Conservation Books

Ocean Conservation Books

Below is a list of books on ocean conservation issues. List contributed by the Ocean Resource Center.

Aquaculture

Goldberg, Rebecca J. et al. (2001). Marine Aquaculture in the United States. Pew Oceans Commission (http://www.pewoceans.org): Arlington, Virginia. 33 pages.
This report begins by discussing recent trends in aquaculture worldwide and in the United States. The bulk of the report, however, focuses on the effects of aquaculture in the marine environment covering the topics of fish feeds, chemical, biological, and organic pollution, and habitat modification. It is full of data and easy-to-read charts, and it concludes with a synthesis of such impacts and a discussion of policy options.

Biodiversity

The Biodiversity Project. (1998). "Engaging the Public on Biodiversity: A Road Map for Education and Communication Strategies" (http://www.biodiversityproject.org/roadmap.htm)
This report assesses current and future strategies in public outreach on biodiversity. It includes public opinion information and provides a framework for bringing environmental leaders together strengthen current work.

Norse, Elliot A. (1993). Global Marine Biological Diversity: A Strategy for Building Conservation into Decision Making. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org) : Washington D.C. 415 pages.
Over 100 experts contributed to this book, which presents the main challenges to marine conservation and explores ways of approaching such challenges in future management.

Thorne-Miller, Boyce. (1999). The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org) : Washington DC. 214 pages.
This is an overview of marine biodiversity and the relevant policy issues and instruments needed to protect it. The importance of marine biodiversity for human society is emphasized, as well as possible solutions to help conserve it. The foreword is by Sylvia Earle.

Climate Change

Cowan, Jr., James H. et al. (August 2002). Coastal and Marine Ecosystems and Global Climate Change: Potential Effects on U.S. Resources. Pew Center on Global Climate Change. (http://www.pewtrusts.com/pdf/environment_pew_climate_marine.pdf): 64 Pages.
This is the eighth in a series of Pew Center reports examining the potential impacts of climate change on U.S. coastal and marine ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, and the open ocean.

Kirkman O'Neil. (May 2002). Effects of Global Warming on Trout and Salmon in U.S. Streams (http://www.defenders.org/publications/fishreport.pdf) . Defenders of Wildlife (http://www.defenders.org) and Natural Resources Defense Council (http://www.nrdc.org): Washington D.C. 46 Pages.
Using three different climate change models, air and water temperature increases were used to estimate the effect on trout and salmon at 2,000 sites across the U.S. This report finds that trout and salmon, because they are cold-water species and sensitive to temperature, will lose up to 40% of their habitat over the next 90 years due to global warming. The study explored the impact on four species of both trout and salmon, but considered only direct thermal effects.

Coral Reefs

Turgeon, D.D. et al. (2002) The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2002. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association/ National Ocean Service/ National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD. 265 pages.
This report on the condition of coral reefs will be the scientific baseline for all future reports by NOAA and other agencies for evaluating the effectiveness of coral reef management and conservation practices.

Wilkinson, Clive, ed. (2002). Status of the Coral Reefs of the World: 2002. Australian Institute of Marine Science: Townsville, Australia. 378 pages. (http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/research/coral-bleaching/scr2002/scr-00.html)
The report combines coral reef assessments by 151 authors for more than 100 countries. Findings indicate that with sufficient political will and resources, it is possible to stop the decline of coral reefs. While numerous successful conservation programs exist, many reefs are not located in protected areas and are within countries lacking national programs and monitoring plans.

Fisheries

Iudicello, Suzanne, Weber, Michael L., et al. (1999). Sponsored by the Center for Marine Conservation. Fish Markets and Fishermen: The Economics of Overfishing. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org): Washington D.C. 205 pages.
The authors argue that the reasons are primarily economic, and that over fishing is an inevitable consequence of the current sets of incentives facing ocean fishermen. This volume illuminates these incentives as they operate both in the aggregate and at the level of day-to-day decision-making by vessel skippers. The authors provide a primer on fish population biology and the economics of fisheries under various access regimes, and use that information in analyzing policies for managing fisheries.

McGinn, Anne Platt. (June 1998). Rocking the Boat: Conserving Fisheries and Protecting Jobs. Worldwatch (http://www.worldwatch.org/press) Paper 142. 92 pages.
This report details the decline of the world's marine fisheries. The author identifies the root of the crisis as the open access nature of fishing, widespread technological change and fleet growth, and national policies that promote expansion at the expense of the resource. McGinn also identifies several steps that can both protect food supplies and jobs, such as sustainable implementation of aquaculture, community-based management, establishment of marine protected areas, and more selective fishing gear.

