and zooplankton monitoring programs in marine and freshwater habitats. It gives overviews of the major freshwater and coastal phytoplankton and zooplankton groups and outlines their associated environmental issues and the management implications. A select number of real-life case studies demonstrate the use of plankton for identifying and monitoring water quality issues.

This useful resource: explains the role of plankton in aquatic ecosystems and its usefulness as a water quality indicator; updates and details best practice in methodology for plankton sampling and monitoring programs; demonstrates how to analyze and interpret the results of sampling programs in terms of management strategies; and brings together widely-scattered information on freshwater and coastal phytoplankton and zooplankton and provides a list of up-to-date references.

Of interest to environment managers; water authority ecologists/managers; scientists and others in government agencies charged with managing water quality in inland and coastal waterways; estuary and catchment management committees; coastal engineers and environmental consulting companies; aquaculturists; marine ecologists; professors and undergraduate students of invertebrate biology, environmental impact assessment and marine biology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Plankton
This is an excellent introduction to the world of plankton, covering not only a general background, but also details of techniques for collecting, handling and identifying these fascinating creatures. A book for the amateur naturalist as well as students of marien biology. ... Read more

Product Description
This established textbook continues to provide a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to rivers, lakes and wetlands, and was written as the basis for a complete course on freshwater ecology. Designed for undergraduate and early postgraduate students who wish to gain an overall view of this vast subject area, this accessible guide to freshwater ecosystems and man's activities will also be invaluable to anyone interested in the integrated management of freshwaters. The author maintains the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Examples are drawn from the author's experience in many parts of the world.

In this edition, the scientific content of the text has been fully revised and updated. Emphasis has been placed on human impacts, and a completely new chapter has been added on the future of freshwaters.

• Balanced and stimulating introduction to limnology.
  
• Successfully combines fundamental and applied aspects of integrated management of freshwaters, with strong emphasis on human links.
  
• Completely revised and rewritten with a threefold increase in the number of illustrations.
  
• New chapter on the future of freshwaters.
  
• Of interest to undergraduates, beginning postgraduates and any limnologically interested reader.

Customer Reviews (1)

Decent
The shipping was fast and the book was in pretty good condition. But I was disappointed to find out that the book had highlights. It would've been nice if the seller mentioned it in the item description. ... Read more

Product Description

This comprehensive reference book details the life history and ecology of the fish species that occupy the estuarine and coastal habitats along the eastern United States and Canada.

Kenneth W. Able and Michael P. Fahay draw on their own studies and other research to summarize and synthesize all the known facts about the ecology of 93 important species of fish that inhabit the temperate waters of the Western Atlantic. Presented in individual chapters, the species accounts include complete information about each fish's distribution, habitat use, reproduction, development, migratory patterns, prey, and predators and other natural enemies. The species accounts are illustrated and include lifecycle calendars, tables, and charts highlighting key information. Introductory chapters provide the general characteristics of the temperate ichthyofauna and explain the authors' methodology.

Featuring new information based on more than 76,000 samples, novel long-term data, and an exhaustive analysis of more than 1,800 references, this invaluable resource is a complete compendium on estuarine fishes of the Western North Atlantic.

Product Description

This outstanding volume provides an up-to-date overview of the advances in our knowledge of harmful cyanobacteria. An essential reference for all scientists and environmental professionals interested in cyanobacterial ecology and water management.

Product Description
Beloved illustrator McPhail offers a child’s magical view of the natural world.

When a little boy overcomes his fear of water, fantastic things begin to happen: The birds who live by the sea bring him treasures, the waves sing to him, and suddenly, he is able to perform incredible tricks, like parting or purifying water. He uses his special powers to transform not only himself, but also the world around him.

Award-winning author and illustrator David McPhail uses his exquisite paintings and a touch of magic to illustrate the connection between people and nature and to encourage young readers to help take care of the environment. A beautiful and evocative picture book unlike any other, Water Boy will captivate children, adults, and environmentalists alike.

“Water Boy began as a series of little drawings (I try to do at least one every day). Water images kept showing up in my sketches and soon became a theme. After I’d done about eight or ten, I tried to connect them, but nothing worked, so I put the idea aside.

“I continued to draw, and my drawings were still infused with water. Then, without really trying, they began to reveal some continuity. I kept drawing and drawing, and the story continued to take shape. It came together so magically that it informed my new approach: Do the art you want, and the story will follow . . .”

—David McPhail ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

We need to take care of the environment
Reviewed by Eric Zeda (age 8) for Reader Views (5/07)

This story was about a boy whose teacher told him that he was mostly water.He became scared because he thought if he was scratched by a cat all the water would leak out of him.He also thought he would dissolve in the rain.Then he found out that he wouldn't dissolve and that he started to like the water.He learned that water was his friend, and he played with the water everyday.One day, while the boy was washing the dishes the water curled into his name. He realized he had special powers.He was able to do tricks and move the water. One day the river asked for help because it was polluted, and he used his special gifts to clean the water.The next day, the water sent him a thank you note.

I liked this book because I thought it was cool when the boy did tricks with the water. I liked the colors in the pictures.I would recommend "Water Boy" to kids. It is important to remember that we need to take care of the environment.



