"Freshwater Algae of North America, Second Edition" is an authoritative and practical treatise on the classification, biodiversity, and ecology of all known genera of freshwater algae from North America. The book provides essential taxonomic and ecological information about one of the most diverse and ubiquitous groups of organisms on earth. Scientists from many disciplines, from evolutionary biology to DNA bar-coding to ecosystem management, rely on up-to-date information on the biology and classification of algae. This book brings together experts on all the groups of algae that occur in fresh waters (also soils, snow, and extreme inland environments), providing all of this comprehensive information in a single volume.

In the decade since the first edition, there has been an explosion of new information on the classification, ecology, and biogeography of many groups of algae, with the use of molecular techniques and renewed interest in biological diversity. Accordingly, this new edition covers updated classification information of most algal groups and the reassignment of many genera and species, as well as new research on harmful algal blooms.
Extensive and complete, this book describes every genus of freshwater algae known from North America, with an analytical dichotomous key, descriptions of diagnostic features, and at least one image of every genus.Full-color images throughout provide superb visual examples of freshwater algae, as photosynthetic pigments play a critical role in their identificationUpdated Environmental Issues and Classifications, including new information on harmful algal blooms (HAB)Fully revised introductory chapters, including new topics on biodiversity, and taste and odor problemsUpdated to reflect the rapid advances in algal classification and taxonomy due to the widespread use of DNA technologies

Advances in Marine Biology. Volume 3 begins by focusing on some novel compounds having antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and other bioactive properties identified and isolated from marine sponges, which could serve as leads for drug discovery. The authors also discuss the factors that contribute to new discoveries and the challenges associated with translating marine sponge-derived compounds into clinical trials. The advances that may further expand the promise of drug discovery from marine sponges are also examined. Following this, the authors present current information about Hox-genes in polychaetes and make some cautious assumptions about the ancestral functions of the Hox-cluster. The basic plane and evolution of bilateral animals (Bilateria) are closely associated with Hox-genes. These genes usually exist in the genome in the form of the aforementioned clusters, gene complexes with a conservative position of individual genes inside them. Marine biotoxins are examined, specifically their correlation with of harmful algal blooms (HABs) which can accumulate in seafood products. This can have severe consequences on both the fishery industry and consumer health, as most marine biotoxins are not destroyed by food technologies like freezing or cooking, and their presence cannot be perceived because they give no specific taste, flavor or smell to food. The subsequent article contains a study on adaptation to environmental salinity alterations in the White Sea mussel Mytilus edulis, with its research having been conducted for several years and involving both long-term acclimation and exposure to stress salinity. A series of experiments were conducted in order to deduce the mussels capacity to adapt to environmental salinity changes, especially in terms of cell and molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation. This compilation also presents a preliminary work within a large scale research program on H. diversicolor in different estuaries with the PNETOX Program National Program of Ecotoxicology. In the framework of the French National Program of Ecotoxicology, environmental quality was assessed in the multi-polluted Seine Estuary and the comparatively clean Authie Estuary, France (2002-2004), by determining contaminant levels in water, sediments and the infaunal worm H. diversicolor. The experiments were carried out concurrently in spring 2007 using a common protocol.

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of people. However, the combined effects of human activity have led to a rapid decline in the health of reefs worldwide, with many now facing complete destruction. Their world-wide deterioration and over-exploitation has continued and even accelerated in many areas since the publication of the first edition in 2009. At the same time, there has been a near doubling in the number of scientific papers that have been written in this short time about coral reef biology and the ability to acclimate to ocean warming and acidification. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, incorporating the significant increase in knowledge gained over the last decade whilst retaining the book's focus as a concise and affordable overview of the field. The Biology of Coral Reefs provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of 'boxes' on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution, conservation, climate change, and experimental aspects are also included. Indeed, particular emphasis is placed on conservation and management due to the habitat's critically endangered status. A global range of examples is employed which gives the book international relevance.