Weber, Michael L. (2001). From Abundance to Scarcity: A History of U. S. Marine Fisheries Policy. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org): Washington D.C. 320 pages.
From Abundance to Scarcity examines the historical evolution of U.S. fisheries policy and institutions from the late 19th century to the present day, with an emphasis on changes since World War II. Based on archival research and interviews with dozens of key players in marine policymaking, it traces the thinking, legislation, mandates, and people that have shaped the various agencies governing fisheries in the United States.

Wright, Anneka (2002). Neptune's Table: A View of America's Ocean Fisheries. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Washington D.C. 214 pages. (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/Neptunes_table.htm)
Anneka Wright takes a contemporary look at commercial and recreational fisheries in the United States. The book describes how the different sectors fish and the challenges facing fisheries management.

Freshwater

Abell, Rachel A., Olson, David M., et al. (2000). Sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund (http://www.panda.org). Freshwater Ecoregions of North America: A Conservation Assessment. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org): Washington D.C. 368 pages.
As an initial step in identifying those areas where protective and restorative measures should be implemented first, World Wildlife Fund-US assembled a team of leading scientists to conduct a conservation assessment of freshwater ecoregions. Freshwater Ecoregions of North America presents that assessment and outlines measures that must be taken to conserve, and in many cases restore, native biodiversity.
The book:

identifies freshwater eco-regions that support globally outstanding biological diversity
assesses the types and immediacy of threats to North American ecoregions
identifies gaps in information that hamper an accurate evaluation of biodiversity
provides a broad-scale framework for conservation activities.

21 full-color maps are also included.

Abramovitz, Janet N. (March 1996). Imperiled Waters, Impoverished Future: The Decline of Freshwater Ecosystems. Worldwatch Paper 128. 80 pages. The pdf version can be sent to you from Worldwatch (http://www.worldwatch.org/press/)
The author explains the numerous benefits of freshwater ecosystems, and the ecological, economic, and social consequences of developing dam systems and aquatic highways that alter watersheds. Freshwater estuaries and floodplains provide greater value than is easily recognized, such as flood and pollution control, water storage, and support of fisheries. Abramovitz details the steps needed to reverse the current course of wetland destruction.

Gleick, Peter H. et al. (2002). World's Water 2002-2003: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org): Washington D.C. 310 pages.
The World's Water is the only book that offers current data and analysis on freshwater resources worldwide and the political, economic, scientific, and technological issues associated with them. It is an authoritative reference for non-specialists and specialists alike, including policy makers, water resources specialists, and planners, as well as students and scholars in environmental policy, geography, hydrology, ecology, and related fields.

Hinrichsen, Don et al. (2001). Population, Water and Wildlife: Finding a Balance. National Wildlife Federation. (http://www.nwf.org/nwfWebAdmin/binaryVault/PWWReport.pdf): 65 Pages.
This freshwater-focused report explains the links among population growth and human activities, the decline in water quality and quantity, and the loss of wildlife habitat and species.

Olson, Erik. (2003). What's on Tap? Grading Drinking Water in U.S. Cities (http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/uscities/contents.asp). Natural Resources Defense Council. 226 Pages.
This June 2003 NRDC study of drinking water quality in 19 U.S. cities finds that pollution and deteriorating, out-of-date plumbing are sometimes delivering drinking water that might pose health risks to residents. The report issues grades to each municipal water system studied in three problem areas -- water quality and compliance, source water protection, and right-to-know compliance -- and outlines a plan for protecting the nation's drinking water supply.

Rijsberman, Frank R. (ed.) (2001). World Water Scenarios: Analyzing Water Resources and Use. Stylus Publishing. 350 pages.
Experts in the field conducted studies on all aspects of water use worldwide, focusing on the three main factors of domestic consumption, industry, and agriculture. They show current and future trends of water use, modeling and comparing the effects of more efficient water use. The research is thorough and comprehensive. Rijsberman is the Deputy Director of World Water Vision for the World Water Council.

