Elliott A. Norse and Larry B. Crowder (eds): Review of “Marine Conservation Biology: the science of maintaining the sea’s biodiversity”

Abstract

With the collapse of many fisheries, evident habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity, there is little question that conservation and restoration of life in the seas is necessary today. Yet important questions remain. Which species or ecosystems are the most critical? What are the restoration goals? Are there potentially negative consequences of restoration plans? Marine Conservation Biology seeks to address these questions and others by presenting the science, acknowledging the uncertainties, and considering the socioeconomic concerns that surround conservation efforts. The editors have assembled leading researchers in related fields to contribute their knowledge on marine conservation efforts. This text was reviewed by graduate students in an aquatic ecosystem conservation seminar.The editors begin with a persuasive argument for why the emerging field of marine conservation biology requires its own text. Chapter 1 presents a thorough comparison between terrestrial and marine conservation, a reoccurring theme throughout the book. Both disciplines emphasize biodiversity, focus on keystone species and