To most people, the mention of marine plants conjures up images of rotting seaweeds piled high on the beach, or slithering threateningly around bare ankles during a paddle in the shallows. Certainly, the seaweeds do not inspire the imagination or the romanticism that is usually associated with the sea. Marine Plants of Australia might well alter that perception. This third edition illustrates over 600 species of Australia's underwater plant life, mostly using underwater photographs that reveal the amazing colours and intricate patterns found in this largely unknown realm of life. Imagine plants with blue foliage that turns red in the dark, or iridescent plants, or plants that look like rocks painted in shades of pink. There are seaweeds with the consistency of jelly, or with fronds that form an intricate mesh that rivals the best lace. These plants have evolved a startling myriad of shapes, colours and patterns that will impress everyone who views them -- underwater, or through the pages of this book.

Phytoplankton account for more than 90% of the biomass of living organisms in the world's seas and produce 50% of the atmospheric oxygen we breathe. They form the base of all marine food webs and play a critical role in shaping global climate. There is an increasing appreciation of their value as key biological indicators of ocean health and the impact of climate change on marine life, fisheries and humans. Algae of Australia: Phytoplankton of Temperate Coastal Waters, the product of three decades of research by Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff and 11 collaborators, provides descriptions and illustrations of 541 species known from the estuarine, coastal and offshore waters of southern Australia. It includes more than 1,100 photographs and drawings, and represents the first guide for the identification of these fundamentally important microscopic algae in the temperate Australasian region. The book, incorporating comprehensive bibliographies and a glossary of technical terms, will become an indispensable resource for oceanographers, fisheries biologists, aquaculture managers, as well as enquiring non-specialists. Key Features * These organisms form the base of all marine food webs and they are a key indicator of changing ocean temperatures * Full descriptions provided for 541 species * Habitat and distributional information included along with more than 1,100 photographs to aid identification

A guide to Australian marine life that describes 1200 of the most commonly seen plants and animals of temperate waters, including notes on their habitat and distribution, and more than 1300 full-colour photographs.

This book provides an introduction to recent analytical and experimental studies of plant growth in the sea. The physiology and ecology of marine plants are, therefore, emphasized.

Tropical Marine Life of Australia is the definitive guide to tropical Australian and central Indo-Pacific marine life, covering over 2,400 species of animals and plants. Groups covered include seaweeds, corals, molluscs, crustaceans, fishes, reptiles and mammals. The characteristics of each species are outlined, including distinguishing features, distribution and rarity. This indispensable guide covers all common species likely to be encountered by divers and shoreline ramblers, and also many of the more rare species or those with an unusual appearance or lifestyle.