In this expanded and revised edition of Sea Stars of British Columbia, originally published in 1981, Philip Lambert describes 43 species and subspecies of sea stars in the coastal waters of northwestern North America. Lambert has expanded the geographic area to include the region from Glacier Bay in southeastern Alaska to the waters of Juan de Fuca Strait and Puget Sound of northern Washington. The sea star fauna of this region is the most diverse of all the temperate waters of the world. The great age of the Pacific Basin, and the varied habitats along this complex coastline, created by scouring glaciers and other natural forces, have stimulated the evolution of many new forms. Although he covers the coastal waters down to 200 metres below the surface, Lambert lists 26 more species that live below 200 metres and 14 others that occur just outside the region covered by this book.

The authors describe 24 species of brittle stars, 8 sea urchins and 2 feather stars inhabiting the coastal waters of BC, the Alaska Panhandle and Puget Sound. All species described live in the shallow waters to a depth of 200 meters; but the authors include species lists of all known species in the region, even those in deeper water. They discuss anatomical features, behavior, reproduction, feeding, parasites and predators for each group. The species descriptions provide all the details to satisfy the professional biologist, yet the authors' easy-going style makes this book suitable for anyone interested in coastal marine life. Each account contains descriptive and comparative biology, with illustrations and photographs, as well as more details on the life and habits of the animal. A section of colour photographs helps with identification.

This is the first handbook devoted to sea cucumbers in the waters of British Columbia, southeast Alaska and northern Washington. Philip Lambert describes 34 species, including 2 new ones. He provides all the details to satisfy the professional biologist, yet his easy-going style makes this book suitable for anyone interested in coastal marine life. Photographs and illustrations help identify each species; a special colour section features the more colourful species in their natural habitats.

A current and comprehensive species list of marine invertebrates of Alaska is essential for effective management of living marine resources, sustainable fisheries, conservation of vulnerable ecosystems, and advancement of our knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem function. Furthermore, the most current checklist available to resource managers and scientists is quite dated and limited in that it only includes the marine invertebrates of the southern coast of Alaska to California. Since that checklist was published, many new species have been described, many range extensions have been discovered, and considerable changes in higher-level systematics have been made. The checklist that we have compiled lists 3708 species and presents for each species the currently accepted scientific name and its significant synonyms, common names, type localities, geographic and depth distributions, a general statement of abundance in Alaska when known (e.g., rare, uncommon, common, abundant), and general remarks. It includes species recorded in the marine waters of Alaska from the intertidal zone, continental shelf, and upper continental slope to abyssal depths, from the Beaufort Sea at the Arctic border with Yukon, Canada; the eastern Chukchi Sea, the eastern Bering Sea, the Aleutian Islands to the western border with Russia; and the Gulf of Alaska to Dixon Entrance at the southern border with British Columbia. Sound and reliable taxonomic identifications are necessary to monitor and predict changes in the distribution and abundance of marine species. The current status and future direction of the study of Alaskan marine invertebrate biodiversity are briefly discussed.

A new edition of the bestselling beachcomber’s companion, updated with additional species, new information and photographs of West Coast seashore life, sure to enhance any trip to the beach! The Pacific Northwest coast is home to one of the most diverse displays of intertidal marine life in the world, including sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and more. The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest is a portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeast Alaska. Covering the Pacific Northwest’s most common shoreline-dwelling flora and fauna, the guide gives in each entry a detailed description of appearance and habitat accompanied by colour photos for easy identification of any creature you might encounter as you explore your local beach. Additional details about each species are included. Simple but essential information on tides and the various habitats within the intertidal zones is also provided to assist beachcombers in exploring safely without harming the creatures they are watching. Thoroughly revised and packed with handy and accessible information, this guide belongs in the beach bag or backpack of any avid naturalist, amateur beachcomber or adventurous family.

Newly revised and updated, this guide to the most common animals and plants of the California seashore is a must-have companion for any curious beach visitor. Look no further than The New Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life of California for the essential tidal guidebook. More than 270 of the sponges, molluscs, crustaceans, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and other flora and fauna you’re likely to see are described here in concise detail, and each is photographed in splendid colour for identification in the natural habitat. This book contains an additional comprehensive guide to California’s best beachcombing sites and their distinctions, serving as an all-inclusive and beautifully informative resource. A perfect gift for yourself or any other beach walkers in your life, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life of California will delight casual and expert naturalists alike.

The Pacific Northwest coast is home to one of the most diverse displays of intertidal marine life in the world, including sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and more. The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest is a portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeast Alaska. Covering the Pacific Northwest’s most common shoreline-dwelling flora and fauna, the guide gives in each entry a detailed description of appearance and habitat accompanied by colour photos for easy identification of any creature you might encounter as you explore your local beach. Simple but essential information on tides and the various habitats within the intertidal zones is also provided to assist beachcombers in exploring safely with minimal ecological impact. The New Beachcomber’s Guide even contains up-to-date descriptions of the best beachcombing sites and when to visit them—you may even find your new favourite exploration grounds! Thoroughly revised and packed with handy and accessible information, this guide belongs in the beach bag or backpack of any avid naturalist, amateur beachcomber or adventurous family.