Postel, Sandra (1997). Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity (http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/ea/lo.html) (The Worldwatch Environmental Alert Series). W.W. Norton & Company. 239 pages.
This book delves into the historical mismanagement of freshwater and where it leaves us today in terms of supply and environmental degradation. Postel discusses conflicts over water that exist worldwide, and brings it closer to home for Americans, who have a tendency to perceive water shortages as problem for developing nations or those in arid regions. She advocates efficiency and conservation with regard to the use of water. The technology exists, she assures us.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (August 2002). National Water Quality Inventory: 2000 Report (EPA-84 1-R-02-001) (http://www.epa.gov/305b/2000report/). EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications: Washington D.C. 207 pages.
This report summarizes water quality data submitted by the 50 states, Washington D.C., 5 territories, 4 interstate commissions, and 5 Indian tribes in 2000. It describes sources of impairments to streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, wetlands, groundwater, estuaries, and coastline. In addition, the report discusses the costs and benefits of water quality protection and provides state and tribal concerns and recommendations.

General

Beach, Dana. (April 2002). Coastal Sprawl: The Effects of Urban Design on Aquatic Ecosystems in the United States (http://www.pewoceans.org/reports/water_pollution_sprawl.pdf). Pew Oceans Commission (http://www.pewoceans.org): Arlington Virginia. 40 pages.
The fourth in a series of reports by the independent commission, the report links over-development along the coasts to the declining health of aquatic habitats. Although U.S. coastal counties account for only 17 percent of the nation's area, they are home to more than half the U.S. population. An additional 27 million people are estimated to be funneling into this narrow corridor over the next 15 years. The report details the effects of poor urban design and land-use practices on aquatic ecosystems in the United States and new strategies and tools that communities may use to preserve the same ecosystems that attract residents, tourists, and businesses to the coasts.

Bellamy, David, Jean Michel Cousteau, Buzz Aldrin, and Sylvia Earle, et al. (2003). The Blue. Dakini Books (http://www.dakinibooks.com). 244 pages.
The authors combined their knowledge and passion for the seas to collaborate with UNESCO's IOC to publish this book of writing and photographs to celebrate the oceans.

NEW - Brower PhD& Leon PhD (1999). The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices : Pratical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Three Rivers Press. 304 pages.
A source for consumers to carefully identify environmental choices in their purchases.

Carson, Rachel. (1989, Fifth Edition) The Sea Around Us. Oxford University Press: New York. 250 pages.
This is a classic work about the evolution of the Earth and the creation of the oceans. The mystery of the ocean and the species that live in the sea are captured using both scientific facts and imaginative writing style.

Cramer, Deborah. (2001). Great Waters: An Atlantic Passage. W.W. Norton & Company: New York. 442 pages.
A research trip from Woods Hole, Massachusetts to Barbados was the inspiration for this book. Through well told stories of the Atlantic Ocean, from its currents and geologic history to the plants and animals for whom it is home, Cramer inspires readers to take ownership and responsibility in caring for the oceans. Though a scientist herself, she has the gift of describing scientific knowledge in manner that is accessible to those of us who are not. Only with a deep understanding does she feel one can truly appreciate.

Earle, Sylvia. (1995). Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans. Fawcett Columbine: New York. 361 pages.
This is a story about the sea adventures of an internationally renowned marine scientist. She introduces the reader to the field of marine biology and the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Ellis, Richard. (2003). The Empty Ocean. Island Press: Washington DC. 375 Pages.
Acclaimed author and artist Richard Ellis tells the story of human impacts on sea life and weighs the chances for its recovery. Through narratives and drawings, he introduces the reader to the many forms of sea life that humans have fished, hunted, and collected over the centuries. This book brings to a wide audience a compelling view of the damage we have caused to life in the sea and what we can do about it.

Fujita, Rod. (2003). Heal the Ocean. New Society Publishers: British Columbia, Canada. 227 pages.
Heal the Ocean emphasizes stories that show how people have succeeded in their efforts to reduce human impacts and even restore parts of the ocean. The author first describes the nature of ocean environments and discusses current and emerging threats, including pollution, overfishing, poor land use, deep sea mining, and the search for new energy sources.

H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. (May 1998). Developed for Discussion During 1998, Year of the Ocean. Our Ocean Future: Themes and Issues Concerning the Nation's Stake in the Oceans. 57 pages. http://www.heinzctr.org/NEW_WEB/PDF/exec_sum_yoto.htm
This final report from the Steering Group describes issues affecting the nation's oceans and their economic and environmental future. The report suggests a better balance between the use and conservation of oceans and the coast is vital. The key issues addressed were sustaining the coasts of the nation, protecting and restoring fisheries, and enhancing our knowledge of the ocean through science and technology.

