Colazingari, Marco.  Marine natural resources and technological development: an economic analysis of the wealth from the oceans.  Routledge, 2008.  235p bibl index afp  (Routledge studies in development and society, 14) ISBN 0-415-95852-0, $95.00; ISBN 9780415958523, $95.00.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2008jul CHOICE.
45-6180  GC1015  2007-39 CIP 

In this extensive review of the economics of the world’s oceans, Colazingari (Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies) provides a detailed examination of the convergence of technology, politics, policy, and natural resource conservation as it relates to the marine environment. While as much as 90 percent of the oceans remain unexplored, this critical biome is at the foundation of the global economy and provides a significant percentage of the living and nonliving resources required to sustain a growing human population. The author examines the technological aspects of ocean exploration and the impact that advances in marine technology have had on the exploitation of marine resources. The discussion is organized around the present and potential exploitation of five major economic resources: offshore oil and gas, marine renewable energy, underwater mineral deposits, fish, and marine bioproducts. Although the list of topics appears overly ambitious, the author’s writing style and broad perspective on the issues and stakeholders make this a critical addition to the library of academics and professionals interested in marine resource economics. An extensive section of chapter notes and a selected bibliography, both containing an integrated list of electronic resources, enhance the value of this work. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. — J. A. Hewlett, Finger Lakes Community College 

Denny, Mark.  How the ocean works: an introduction to oceanography.  Princeton, 2008.  320p bibl index afp; ISBN 9780691126470  pbk, $45.00; ISBN 9780691126463, $99.50.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2008nov CHOICE. 
46-1494  GC21  2007-34543 CIP 

How the Ocean Works is as ambitious a title as this reviewer’s freshman biology text, intimidatingly titled Life.  However, much to his credit, Denny (marine sciences, Stanford), not only acknowledges this fact, but manages to turn it to his advantage. The ocean is separated into roughly two large sections by the thermocline–a surface layer that is “well-lit, warm, and nutrient-poor” and a deeper layer that is “dark, cold, and nutrient-rich.” By using these two distinct halves as a springboard, Denny approaches their unique characteristics in a well-planned, clearly outlined manner. The book is well organized, and the detailed chapters are written in a clear, easily readable manner, much along the lines of a sharply interesting lecture delivered by an enthusiastic, well-spoken professor. Although this is not the most detailed of works (a model that Denny deliberately chose to increase the reader’s overall level of understanding), it points readers to additional higher-level monographs where they can take that next advanced step. How the Ocean Works is an invaluable addition to any undergraduate or graduate library where even a single marine-focused class is taught. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and faculty. — S. E. Brazer, Salisbury University 

Earle, Sylvia A.  Ocean: an illustrated atlas, by Sylvia A. Earle and Linda K. Glover.  National Geographic, 2009.  351p bibl indexes afp; ISBN 9781426203190, $65.00.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2009jun CHOICE. 
46-5374  G2800  2008-20861 CIP

This clearly written, beautifully illustrated volume covers ocean science, physiography, history, and societal issues. Written by two independent scholars, the text is highly authoritative yet easily understandable. The atlas is divided into three parts, each containing several chapters. Part 1, “The World Ocean,” covers general characteristics at the global scale, including seafloor features, seawater properties, marine life and biodiversity, and geological history and time scale. Part 2, “Ocean Regions,” profiles each of the world’s oceans in turn, from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian to the Arctic and the Southern. It discusses the formation of each ocean basin, along with its distinctive features and special places. Part 3, “The Human Ocean,” considers the human dimensions of oceanography, e.g., humankind’s effects on ocean health, exploitation of marine resources, and the technologies used in ocean exploration. Subject, place, and name indexes provide quick access to the extensive information covered. Distinguishing this work from other oceanography reference sources (e.g., Dorrick Stow’s Oceans, CH, Jul’06, 43-6261) are the oversized color illustrations augmenting the text. Multipage maps, detailed diagrams, stunning satellite imagery, and vivid photographs allow readers to visualize oceanographic phenomena and marine life forms at scales not otherwise observable by the human eye. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. — G. P. Clement, Florida International University 

