The authors describe 24 species of brittle stars, 8 sea urchins and 2 feather stars inhabiting the coastal waters of BC, the Alaska Panhandle and Puget Sound. All species described live in the shallow waters to a depth of 200 meters; but the authors include species lists of all known species in the region, even those in deeper water. They discuss anatomical features, behavior, reproduction, feeding, parasites and predators for each group. The species descriptions provide all the details to satisfy the professional biologist, yet the authors' easy-going style makes this book suitable for anyone interested in coastal marine life. Each account contains descriptive and comparative biology, with illustrations and photographs, as well as more details on the life and habits of the animal. A section of colour photographs helps with identification.

Subtitle; The role played by the scientific societies; scientific journals; natural history museums and botanic gardens; state geological and natural history surveys; federal exploring expeditions in the rise and progress of American botany, geology, mineralogy, palentology and zoology.