Caribbean Coral Reef

Caribbean coral reefs have unique species, are the world’s second largest coral reef community, and the most threatened. This book will be of major interest to all concerned with saving coral reefs from extinction. No other book available shows Caribbean coral reefs when they were at their best. It is only by comparing the images in this book with what they see now that people can recognize what we have lost. It is far more than they can imagine! Those who did not see it themselves can only do so through this book. Jim Porter’s insightful commentary in the Foreword adds crucial scientific perspective. Other books do not provide a one volume summary of all the major species on the Caribbean reef. This book is also more accurate in important systematic organization than other books in this field. The author’s excellent photographs convey clear concepts of processes and key aspects of species for identification. The book is written in an engaging story-telling style, yet clearly and concisely communicating the essential scientific concepts. Whereas most books have chapters dividing up one topic, this book is divided into different kinds of information which are essential to understanding coral reefs: how reefs are structured, corals, invertebrates, fishes, cryptic or hidden organisms, the community at night and others. One review states "After 52 years of researching coral reefs, I find this is the best book to present what reefs should be like, and were like 50 years ago. It is also written in a style accessible to recreational divers who wish to know the organisms, processes, and structures they are seeing." Another says "The first thing that will strikes the reader is the exquisite photography. There are many great underwater photographers, but the author is in a class by himself. Once the first impact of the astounding photography is accepted, the reader will be struck by what might be called the scientific integrity of the book." While this book is 'a time machine' taking the reader back to when these reefs thrived, there is optimism that we may see these reefs again as they appear in this book.