Earle, Sylvia A.  The world is blue: how our fate and the ocean’s are one.  National Geographic, 2009.  303p bibl; ISBN 9781426205415, $26.00. Reviewed in 2010apr CHOICE.
47-4427  GC21  2009-23972 CIP 

Renowned oceanographer Earle (National Geographic) has been dubbed “Her Deepness” by The New Yorker and The New York Times, and the Library of Congress has called her a “Living Legend.” In her latest work (see also Ocean, CH, Jun’09, 46-5374), Earle ably draws upon the strength and depth of her years of research and experience to focus on the numerous bonds between the oceans and humankind’s future. Though perhaps not as poetically lyrical as penultimate environmental writer Rachel Carson, Earle is nonetheless a gifted and convincing author and is more than capable of keeping a reader’s interest, no matter how technical the subject may become. In The World Is Blue, she ably illustrates, in ways both humorous and discomforting, how our cavalier attitude toward the ocean and its inhabitants is causing our slow but certain destruction. Even more importantly, Earle offers solutions and discusses ongoing actions that have been taken to reverse this frightening cycle of obliteration. Even those who do not consider themselves environmentalists will find themselves easily caught up in Earle’s heroic fight to save our “blue world.” Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries. — S. E. Brazer, Salisbury University 

Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences: 2nd electronic edition, ed. by John H. Steele, Karl K. Turekian, and Steve A. Thorpe.  Elsevier. Contact publisher for pricing for electronic version.  Internet Resource.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2009dec CHOICE.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/referenceworks/9780123744739
47-1766 
[Visited Sep’09]

The second edition of this classic, now published in both print and electronic formats, continues the tradition of the first–it is the best encyclopedic resource on the subject of ocean studies. Seventeen percent of the articles have been revised and updated, and the overall work now has some 500 articles, representing an increase of 14 percent in new content. The newer articles focus on climate, remote sensing, data modeling, and the economic and political aspects of ocean studies. The index has been completely revised. In addition to the list of supplemental readings for each article, the electronic edition reviewed here includes an interactive listing of related articles that connects to ScienceDirect (CH, Sep’06, 44-0034); this feature is extremely helpful for those interested in finding additional information on the topics. The electronic edition is easy to navigate and allows users to look at a summary text, the full PDF article, and the related articles. Graphs, charts, formula drawings, and pictures load quickly and are very legible.  An article tool box offers capabilities that include exporting citations to ProCite, EndNote (CH, Feb’08, 45-2929), Reference Manager (CH, Jul’09, 46-5932), or RefWorks. Users may download text in ASCII or BibTeX formats and request permission to reuse information via a link to the Copyright Clearance Center. The interface’s features are self-evident and easy to use. No additional plug-in or software is required. Despite a high price tag, this encyclopedia continues to be the best reference source on oceanographic studies, and will be indispensable for libraries supporting programs in oceanography. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. — J. C. Stachacz, Wilkes University 

Gulf of Mexico origin, waters, and biota: v.1: Biodiversity, ed. by Darryl L. Felder and David K. Camp.  Texas A&M, 2009.  1,393p bibl index afp ISBN 1-60344-094-1, $95.00; ISBN 1603440860  pbk, $40.00; ISBN 9781603440943, $95.00; ISBN 9781603440868  pbk, $40.00. Reviewed in 2009dec CHOICE. 
47-1980  QH92  2008-25312 CIP

This tome, the first in a multivolume set, will be of great use to specialists who conduct environmental research in the Gulf of Mexico. Except for the first and last chapters, each chapter in the volume focuses on a specific taxonomic group. Chapters consist of a very brief, general introduction to the respective taxon; a broader description of the state of knowledge about that taxon in the Gulf of Mexico; relevant references; and lastly, extensive detailed checklists enumerating each identified species in the Gulf of Mexico. The checklists include information on the habitat, depth range, and overall geographic range of each species, and they may have some utility for investigators working in locations outside the gulf. The first chapter, which provides an overview of gulf biodiversity, and the last chapter, which examines population genetics and biogeography in the region, should also be of broader interest. The editing of the volume and quality of graphics are consistently good. Overall, this exhaustive effort will be of critical importance to a specific and limited audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals interested in marine biology in the Gulf of Mexico. — S. R. Fegley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Hidden depths: atlas of the oceans.  Collins/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Smithsonian, 2008 (c2007).  256p index; ISBN 9780061345142, $39.95.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2008aug CHOICE.
45-6518  GC6   MARC 