The Heinz Center (http://www.heinzctr.org)
The Heinz Center has produced several reports focusing on coastal management, the state of U.S. ecosystems, dams, erosion, and fisheries. The reports cover science, policy, and analysis.

Helvarg, David. (April 2001). Blue Frontier: Saving America's Living Seas. W.H. Freeman & Co. 320 pages.
Helvarg educates readers on the wilderness of America's oceans, its historical and present uses, and its political framework. He outlines the major dangers faced by this seemingly vast resource, from over fishing to oil exploration, and details the efforts being taken to mitigate damage to America's last frontier. Despite the depth of damage that has been done, Helvarg remains hopeful that we can save the 'Blue Frontier' for future generations to explore, enjoy, and understand even more fully than we do today.

Loh, Jonathon, ed., et al. (July 2002). The Living Planet Report 2002. World Wildlife Fund. (http://www.panda.org/livingplanet/lpr02/index.cfm): Cambridge, United Kingdom. 39 Pages.
WWF's annual update uses the Living Planet Index and the Ecological Footprint to measure the state of the world's ecosystems and the human pressures on them through the consumption of renewable natural resources.

McGinn, Anne Platt. (March 1999). Safeguarding the Health of Oceans. Worldwatch Paper 145, 87 pages.
McGinn reviews the challenges facing management of the ocean. The argument is that we are learning a great deal about the oceans and this information needs to be used to help shift the view of oceans as limitless to an awareness of its frailty and importance. Individuals do not realize that they have a stake in the health of the oceans, and improving public understanding and increasing political support of ocean conservation is the only way protection will come about.

Newman, Murray. (2000) Life in a Fishbowl: Confessions of an Aquarium Director. Douglas & McIntyre: Vancouver, BC. 254 pages.
This book is the author's account of 37 years as the director of Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia. It is the history of the modern aquarium - from cramped, badly lit fish tanks to the tourist attractions they are today - with observations on current issues such as animal rights, conservation, and education.

The Ocean Conservancy. (2002). Health of the Oceans 2002. (http://www.oceanconservancy.org/dynamic/aboutUs/publications
/healthReports/healthReports.htm): Washington, DC. 80 pages.
This annual report assesses the state of ocean resources and management and calls for revolutionary changes in the way our oceans are managed. It provides ways that individuals, communities, and lawmakers can work together to restore the oceans.

Pew Oceans Commission. (2003). "America's Living Oceans: Charting a Course for Sea Change" (http://www.pewoceans.org). 144 pages.
This independent commission's final report makes recommendations for reforming U.S. ocean laws and policies to restore ocean wildlife, protect ocean ecosystems, and preserve the ecological, economic, and social benefits the oceans provide. The Commission has released reports on coastal sprawl, fisheries, marine pollution, marine aquaculture, and introduced species. All of the reports are available on the website.

Praeger, Ellen J. with Sylvia A. Earle. (2000). The Oceans. McGraw-Hill: New York. 314 pages.
This book is intended for the general public as a compilation of the many wonders scientists have learned about the oceans. In addition, Praeger and Earle share their deep passion and personal experiences with the sea.

Safina, Carl. (2002). Eye of the Albatross: Visions of Hope and Survival. Henry Holt and Company. 400 pages.
"Eye of the Albatross takes us soaring to locales where whales, sea turtles, penguins, and shearwaters flourish in their own quotidian rhythms. Safina's guide and inspiration is a bird he calls Amelia, whose life he portrays in fascinating detail. Interwoven with recollections of whalers and famous explorers, Eye of the Albatross probes the unmistakable environmental impact of the encounters between man and marine life." -Henry Holt and Company

Safina, Carl. (1998). Song of the Blue Ocean: Encounters Beneath the Seas and Along the World's Coasts. Henry Holt & Company. 384 pages.
"Song for the Blue Ocean mesmerizes readers with many such exciting accounts of Safina's adventures while examining the ecological and social consequences of three controversial ocean fisheries. On his way to the inescapable conclusion that many fisheries have been over-harvested and poorly managed, Safina transforms encounters with ordinary people and places into instructive vignettes. We nibble away on his fascinating stories until wham! he hooks us repeatedly with his premise.... His bright new voice now joins that influential chorus, which includes Rachel Carson and Jacques Cousteau, of scientists turned eloquent ocean advocates."
The San Francisco Chronicle, Harry E. Demarest

Stone, Greg. 2003. Ice Island: An Expedition to Antarctica's Largest Iceberg. Bunker Hill Publishing, Incorporated. 75 color pages.

