Troubled Waters: Ocean Science and Governance

Description

Bringing together 30 international experts, this volume commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, the UN organization responsible for fostering intergovernmental cooperation on global ocean issues. It looks at how governments use science to establish ocean policies, with chapters ranging from the history of ocean management to current advances in marine science, observation and management applications, and the international agencies that co-ordinate this work. With a focus on key topical issues such as marine pollution, exploitation, and hazards, Troubled Waters reflects on past successes and failures in ocean management and emphasises the need for knowledge and effective government action to ensure a sustainable future for this precious resource. Illustrated with dramatic, full-colour images, it is essential reading for researchers, students, policy makers and managers of the marine environment, and also provides an attractive and accessible overview for anyone concerned about the future stewardship of our oceans.

Geoff Holland was awarded a BSc and MSc in Hydrodynamics and Aerodynamics from London University, before becoming a scientific officer for the UK Government Hydraulic Research Station in Wallingford (1957-67). He then emigrated to Canada and spent 32 years working in ocean science with the Canadian government, culminating with a position as Director General, Ocean Sciences and Services. During this time, he served on many national committees dealing with issues such as climate, energy, offshore resources, pollution, ocean data buoys and remote sensing. He was appointed Chairman of the International Maritime Organisation 1985-1989, overseeing the discussions leading to the ban on the ocean disposal of low-level radioactive waste. He was then made Chairman of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) 1995-1999. Mr Holland retired in 1999 and has since been appointed Canadian 'Ocean Ambassador' by the Minister for Fisheries and Oceans. David Pugh was awarded a PhD in Geodesy and Geophysics from the University of Cambridge in 1968 before joining the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory in Merseyside. In 1984 he became Head of Oceanography, Hydrology and Meteorology, Science Division, for the UK National Environment Research Council. He has also served as Secretary to the United Kingdom Government Committee on Marine Science and Technology and was elected President of the IOC (2003-2007), having previously been the Founding Chairman of the IOC Global Sea Level network, GLOSS. Dr Pugh maintains an active program of research associated with Liverpool University and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory. His interests include tides, surges, mean sea level, coastal management and climate change, the economics of marine activities related to GDP, and the history of sea level, and he is the author of two other books. He received an award from the Queen in 2003 for his services to marine sciences.

'... timely ... Looking to the future, Troubled Waters explains the high likelihood of continuing sea-level rise, increasing ocean acidification and warming oceans. This is coupled with increasing pollution and contamination of maritime spaces and the continuing collapse of marine biodiversity. Contributors suggest new strategies to deal with sea-level rise, including the creation of more habitable space through reclamation, artificial islands and even mobile human habitats ... the key to managing the seas will be turning good information into meaningful policies. In that regard, Troubled Waters is an excellent resource.' Nature 'Where ecological phenomena outlast the political lifetime of decision makers, where the frontiers of nations are no longer barriers, the principles of harmonisation and inter-governmental collaboration take on their full value.' HSH Prince Albert of Monaco 'Well-managed and healthy oceans are vital to the survival of small island states, such as the Maldives. This important book shows how scientists and governments can better protect the world's oceans.' Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Republic of Maldives 'The editors have managed to bring the jigsaw pieces together in a clearly laid out, very readable, easily accessible, wonderfully illustrated, work that should be a permanent but not neglected resident on the shelves of all who have an interest in the oceans and how we manage them, past present and future.' Dan Costa, Marine Scientist '... well produced, thought provoking ... it is a publication that has much value for its intended readership ... and beyond ... I would strongly recommend this book to all who have an interest in understanding and safeguarding our seas.' International Journal of the Society for Underwater Technology '... the text provides a good reality check of what issues exist and what responsible parties should do to address them. The different perspectives are incredibly helpful, and this book effectively provides a sample of many issues related to the ocean.' Kathleen Galloway, Journal of the American Water Resources Association