The Smithsonian and NOAA have collaborated on a remarkable endeavor, Ocean Hall http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/ocean_hall/index.html, opening September 2008 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Hidden Depths is its companion volume, furthering NOAA’s mission of ocean literacy and highlighting the Smithsonian’s extensive collections. It is chock-full of richly colored photographs accompanied by lucid explanatory text. Fifteen chapters by NOAA scientists, each organized by a lead author, review the current state of oceans, offer historical context, and discuss future trends. Captivating images at every page convey the urgent need to conserve resources, collect and interpret data, and document the myriad ways oceans interact with the atmosphere, climate, land masses, and river and coastal areas, along with the impact of humans on those systems. This work complements Firefly’s World Atlas of the Oceans (CH, Feb’02, 39-3151), much of which is devoted to bathymetric charts. Hidden Depths covers natural systems in more detail, whereas the World Atlas gives more emphasis to commerce and industry. The ocean exploration time line, glossary, and subject index add value to an excellent review of oceanic systems. A bibliography would have strengthened the volume, but this is a minor quibble. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. –
A. S. Ricker, Oberlin College 

National Ocean Service.  Internet Resource. Reviewed in 2004oct CHOICE.
http://www.nos.noaa.gov/
42-0934  

The National Ocean Service (NOS), one of five major line offices in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has created a wonderful Web site. Organized according to the three main divisions of NOS, “Oceans,” “Coasts,” and “Charting and Navigation,” the site features further subdivisions. The “Oceans” section, for example, provides information on coral reef protection, ocean exploration, and oil and chemical spills. Multiple access points lead to other information provided by NOS, including publications, educational programs, news, outreach, a “mapfinder,” NOS offices, and additional Web resources. The site also highlights special programs sponsored by the agency, and documents, such as the latest annual report of NOS. Additional links assist in finding personnel within NOS, staff and program service offices, funding opportunities, and popular NOS publications such as Tides Online, which provides information on tide levels around the United States. Naturally, there are links to the NOAA site and four other line offices. The site is easy to explore, with a site index and a search window that facilitate navigation. The information loads quickly and easily. The Web site authors have added a user survey to gather immediate feedback on the site’s contents and format. This site will be very helpful to students and scholars needing information on a wide array of ocean studies topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. — J. C. Stachacz, Indiana University Kokomo 

National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC).  Internet Resource. Reviewed in 1999oct CHOICE.
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/
37-0679 

NODC’s site has a wealth of information helpful to many levels of users, some of it available online, some through described products. The site is easy to navigate, though previous knowledge or patience is required to find out where information resides. Helpful notes make maneuvering easier and even point out recently discovered data problems. Since the site is under construction, some pages lack some or even all their data. Based on the information now present and the work being done, an excellent product seems assured if funding continues. Data available include coastal water temperature, wind velocity, and salinity; they can be plotted or downloaded for later manipulation. Among the real-time data sets are some that require user registration. There are some interesting animated models of sea surface temperature and water level. Links from Top 10 Questions about the Oceans provide even more. A wonderful, improving site, useful to oceanographers and in academic collections. Highly recommended. — J. W. Green, University of South Carolina—Spartanburg 

Nichols, C. Reid.  Encyclopedia of marine science, by C. Reid Nichols and Robert G. Williams.  Facts On File, 2009.  626p bibl index afp ISBN 0-8160-5022-8, $85.00; ISBN 9780816050222, $85.00.  Outstanding Title! Reviewed in 2009may CHOICE.
46-4782  GC9  2007-45166 CIP 

