{"product_id":"9781603447935","title":"Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico","description":"\u003cbr\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. 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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.","brand":"Texas A\u0026M University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47182027227376,"sku":"9781603447935","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781603447935_p0.jpg?v=1763826807","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781603447935","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}