New Zealand Coastal Marine Invertebrates: Volume 1

Description

This is the first of two volumes of a full-colour identification guide to 1496 species of marine invertebrate found around the coasts of New Zealand. It is intended for divers and naturalists as well as professional scientists. Sections on each major taxonomic group - e.g. starfishes, crustaceans and molluscs - describe in plain language each animal's morphology, habitat, abundance, distribution and depth range, and introduce the scientific literature. Among the more than 2000 illustrations across the two volumes are colour photos by New Zealand's best underwater photographers, and hundreds of line drawings giving extra anatomical detail. The volumes include references, a comprehensive glossary, a full index and a general introduction. New Zealand Coastal Marine Invertebrates is the largest and most comprehensive zoological book ever published in New Zealand, and provides access to a tremendous volume of material hitherto buried in the scientific literature. Volume 2 is expected in 2012.

Steve de C. Cook was born, raised and educated in New Zealand, and has always had a strong interest in marine natural history; from exploring rock pools while still very young, to doctoral research in sponge taxonomy, which led him to become a world expert in his chosen field. Steve is a freelance taxonomist and ecologist, with wide-ranging experience in New Zealand marine invertebrate biodiversity. He still explores rock pools. The book has 36 other specialist contributors, from Australia, Japan, the US and Britain, as well as New Zealand, and includes the work of more than 85 underwater photographers. The line drawings are by artist Danielle Archer.