This one-volume encyclopedia by Nichols and Williams (both, Marine Information Resources Corp.) joins the extensive Facts On File Science Library, written for grades 9 and up. Bridging the transition from high school through college is a laudable goal for a single volume that spans so many subjects–biology, chemistry, climatology, earth sciences, engineering, marine shipping and commerce, naval science, navigation, oceanography, physics, technology, and more are all well represented. The writing is clear and concise, with references to further reading at the end of most entries and a substantial appendix offering more resources. Entries are more extensive than those in Richard Ellis’s Encyclopedia of the Sea (CH, Feb’01, 38-3078) but cannot compare with the comprehensiveness of Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, ed. by J. H. Steele (CH, Mar’02, 39-3717) or Interdisciplinary Encyclopedia of Marine Sciences, ed. by J. W. Nybakken, W. W. Broenkow, and T. L. Vallier (CH, Sep’03, 41-0050). Comparisons of the three preceding titles with one another and the Facts On File volume reveal unique entries in each. Facts On File does an excellent job of describing various data collection centers and organizations; defining data measuring systems, currents, and other physical properties; and providing an exhaustive index (lacking in the Ellis volume). Academic libraries may want all four titles for complementary coverage of this multidisciplinary subject. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. — A. S. Ricker, Oberlin College 

Ott, Riki.  Not one drop: betrayal and courage in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.  Chelsea Green, 2008.  327p index; ISBN 9781933392585  pbk, $21.95. Reviewed in 2009may CHOICE.
46-4984  TD427  2008-34121 CIP 

Not One Drop is a gripping story of what happened in Cordova, a small fishing village of some 2,500 people, as a result of the 4.11 million gallons of oil spilled from the Exxon Valdez tanker into Prince William Sound on March 14, 1989. Developed from interviews with townspeople, state and federal officials, and politicians, this book describes a classic case of the worst of commercialism versus the best of environmentalism, with the former aided and abetted by those with vested interests. Beginning with a description of marine biologist Ott’s idyllic but demanding life in commercial fishing, the four subsequent parts of the work, “Promises,” “Betrayal,” “Courage,” and “New Beginnings,” provide a comprehensive inventory of the events that devastated the social fabric of Cordova. The superbly detailed “Timeline” covers the 1968 discovery of oil on the Alaska North Slope up to the June 25, 2008, Supreme Court decision limiting punitive damages from the spill. The book includes color photographs of happy and sad times as well as ones showing oil-slicked waterfowl and humans, many of whom suffered from a respiratory condition known as “Valdez Crud.” Detailed listing of supporting notes and excellent index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of readership. — E. J. Kormondy, chancellor-emeritus, University of Hawaii at Hilo 

Protecting the Gulf’s marine ecosystems from pollution, ed. by Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada et al.  Birkhauser, 2008.  285p bibl index afp; ISBN 9783764379469, $99.00. Reviewed in 2008aug CHOICE.
45-6771  GC1451  2007-939809 MARC 

It is only partway into the first paper before the reader learns which gulf is under discussion here: the Persian Gulf. This excellent compilation edited by Abuzinada (Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Saudi Arabia) and others is the result of collaboration between Middle Eastern and European scientists. Chapters cover numerous topics such as the Persian Gulf’s biophysical setting, including geography, geology, hydrology, and climate; coastal vegetation; the impact of oil pollution and temperature warming on marine biota and ecosystems; and the management of and efforts to reduce pollution. Authors discuss oil pollution preparedness, oil spill assessment and recovery, remote sensing for managing pollution, freshwater influx, and more. This well-referenced book makes no pretense at being comprehensive–marine invertebrates, fish, and birds get sparse treatment. This reviewer feels that the lack of capitalization of species names (when present in the text) leads to frequent confusion. Overall, the work is a significant contribution to understanding oil impacts, preparedness, remediation, and restoration. A must for oil aficionados. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers/libraries. — J. Burger, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 

