Coral 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. Chávez 
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 biota—from algae to fish—followed 
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.

_________________________________________________________

JOHN W. TUNNELL JR. is associate director and Harte Research 
Scientist at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies 
in Corpus Christi, where he is also director of the Center for Coastal 
Studies and professor of biology at Texas A&M University–Corpus 
Christi. ERNESTO A. CHÁVEZ is a scientist and professor at the 
Interdisciplinary Center for Marine Science, National Polytechnic 
Institute in La Paz, Baja California. He is widely published and has 
helped create a number of scientific research centers and graduate 
programs in Mexico. KIM WITHERS is associate research scientist 
at the Center for Coastal Studies and an adjunct professor of biology 
and environmental science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.


Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies Series


Of Related Interest



THE LAGUNA MADRE OF TEXAS AND TAMAULIPAS

978-1-58544-133-4 CLOTH

$60.00s