The oceans cover over 70% of our planet's surface. Their physical, chemical and
biological properties form the basis of the essential controls that facilitate life on
Earth. Current concerns such as global climate change, pollution of the world's
oceans, declining fish stocks, and the recovery of inorganic and organic chemicals
and pharmaceuticals from the oceans call for greater knowledge of this complex
medium. This volume brings together a number of experts in marine science and
technology to provide a wide-ranging examination of some issues of major
environmental impact.