Over the 10-year course of the recently completed Census of Marine Life, a global network of researchers in more than 80 nations has collaborated to improve our understanding of marine biodiversity - past, present, and future. Providing insight into this remarkable project, this book explains the rationale behind the Census and highlights some of its most important and dramatic findings, illustrated with full-color photographs throughout. It explores how new technologies and partnerships have contributed to greater knowledge of marine life, from unknown species and habitats, to migration routes and distribution patterns, and to a better appreciation of how the oceans are changing. Looking to the future, it identifies what needs to be done to close the remaining gaps in our knowledge and provide information that will enable us to better manage resources, conserve diversity, reverse habitat losses, and respond to global climate change. An exploration of the recently completed 10-year project to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the global ocean. The author chronicles the Census of Marine Life, examines some of its most important and dramatic findings, and considers the direction of future research on ocean life.
'... highly readable ... illustrated throughout with photographs of fascinating species ... The more information we possess, the better we can act to sustain the marine resources, and the Census is a vital starting point for the expansion of our knowledge. This book conveys the enthusiasm the author feels for his subject, and is well worth reading for anyone curious about the life that exists beneath the surface of the ocean.' Blusci: Cambridge University Science Magazine