Seas and waterways of the world: an encyclopedia of history, uses, and issues, ed. by John Zumerchik and Steven L. Danver.  ABC-Clio, 2010.  2v bibl index afp; ISBN 9781851097111, $165.00. Reviewed in 2010may CHOICE.
47-4799  HE381  2009-16165 CIP 

Although two-thirds of Earth is covered in water, most people give little or no thought to how that water becomes available for use. Editors Zumerchik (director of planning, Mi-Jack Products) and Danver (history, Pepperdine Univ.) offer an encyclopedia that describes the individual, social, and political importance of water. Comprising nearly 150 signed articles from about 50 contributors, this two-volume set provides subject entries on a wide array of pertinent water topics. Each entry provides a description of the geographical/geological features, the historical significance of the topic, and its economic background. Five major themes are interwoven throughout the encyclopedia: energy production, transportation, access to water, recreational/leisure use of water, and environmental aspects of water use. This set is enhanced by photographs, maps, a chronology, and tables. Each article has references and suggested further readings. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates and general readers. — H. N. Boyer, independent scholar

SeaWeb.  Internet Resource. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5641 
http://www.seaweb.org/home.php 
[Visited Mar’07]

Oceans are one of the most precious and awe-inspiring natural resources, and they are also frighteningly threatened, polluted, and ultimately finite. SeaWeb had its start 11 years ago via the environmental arm of the Pew Charitable Trusts; its mission is using social marketing techniques to lead the way in oceanic preservation and conservation. Through public opinion polls, its Ocean Update newsletter, scientific spokespeople, comprehensive review reports on such topics as marine habitat, wildlife, and pollution, and a nationally aired radio program (The Ocean Report, 1996-2000) that focused on ocean conservation issues, SeaWeb has been extremely pivotal in bringing crucial oceanic issues to the forefront.  This site has a number of highly comprehensive, expertly written reports and publications covering a plethora of crucial ocean topics such as fisheries, seafood, aquaculture, ecosystem-based management, marine reserves, and pollution. These reports and publications are all suitable for use/inclusion in academic works and secondary-school assignments. Shorter SeaWeb documents, called Ocean Briefings, will prove more useful to the general public, journalists, and policy makers, as they are concisely written pieces that ultimately introduce, explain, and summarize a number of crucial issues in just a few pages. The site is an extremely useful resource for information on larger, more pivotal oceanic issues; search options allow those looking for slightly more esoteric topics to easily find relevant, related information. Summing Up: Recommended. Academic institutions, secondary schools, and nonprofit educational organizations; lower-/upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and general readers. — S. E. Brazer, Salisbury University

UN Atlas of the Oceans.  Internet Resource. Reviewed in 2006nov CHOICE.
http://www.oceansatlas.com/
44-1309 
[Visited Aug’06]

Funded by the United Nations Foundation, this Web resource organizes and compiles oceanic information geared toward policy makers and academics interested in oceanographic policies. Accessing the database requires registering with the site for a free user name and password. The site offers four main sections: About the Oceans, Uses of the Oceans, Ocean Issues, and Geography. Topics cover a range of historical and biological material, including climate, ecology, tourism, geographical issues, climate change, local governance, human health, and marine biotechnology. A database search reveals a wealth of information in a variety of formats–news, events, Web sites, documents, books, multimedia, and contacts. Although this variety is extremely useful, the information one finds tends to be somewhat scattered and unfocused. Searching the database is a bit like eating at a party–one may nibble everything yet still sometimes walk away feeling hungry. Searching the site does not guarantee that one can use or will like what one finds. That having been said, the information presented could be extremely helpful to any academic institution having an advanced-level geographical planning department or focus. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division students, graduate students, and faculty/researchers. — S. E. Brazer, Salisbury University 

Editor’s note: Pertinent titles with reviews forthcoming in the September issue:

Broecker, Wally. The great ocean conveyor: discovering the trigger for abrupt climate change. Princeton, 2010. 154p index afp ISBN 9780691143545, $27.95

Waters & Oceans Worldwide.   http://www.ebscohost.com/ EBSCO. Contact publisher for pricing information.

© American Library Association. Contact [email protected] for permission to reproduce or redistribute.