The Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME), as the apex of the Coral Triangle, is considered the center of the center of marine biodiversity where the highest number of colorful reef and marine fishes, various sizes of corals and shells, myriad shapes of algae, and protective mangrove forests are found. The SSME's marine aquarium is not only a delightful lure for tourists but is also the source of food and a natural capital for livelihoods among coastal communities. To address threats to SSME's diversity and productivity, an ecoregion conservation plan was forged collaboratively by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in 2004. As the management framework to address threats to its diversity and productivity, the SSME Ecoregion Conservation Plan has spurred the development of three comprehensive action plans for 2010-2012. These plans are implemented by the subcommittees on Migratory and Threatened Species, Marine Protected Areas and Networks, and Sustainable Fisheries, and guided by the SSME's Tri-National Committee. This publication includes business plans and cost estimates to implement the three action plans---providing useful guide on costs and activities for governments, prospective donors, and investors; valuable information from cost-benefit analyses; and lessons learned from past conservation efforts.

Coral reefs are the 'rain forests' of the ocean, containing the highest diversity of marine organisms and facing the greatest threats from humans. As shallow-water coastal habitats, they support a wide range of economically and culturally important activities, from fishing to tourism. Their accessibility makes reefs vulnerable to local threats that include over-fishing, pollution and physical damage. Reefs also face global problems, such as climate change, which may be responsible for recent widespread coral mortality and increased frequency of hurricane damage. This book, first published in 2006, summarises the state of knowledge about the status of reefs, the problems they face, and potential solutions. The topics considered range from concerns about extinction of coral reef species to economic and social issues affecting the well-being of people who depend on reefs. The result is a multi-disciplinary perspective on problems and solutions to the coral reef crisis.

This volume focuses on new trends in monitoring biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific region, one of the most rapidly changing areas in the world. It provides reviews of the challenges in studying the spatial variability of biodiversity across various ecosystems. This book also describes newly developed concepts and methods for biodiversity observation including ubiquitous genotyping, systematic conservation, monitoring of the functions and services of ecosystems and biodiversity informatics. These contributions will lead to establishing integrative observations and assessments of biodiversity, essential for reporting the current status and for the effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This work will interest biodiversity researchers not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also across the entire globe.

The first and only photo guide solely dedicated to marine animals of Philippines you are likely to see while diving or snorkeling.Covers 1600 species, including Philippines endemics, new to science and undescribed species. Fishes, turtles, shrimps, crabs, nudibranchs, corals, all are beautifully illustrated in natural surroundings. Inside Coral Reefs Philippines: The most comprehensive photo guide to Philippine marine life, covering fishes, turtles, invertebrates and marine plants Designed for divers, snorkelers and marine life lovers Features near 1600 species, among them new species and new records of fishes and invertebrates for the Philippines All photographs taken in natural environment, no anaesthetic or sedatives substances were used on animals Small and compact enough to be taken for your next dive trip