Reviewed by Samuel Peralta (age 6) Reader Views (5/07)

When a teacher tells one of her students that he is made mostly of water he becomes afraid because he thinks he will dissolve in the rain, or turn to ice in the winter. In time, the boy realizes that water is like a friend.He discovers special powers that allow him to perform fantastic water tricks.As the boy experiments with his abilities, he discovers that he has the power to change the world around him for the better.

Parents Notes:This magical story is perfect for young kids.My six-year-old son, Sammy, loved the tricks he did with the water.He was surprised to learn that our bodies have a lot of water. He liked this book so much he took it to school the next day and had his teacher read it to his classmates.

"Water Boy" is a great tool for parents and teachers concerned about the environment.After reading this book I was able to talk about the importance of taking care of our environment without lecturing him.

... Read more

Product Description
Marine fishes have been intensively studied, and some of the fundamental ideas in the science of marine ecology have emerged from the body of knowledge derived from this diverse group of organisms. This unique, authoritative, and accessible reference, compiled by 35 luminary ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and ichthyologists, provides a synthesis and interpretation of the large, often daunting, body of information on the ecology of marine fishes. The focus is on the fauna of the eastern Pacific, especially the fishes of the California coast, a group among the most diverse and best studied of all marine ecosystems. A generously illustrated and comprehensive source of information, this volume will also be an important launching pad for future research and will shed new light on the study of marine fish ecology worldwide.
The contributors touch on many fields in biology, including physiology, development, genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution. The book includes sections on the history of research, both published and unpublished data, sections on collecting techniques, and references to important earlier studies. ... Read more

Product Description
In this reprinted classic (originally published in 1971)Noel Hynes compiled a comprehensive, critical review of the literaturepertaining to stream limnology. Included are physical and chemicalcharacteristics of flowing waters, plantlife, the benthos, fish andfinally, man's effects on watercourses. The book continues to bewidely read and influential in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
This book uses long-term anthropological fieldwork, oral histories and detailed archival work to explore the changing ecology, political significance and cultural meaning of water in south India. Focusing on the ancient and complex "tank" irrigation systems of a coastal plains region, the book develops an account of the interplay between social and political organization and the ecology of water flows. ... Read more

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This title contains a book & CD. All life on Earth depends on the water cycle! The "Water Cycle" is a fascinating book that introduces children to this important cycle using a clear, step-by step approach. The CD's approximate running time is 30 minutes. ... Read more

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This fourth volume in the series exploring religions and the environment investigates the role of the multifaceted Hindu tradition in the development of greater ecological awareness in India.

The twenty-two contributors ask how traditional concepts of nature in the classical texts might inspire or impede an eco-friendly attitude among modern Hindus, and they describe some grassroots approaches to environmental protection. They look to Gandhian principles of minimal consumption, self-reliance, simplicity, and sustainability. And they explore forests and sacred groves in text and tradition and review the political and religious controversies surrounding India's sacred river systems.

Product Description
Tracing the transformation of the Colorado delta by irrigated agribusiness through the twentieth century, Ward draws on untapped archival resources from both sides of the border to offer a new look at one of the world's most contested landscapes.He explores the rapid development of the region, examining the ways in which politics and international relations created a garden in the Mexicali, Yuma, and Imperial Valleys while simultaneously threatening the life of the Colorado River. ... Read more

Product Description
Water in the 21st-Century West offers a timely look at the central issue facing the American West—the region’s diminishing water supply. It collects the best reporting on the subject, drawn from the pages of High Country News, the newspaper that sets the standard for coverage of environmental issues in the West. This book provides compelling perspectives on the water issues and controversies that roil the region, from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Plains, from the interior mountains to the southwestern deserts. The book’s contributors—among them activists, scholars, scientists, and many of the nation’s finest environmental journalists—offer hardhitting analyses of regional dilemmas, including the unpredictable impact of climate change; intense debates over decommissioning dams; emerging Native American water power; toxic threats to groundwater quality; and the escalating urban demands for water in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and the Bay Area. Water in the 21st-Century West captures the range and nature of the arguments that have defined water politics in the region over the past decade. The collection probes the issues and explores creative attempts to find solutions, bringing a focus and clarity to the most contentious environmental issue the West faces. Water in the 21st-Century West will be an essential primer in assessing and mapping the West’s water future. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume contains most of the papers presented at the Tenth International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Water Pollution held in Bucharest and organized by the University Politehnica of Bucharest and the Wessex Institute of Technology of the UK with the collaboration of the WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment. The Conference, which started in 1991, provides a forum for inter-disciplinary discussion and dissemination of papers related to water quality and environmental problems caused by the increase of pollutant loads or by bad management of water resources. These are issues of growing importance due to the worldwide increased demand for water by communities, industries, and agriculture. The future development of many countries will depend decisively upon how the increasing demand for water will be satisfied, and how the economic and environmental cost for that demand may be met.

Environmental problems are essentially interdisciplinary. Engineers and scientists working in this field must be familiar with a wide range of issues including the physical processes of mixing and dilution, chemical and biological processes, mathematical modelling, data acquisition and measurement, to name but a few. In view of the scarcity of available data, it is important that experiences are shared on an international basis. Thus, a continuous exchange of information between scientists from different countries is essential. ... Read more

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Invasive species have come to dominate 3% of the Earth’s ice-free surface, constituting one of the most serious ecological and economic threats of the new millennium, and freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable. This book examines the identity, distribution, and impact of freshwater non-indigenous species and the dynamics of their invasion. It focuses on old and new invaders and provides a starting point for further research.