The most comprehensive field guide ever compiled for identifying reef fishes from the Gulf of California to the Pacific coast of Panama, including offshore islands. Over 500 photographs of 400 species taken in their natural habitat. The book is dedicated to Baja Legend Alex Kerstitch and includes several of his drawings and photographs. The concise text accompanying each species portrait includes the fishs common, scientific and family names, size range, description, visually distinctive features, preferred habitat, typical behaviour, depth range, and geographical distribution.

AMERICA'S MARINE SANCTUARIES tells the story of fourteen underwater places so important they are under special protection, together forming the US National Marine Sanctuary System. These sanctuaries, spanning more than 620,000 square miles and ranging from the Florida Keys to the Great Lakes and to the Hawaiian Islands, are critical and breath-taking marine habitats that provide homes to endangered and threatened species. They, also, preserve America's rich maritime heritage and act as living laboratories for science, research, education and conservation, offering outdoor recreation experiences for all ages. Through 150 full-colour photographs and lively narrative, AMERICA'S MARINE SANCTUARIES showcases each of the marine sanctuaries and the creatures that live there, from whales and manatees to Hawaiian monk seals and Laysan ducks, as well as sunken ships from the Ghost Fleet and USS Monitor to Shipwreck Alley. The book underscores how marine sanctuaries have shaped the nation's development, survival, and identity and celebrates these protected underwater treasures for all they can tell us about our communities, our country and our world.