Discover the world's ocean--from tides and currents to the creatures living in it to the impact it has on our lives, whether we know it or not--in this richly illustrated overview of the life force that defines and sustains our planet, written by world-renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Everything you want to know about the ocean can be found inside these beautiful and dynamic pages. National Geographic Ocean unveils the power and significance of our planet's watery essence: the fundamental importance of the ocean in shaping Earth's climate and chemistry as well as its vital role in supporting a multitude of life-forms, including our own human race. World-renowned oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Sylvia Earle--affectionately called "Her Deepness"--guides readers with her lyrical style and inspiring wisdom, describing the evolution, beauty, and impact of our ocean; the challenges it faces, such as climate change, plastic, and overfishing; and the myriad ways we can help protect it. This comprehensive reference explains the fundamental science of the ocean--from plate tectonics to seawater makeup, including a fascinating illustrated guide to marine life, from sponges, kelp, and zooplankton to whales, sharks, and sea turtles. More than 100 maps and diagrams, including seafloor and political maps of all Earth's seas and oceans, elucidate Dr. Earle's authoritative text. For seaside dwellers and landlubbers alike, this is a book you will turn to again and again to understand why, as Sylvia Earle says, "Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea." Dive deeper into ocean discovery with more National Geographic favorites: Into the Deep The Nature of Nature 100 Dives of a Lifetime Secrets of the Whales Pristine Seas Shark

Truly high altitude aquatic ecosystems are found primarily at lower latitudes: vast regions in the tropical part of the Andes, the Himalayas and Tibet, considerable areas in East Africa, and minor zones of Oceania. However, despite their abundance in these regions, their biology and ecology has never been summarized in detail. A current synthesis of the topic is therefore timely. High altitude waters are ideal systems with which to address a broad range of key and topical themes in ecology, both at the regional and global scales. From specific functional adaptations of aquatic species to harsh environmental conditions through to global diversity patterns along altitudinal gradients and extinction risks of mountain populations due to vanishing glaciers, ecological patterns and processes found in high altitude waters are both diverse and singular. Although poorly considered in classical textbooks of ecology and limnology, high altitude waters have much to offer existing (aquatic) ecological theories and applications. These often threatened and exploited habitats are also ideal for studying the intimate interactions between social and ecological systems that characterize the majority of ecosystems in the Anthropocene.

The deep ocean is by far the planet's largest biome and holds a wealth of potential natural assets. Human exploitation of the deep ocean is rapidly increasing whilst becoming more visible to many through the popular media, particularly film and television. The scientific literature of deep-sea exploitation and its effects has also rapidly expanded as a direct function of this increased national and global interest in exploitation of deep-sea resources, both biological (e.g. fisheries, genetic resources) and non-biological (e.g. minerals, oil, gas, methane hydrate). At the same time there is a growing interest in deep-sea contamination (including plastics), with many such studies featured in high profile scientific journals and covered by global media outlets. However, there is currently no comprehensive integration of this information in any form and these topics are only superficially covered in classic textbooks on deep-sea biology. This concise and accessible work provides an understanding of the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, both at the seafloor and in the water column, and how these might be affected as a result of human interaction, exploitation and, ultimately, environmental change. It follows a logical progression from geological and physical processes, ecology, biology, and biogeography, to exploitation, management, and conservation. Natural Capital and Exploitation of the Deep Ocean is aimed at marine biologists and ecologists, oceanographers, fisheries scientists and managers, fish biologists, environmental scientists, and conservation biologists. It will also be of relevance and use to a multi-disciplinary audience of fish and wildlife agencies, NGOs, and government departments involved in deep-sea conservation and management.

This authoritative guide enables accurate identification of the common components of the inshore benthic invertebrates of the British Isles and adjacent European coasts, as well as a substantial proportion of fish species. This new edition builds upon the strengths of the earlier work and is thoroughly revised throughout to incorporate advances in both the taxonomy and ecology of the organisms concerned.

This is a contribution to the conservation of members of the family Cambaridae. This book is focused on the evaluation of geographic changes caused by landscape scale and land use change that has impacted the ecology of North American crayfish species. The book includes chapters on geographic distributions, conservation strategies, and effects of contaminants on crayfish structure and function. Contributors include a variety of students associated with the Editor, as well as original contributions from the Editor's colleagues. From the conceptual frameworks to the case studies, Geographic Distribution, Ecological Impact, and Conservation Strategies for North American Crayfish will provide important considerations to assist in the conservation and protection of crayfish, with emphasis on stressors and actions necessary to protect and restore crayfish habitats and populations. This book is necessary for environmental and natural resource managers, researchers, and governmental agencies tasked with the protection, restoration, and management of wildlife populations.

