{"product_id":"coral-reefs-of-the-southern-gulf-of-mexico-harte-research-institute-for-gulf-of-mexico-studies-9781585446179","title":"Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico (Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCoral reefs declined worldwide during the 1980s and 1990s  making them perhaps the most endangered marine ecosystem on Earth. This realization spurred John W. Tunnell Jr. and others to write a comprehensive book that would raise awareness of coral reefs and their plight. Tunnell and coeditors Ernesto A. Chvez and Kim Withers present an integrated and broad-ranging synthesis  while Mexican and U.S. experts assess the current state of these fragile systems and offer a framework for their restoration.  Beginning with a history of the research done in this region  Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico covers the geography  geology  oceanography  ecology  and biodiversity of the thirty-eight emergent or platform-type coral reefs in the southern Gulf. The editors include chapters on the biotafrom algae to fishfollowed by a look at environmental impacts  both natural (such as hurricanes and red tides) and human (such as ship groundings and dredging). The book closes with a discussion of conservation issues  which is both descriptive and prescriptive in its assessment of what has been done and what should be done to protect and manage these vital ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648220389429,"sku":"ByrdShop_1585446173","price":82.44,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9781585446179.jpg?v=1781713190","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/coral-reefs-of-the-southern-gulf-of-mexico-harte-research-institute-for-gulf-of-mexico-studies-9781585446179","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}