Wackernagel, Mathis and William Rees. 1996. Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth. New Society Publishers: British Columbia, Canada and Philadelphia, PA, USA. 176 pages and illustrations.
Our Ecological Footprint introduces a new way to determine humanity's impact on the Earth. Equipped with useful charts and thought-provoking illustrations, Our Ecological Footprint converts the seemingly complex concepts of carrying capacity, sustainability, resources use, waste disposal, and more into a graphic form that everyone can grasp and utilize. Continuing on the Ecological Footprint concept, Mathis Wackernagel (and others) wrote a study published June 27, 2002 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/142033699v1.pdf

Weber, Peter. (November 1993). Abandoned Seas: Reversing the Decline of the Oceans. Worldwatch Paper 116, 66 pages.
The author describes how the degradation of the marine environment threatens human society, and how we can set priorities for effective local, regional and global action by drawing links between protection of the seas and the broader goals of sustainable development. International efforts to date have failed to manage the oceans successfully, due to the reluctance of governments and societies to face up to the biological limits and vulnerabilities of the oceans.

Introduced (Invasive) Species

Carlton, James T. (2001). Introduced Species in U.S. Coastal Waters: Environmetnal Impact and Management Priorities (http://www.pewoceans.org/reports/introduced_species.pdf). Pew Oceans Commission (http://www.pewoceans.org): Arlington, Virginia. 28 pages.
This report begins by outlining the huge effects introduced species have had on marine ecosystems, and then goes on to detail the methods of dispersal as they occur in the United States and elsewhere. Carlton examines preventative measures for controlling bioinvasions as well as post-introduction management, and makes recommendations for taking greater action.

Marine Pollution

Ofiara, Douglas D. and Seneca, Joseph J. (2000). Economic Losses from Marine Pollution: A Handbook for Assessment. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org) : Washington D.C. 203 pages.
Economic Losses from Marine Pollution brings a fuller understanding of the variety and extent of marine losses and how they are assessed to scientists, lawyers, and environmentalists by systematically identifying and classifying marine losses and relating them to models and methods of economic valuation. The authors use a step-by-step approach to show how economists have used these methods and how they approach the problem of assessing economic damage.

Boesch, Donald F. et al. (2001). Marine Pollution in the United States (http://www.pewoceans.org/reports/022701report.pdf). Pew Oceans Commission (http://www.pewoceans.org): Arlington Virginia. 55 pages.
This report begins by outlining sources of marine pollution, their effects and trends, and policies that are in place to limit them. The specific challenges of both toxic contaminants and nutrient pollution are the most thoroughly examined, with a chapter dedicated to each. The authors then prioritize marine pollution concerns and offer suggestions for pollution abatement in national ocean policy. 'Integrated, precautionary, and adaptive' science, they argue, must play an important role in ocean management.

Marine Protected Areas

Sobel, Jack and Dahlgren, Craig. (2002). Sponsored by the Center for Marine Conservation (http://www.oceanconservancy.org). Marine Reserves: A Guide to Science Design and Use. Island Press (http://www.islandpress.org): Washington D.C. 220 pages.
Marine Reserves is the first guidebook on no-take marine reserves, providing a synthesis of information on the underlying science, as well as design and implementation issues. The book describes the need for marine reserves and their potential benefits, examines how reserves can be designed to achieve specific objectives, and considers gaps in our knowledge and the research needed to address those gaps. . . Also included are four case studies from California, Belize, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys, as well as a review of experiences globally across a broad range of geographical locations, socioeconomic conditions, and marine environments.

Brink, Kenneth H. (May 2001). Marine Protected Areas : Tools for Sustaining Ocean Ecosystems. National Academy Press. 272 pages.
"The Ocean Studies Board presents the results of a two-year study that investigated the potential use of marine reserves (MPAs) 'with respect to design, implementation criteria, and probable efficacy in relation to meeting biodiversity, conservation, and fisheries management goals' (from the preface). The study concludes that implementation of MPAs should be incremental and adaptive, through the design of areas not only to conserve resources, but also to facilitate learning how to manage marine species more effectively."
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