The oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and play an important part in our lives by controlling climate and weather conditions; hosting shipping, transportation, recreation and tourism; and providing us with food, minerals and petroleum. With the growth of the human population, especially in coastal zones, there is a growing threat to oceans from land-based activities such as industrial effluent, municipal sewage, and runoff from agricultural areas, as well the excessive exploitation of fish stocks. This book contains important and fascinating evidence of the role of the oceans in mankind's survival in the twenty-first century. It focuses on regional and national case studies and emphasizes approaches that can help remedy our impact.