Description:
In the United States, approximately two thirds of coastal rivers and bays are moderately to severely degraded by nutrient pollution. Rhode Island is in the formative stages of undertaking what many are calling a "grand experiment" in reducing nutrient input to the Narragansett Bay ecosystem, one of the best-studied estuaries in the world. This book sets the stage for conducting this experiment by compiling, within one volume, the best available science from preeminent experts on the Narragansett Bay ecosystem. Each chapter elucidates what is known about the various elements that make up the ecosystem, including interactions between biological, ecological, chemical and physical processes. The local approach adopted by this book provides managers with useful guidance and solutions, and at the same time it addresses the broader problem of coastal nutrient pollution.
Review Quotes:
From the reviews:
"This book, part of the 'Springer Series on Environmental Management, ' is based on a 2004 symposium of the same name. Desbonnet and Costa-Pierce ... bring together all aspects of ecosystem-based management practices to improve environmental quality. ... contains clear tables and figures that help to illustrate points in the text. ... The book contains many references related to the field site and to best practices in ecosystem management; it will be especially valuable ... . Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals." (M. E. Lenczewski, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (11), August, 2008)