Aquatic invasive species -- harmful, non-native plants, animals, and microorganisms living in aquatic habitats -- damage ecosystems or threaten commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities. The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 created the Task Force and required it to develop an aquatic nuisance species program. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 includes a provision that the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) assess federal costs of, and spending on, aquatic invasive species. This book examines how much Task Force member agencies expended addressing aquatic invasive species for fiscal years 2012-2014; activities conducted by Task Force member agencies and challenges in addressing aquatic invasive species; and the extent to which the Task Force has measured progress in achieving the goals of its 2013-2017 strategic plan.

Modern marine turtles belong to an ancient group of reptiles inhabiting the Earth for over 110 million years, since the Cretaceous. Marine turtles depend on both marine and terrestrial habitats for their growth and development, from high energy beaches to benthic reefs, and the open waters of the seas. All seven species of sea turtles are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 2011). The threats facing sea turtles are many, both on land and at sea, including habitat loss, predation, and human exploitation. This book examines the ecology, behavior and conservation efforts of sea turtles.

This book provides current research on the ecosystems of coral reefs, as well as the environmental impact and current threats to the coral reefs. Chapter One studies proteins responsive to variable temperature exposure in the reef-building coral Seriatopora hystrix. Chapters Two and Three examine the impact of arachidonic acid's (ArA) on coral reefs. The final chapter discusses environmental monitoring in the Gulf of Thailand, and the use of coral skeletons as metal pollution recorders.

The fishery products and bivalve mollusks sector is certainly one of the most complex in term of sanitary and commercial topics, considering the high number of species that require a precise identification. For all these reasons, the knowledge and the skills in this field remain prerogative of a few experts on the subject and operators who, in time and for various reasons, have acquired specific knowledge and skills. On the other hand, the evolution of community legislation, and especially the growing worldwide interest for fishery products and bivalve mollusks, requires a common system of traceability and labeling aimed at increasing the transparency in commercial transactions, facilitating the identification of the fish and mollusks species and increasing consumer confidence. In this perspective, the proposed publication stands as an easy reference tool intended for all the stakeholders involved in the Mediterranean seafood chain, and in which some essential elements of the community rules relating to inspection and control of fishery products and bivalve mollusks are revealed. The presence of illustrations will represent a quick and easy way to acquire the essential information to identify the main Mediterranean fishery products and bivalve mollusks of commercial interest.

This current book discusses the formation, distribution and environmental impacts of marine sediments. The first chapter describes the isolation, taxonomic approach, diversity, secondary metabolites and activities of actinobacteria. Chapter Two aims at the verification of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) usability as a textural indicator of rocks, with special emphasis on origin of fluid pathway within tight turbidite sandstones burying a foreland basin. The final chapter reviews aluminum impact on the growth of benthic diatom.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Coral reefs are among the most beautiful, and most diverse, of ecosystems. Early seafarers were wary of them, naturalists were confused by them, yet many coastal people benefited greatly from these mysterious rocky structures that grew up to the surface of the sea. They have been rich in their supply of food, and they provided a breakwater from storms and high waves to countless coastal communities that developed from their protection. Their scale is enormous and their value high. Found in countless locations around the world, from the Indo-Pacific coral reef province to the Caribbean and Australia, they support both marine and human life. But today coral reefs are in trouble, with many dying or suffering from over-exploitation, pollution, and the warming and acidification of the oceans. Understanding reefs, their conservation and management, is vital, and so is conveying this to authority if we are to preserve these remarkable ecosystems. In this Very Short Introduction Charles Sheppard describes the complex structure and interdependencies of a reef, how reefs have evolved, the diversity of marine life that they support, and their importance to the human population who live beside them. This new edition describes the latest research on the complex symbioses of coral animals with microorganisms. It also highlights the scale of the challenge facing our reefs today, following recent ocean heatwaves - part of wider climate disruption - that killed half the world's reefs, and considers what can be done to preserve these essential and vibrant ecosystems. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

