Product Description
"Coral Reefs" is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists and ocean lovers. This book is an excellent general introduction to coral reefs and is full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. It presents scientific insights and information in a way that is not only readable but highly enjoyable to a popular audience. This book explores the major regions where coral reefs live, which include the Bahamas Bank in the greater Caribbean region, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef structure in the world. Readers will become familiar with the interlocking web of life that the reefs support, as well as how the reefs form and grow. About one third of the world's reefs have been killed or nearly so by abuse and overuse, and many reefs still classified as living are poor shadows of their former, vibrant selves. In "Coral Reefs", Dr. Sheppard discusses the many causes of this collapse and informs readers of the continuing threats that these living treasures face.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 2 reviews)

Brilliant Photography Illustrates Reef Ecology by Professor Donald Mitchell (Boston)

5 Stars
August 02, 2003
A cousin of mine travels around the world to dive on the most beautiful reefs. Encouraged by that, but not being a diver, I've made it a point to snorkel and take glass-bottomed boats to look at reefs whenever they are present. All along, I've wondered why he found the skin diving to be so wonderful. Now, I know. Coral Reefs exposes a world of vivid and bizarre colors and shapes that I had never imagined could exist. Having also listened to more talks about coral than I care to remember, I was also pleasantly surprised to learn a lot more than I knew before about the development of the reefs and the ecological challenges they face. Of the many beautiful books focusing on nature's wonders that I have seen, I would have to rank this one near the top. At its modest price, this book is also a good value. If you only buy one nature book this year, buy this one!!!!!After you finish the book, why not take a moment to plan how you can see one of the reefs close up on a future trip? Perhaps you should even consider learning to skin dive, if you don't already.

A Great Introduction For a Great Price by Too Cold in Madison (Madison, WI, USA)

5 Stars
July 19, 2003
This wonderful little book is a great introduction to coral reefs for people who don't know a whole lot about them. Well worth it's price.

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