The Biogeography of the Australian North West Shelf provides the first assembly of existing information of the North West Shelf in terms of geological, oceanographic and climatological history and current understanding of such issues as biodiversity, connectivity, larval dispersal and speciation in the sea that determine the distribution patterns of its invertebrate fauna. It is intended as a source of information and ideas on the biota of the shelf and its evolutionary origins and affinities and the environmental drivers of species' ecology and distribution and ecosystem function. Regulators and industry environmental managers worldwide, but especially on the resource-rich North West Shelf, are faced with having to make decisions without adequate information or understanding of conservation values or the factors that drive ecosystem processes and resilience in the face of increasing anthropogenic and natural change. This book will provide a resource of information and ideas and extensive references to issues of primary concern. It will provide a big-picture narrative, putting the marine biota into a geological, evolutionary, and regional biodiversity context. - The first book to cover the major benthic habitats and physical and ecological condition of the North West Shelf of Australia - Covers new information on geomorphology and biota of coral reefs and other invertebrate habitats that are key species and functional groups of the North West Shelf - Introduces new ideas on biogeographic processes and patterns in tropical seas

The Handbook of Australasian Biogeography is the most comprehensive overview of the biogeography of Australasian plants, fungi and animal taxa in a single volume. This volume is unique in its coverage of marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and subterranean taxa. It is an essential publication for anyone studying or researching Australasian biogeography. The book contains biogeographic reviews of all major plant, animal and fungal groups in Australasia by experts in the field, including a strong emphasis on invertebrates, algae, fungi and subterranean taxa. It discusses how Australasia is different from the rest of the world and what other areas share its history and biota.

An information system with key data on the biology of all fishes. Covers more than 25,000 species of fish.

Research on the large array of tropical estuarine fishes has increased markedly in recent years and hence scientific knowledge about most aspects of these important fishes' biology and ecology is now catching up with that of their temperate equivalents. This landmark book draws together a vast wealth of information on tropical estuarine fishes and provides a vital reference point for all aspects of their study. The book's comprehensive contents include thorough coverage of the types and distribution of these fishes, their diversity and the environmental conditions and communities in which they live. Full details of their biology and ecology are an integral part of this book, as are details of these fishes' dependence on estuaries, man's interaction with the estuarine fish community and the conservation of estuarine species and the often threatened habitats upon which they depend. The author, Stephen Blaber, has a vast wealth of experience in the subject areas covered by this book and has produced a stimulating and extremely valuable volume that will be of huge importance for all those concerned with these fishes. He is based at CSIRO Marine Research, Cleveland, Queensland, Australia. Readership should include: fish biologists; fisheries scientists; aquatic scientists including those concerned with brackish, marine and freshwater environments; ecologists; environmental scientists and population biologists. Students studying for qualifications in fish biology and fisheries, particularly where there is a tropical element to their course will find this book of great value as a reference. Copies of the book should be available on the shelves of all libraries in research establishments and universities where biological sciences, fish biology, fisheries science or aquatic sciences are studied and taught.