In areas where toxic algal blooms occur, the main affected organisms are shellfish, which, because of their high levels of filtration (clearance rate), accumulate high concentrations of nutrients and toxic phytoplankton in their visceral tissue. This accumulation of toxins in shellfish leads to a distribution of these toxins to their different non-visceral tissues. Chapter One of Marine Toxins: Detection Methods, Chemical and Biological Aspects and Health Effects discusses the detection and quantification of lipophilic marine biotoxins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry from endemic species and gastropods. Chapter Two present studies which use the similarity analysis of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSP-toxins) profile patterns to analyse epidemiological linkage of a group of toxins contaminated bivalves collected between years 2004 and 2015. Chapter Three provide an overview of the current status of biomarker use in the assessment of the effects of marine toxins on bivalve mollusks. Chapter Four reviews the latest research on the biological and clinical effects of caulerpenyne.

The general aim of this book is to explain the development of several types of models using an extremely small number of parameters in an attempt to find consistent properties of integral living matter within aquatic ecosystems. Starting from a minimal model of the whole study [ie: the ideal minimal ecosystem (IMES)], the authors developed a series of statistical models (size spectra, rank distribution, and regression models, including allometries). They then proceeded from ataxonomic to taxonomic size spectra to demonstrate and explain the high consistency of natural communities. Several types of species size-frequency distributions or "taxonomic size spectra" were applied, diminishing the importance of rare species and the assemblage time-space heterogeneity. A series of original studies written during the last thirty years to develop condensed, formalised models and empirical comparisons has demonstrated general patterns and the model's drawbacks; hence, several cycles of modernisation were fulfilled, revealing both the stability of natural aquatic communities and small-scale variability of the general pattern. Comparisons of several taxonomic hierarchy levels speak in favor of the whole-assemblage origin of the statistical mechanisms, supporting the long-term consistency of phytoplankton taxonomic size structure. Specific changes in the taxonomic size spectrum fine structure were evident and may be helpful for diagnostics, while the spectrum general pattern consistency can be helpful for monitoring and modeling the aim of this study. The consistency difference between several levels of the phytoplankton taxonomic hierarchy was demonstrated as a new phenomenon important for modeling, monitoring, and ecological forecast. Though stochastic dynamics of abundances and biomasses often emerge from experiments and mathematical models, some predictable patterns and indices emerged from large-scale studies of natural aquatic assemblages. Mathematical models demonstrated the formation of long-tail distributions produced by metabolic webs. Such consistency phenomena lead to explanatory ecological models based on concepts of the living whirl (G. Cuvier), living matter (V. Vernadsky), dissipative structures, and biogeochemical cycles. Aquatic (marine and freshwater) ecosystem management could be sufficiently strengthened, applying reliable patterns and descriptors suitable for forecasting and diagnostic purposes.

Marine sediments dominate the global seabed, creating the largest ecosystem on earth. Seafloor biodiversity is a key mediator of ecosystem functioning, yet critical processes are often excluded from global biogeochemical budgets or simplified to black boxes in ecosystem models. This accessible textbook provides an ideal point of entry into the field, providing basic information on the nature of soft-sediment ecosystems, examples of how and why we research them, the new questions these studies inspire, and the applications that ultimately benefit society. While focussing on coastal habitats (<200m depth) to emphasize process-based experimental studies, it is relevant to the full range of marine sedimentary habitats. The authors describe the interactions between marine organisms and their physical and chemical environment, demonstrating the need for carefully designed research programs and providing the basic steps required to formulate sound ecological questions before applying them to empirical studies of real-world ecosystems. The book reveals the connections between different system components and drivers of change, examining how we can develop knowledge on the biodiversity and functioning of soft sediments and apply it to a better understanding of ecosystem change, human impacts, and effective restoration. Ecology of Coastal Marine Sediments is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who have completed a general ecology course but received no further training in marine science. It will also be useful to both professional researchers and resource managers in marine ecology and environmental science who seek a compact and authoritative introduction to sediment ecology.

Marine dinoflagellates, one of the most important components in phytoplankton are receiving much attention owing to their toxicity. They are responsible for causing toxic blooms and associated poisonings such as Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), Azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (ASP) and Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in humans all over the world. However, recent research has shown that such toxins could be of great use therapeutically. Aspects such as the identification of dinoflagellate species; harmful dinoflagelllate blooms and associated poisonings as well as their bioluminescence and biotechnological applications have been dealt with in detail. A comprehensive book on marine dinoflagellates is hitherto wanted and needed, and it is hoped that the present publication would cater to the needs of students of life science disciplines in general and marine biology and fisheries science disciplines in particular.

