The Random House Atlas of the Oceans

Studies the fragile ecosystems of the world's oceans, showing the complex interconnections among species and environmental threats to marine life

Produced in association with the World Conservation Union of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, this work aims to promote "understanding of the full complexity of interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes which maintain the oceans in a healthy and productive state." It is organized in six sections: origins of the oceans; living resources; environment for life; harvesting the seas; the atlas itself; and the challenge of conservation. Outstanding color photographs predominate over text. The atlas is divided by ocean with information on fishing areas, industrial centers, oil and gas fields, threatened species, coastal development, coastal ecosystems, regional agreements, peoples, problems, and pollution provided for each ocean. However, the reference value of this volume is lessened by incomplete indexing--the index at the back does not list the Galapagos or Georges Bank, and references are to page numbers of the maps, which do not have coordinates to locate places. An appendix lists threatened marine species by oceans. Although a tremendous amount of information is provided in an attractive, readable format, The Times Atlas and Encyclopedia of the Seas , edited by Alastair Cooper ( LJ , 11/15/89), is preferable as a reference book because it features charts, tables, and double-page maps that include coordinates.
- Judith B. Barnett, Pell Marine Science Lib., Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.