An important reference

A review of "Coral Reefs of the World", vol 1

This is the first of three volumes in a series describing the major coral reefs of the world. The series is compiled by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It includes both general descriptions of coral reefs country by country, and more specific descriptions of selected reefs. There is an obvious emphasis on questions such as land tenure, economic and social benefits, legal protection, environmental destruction, etc. However, the books also describe the fauna and flora of the reefs, their physical features, etc. All in all, these are important reference works, but hardly books for the general public. This volume covers the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.