Summary: Discusses coastal sand dune, shingle beach, and salt marsh ecosystems, communities based upon relatively unconsolidated granular deposits which frequently rest upon solid rock or, much more rarely, on peat.

A concise but comprehensive introduction to the biology of coastal sand dunes. The emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this predominantly marine environment, although pollution, conservation, management and experimental aspects are considered.

This book series looks at each of the main coastal habitats – salt marshes, sand dunes and sand/shingle shores, modified coastal grazing marshes/salinas and sea cliffs in turn. Each habitat is described in relation to its natural development and the way this has been influenced by human actions. The different states in which the habitats exist are reviewed against the pressures exerted upon them. Options for management are considered and the likely consequences of taking a particular course of action are highlighted.

The two volumes of this handbook provide a comprehensive account of the emerging and vibrant science of the ecological restoration of both habitats and species. Ecological restoration aims to achieve complete structural and functional, self-maintaining biological integrity following disturbance. In practice, any theoretical model is modified by a number of economic, social and ecological constraints. Consequently, material that might be considered as rehabilitation, enhancement, reconstruction or re-creation is also included. Restoration in Practice provides details of state-of-the-art restoration practice in a range of biomes within terrestrial and aquatic (marine, coastal and freshwater) ecosystems. Policy and legislative issues on all continents are also outlined and discussed. The accompanying volume, Principles of Restoration defines the underlying principles of restoration ecology. The Handbook of Ecological Restoration will be an invaluable resource to anyone concerned with the restoration, rehabilitation, enhancement or creation of habitats in aquatic or terrestrial systems, throughout the world.

Coastal Zones and Estuaries is a component of Encyclopedia of Environmental and Ecological Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources which is part of the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme deals with important links of water, sediment, and nutrients between continents and oceans. The present behavior of sea level, ice sheets, and coral reefs is still a matter of controversy and concern. Coastal experiences learned in developed countries should be used to improve coastal policies world wide. Within the Global Change Programme, it is recognized that the earth system is characterized by critical limits and abrupt changes. The coastal systems are particularly sensitive to these changes. This volume is aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs.

Elizabeth A. Kaye specializes in communications as part of her coaching and consulting practice. She has edited Requirements for Certification since the 2000-01 edition.