This book provides a comprehensive review of some predominant environmental risks that marine fish cage aquaculture poses in the marine environment and designs and practices now in use to address these environmental risks in the U.S. and elsewhere. The book includes a critical review of the large body of scientific work published since 2000 on the environmental impacts of marine finfish aquaculture around the world. The purpose of this book is to provide a basic set of guidelines for risk managers and other decision makers to use all information available to assess the different ecological risks of marine fish aquaculture in a variety of marine ecosystems.

Marine Bioenergy: Trends and Developments features the latest findings of leading scientists from around the world. Addressing the key aspects of marine bioenergy, this state-of-the-art text: Offers an introduction to marine bioenergy Explores marine algae as a source of bioenergy Describes biotechnological techniques for biofuel production Explains the production of bioenergy, including bioethanol, biomethane, biomethanol, biohydrogen, and biodiesel Covers bioelectricity and marine microbial fuel cell (MFC) production from marine algae and microbes Discusses marine waste for bioenergy Considers commercialization and the global market Marine Bioenergy: Trends and Developments provides a valuable springboard for marine bioenergy research and development, making the book a must-have reference for scientists, engineers, and students.

Key issues related to freshwater availability and use, such as concerns about population growth straining water supplies, lack of information on water availability and use, and trends in types of water use, remain largely unchanged since 2003, according to state water managers, experts, and literature. The nation's water bodies have long supplied Americans with abundant freshwater, but recent events, such as the ongoing California drought, have focused attention on competing demands for this limited resource. In the United States, the states are primarily responsible for managing freshwater resources, and many federal agencies influence states' management decisions. This book examines issues related to freshwater availability and use; expectations for water availability and use over the next 10 years and how these expectations may affect water planning; steps, if any, states have taken to manage freshwater resources; and actions, if any, federal agencies have taken to support management of freshwater availability and use and perspectives from state water managers, experts, and literature on what the federal government can do to enhance its support.

Pressure on large fluvial lowlands has increased tremendously during the past twenty years because of flood control, urbanization, and increased dependence upon floodplains and deltas for food production. This book examines human impacts on lowland rivers, and discusses how these changes affect different types of riverine environments and flood processes. Surveying a global range of large rivers, it provides a primary focus on the lower Rhine River in the Netherlands and the Lower Mississippi River in Louisiana. A particular focus of the book is on geo-engineering, which is described in a straight-forward writing style that is accessible to a broad audience of advanced students, researchers, and practitioners in global environmental change, fluvial geomorphology and sedimentology, and flood and water management.

Fish and seafood are widely available foods that provide important nutrients to consumers. Research conducted over the past few years suggests that there are health benefits associated with fish and seafood consumption, including for the cardiovascular and visual systems. It was also reported that such a diet increases protection in infants against arthritis or cancer. Although regular seafood consumption has been linked to health benefits for the general population, contaminants that may be present in seafood could pose a risk to humans. There are a number of contaminants that may be associated with seafood, including chemicals, metals, toxins and other substances as well as potentially harmful microbes. Most seafood contains detectable levels of contaminants because these are a part of the environment and food chain. This book discusses shellfish in more detail, including the purification process of bivalve shellfish; shellfish toxins; phycotoxins and heavy metals in shellfish; and shellfish sensitivity.

Crustaceans, such as crabs, provide a high quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids that provide potential health benefits. Crabs have commercial importance worldwide constituting one of the main fishing resources. For this reason, in the last 30 years, Crab aquaculture has been identified as an emerging aquaculture sector with significant potential. In conjunction with the growth of these industries, there was an increase in the study of the diseases. This book discusses the diseases and factors that cause diseases in crabs. It also discusses population ecology of mangrove crabs in Brazil; behavioural repertoire and substrate choice of the freshwater crabs; intracohort cannibalism of the mud crab; biodiversity of Venezuelan brachyuran crabs; alien crabs in the Mediterranean Sea; and the evolution of mangrove crabs distribution in the Atlantic coast of Cameroon.