Thomas brings the life of seaweeds to the amateur, exploring what they are, where they are found, and how they manage to survive hostile conditions such as fluctuating temperatures, salinity and dessication. He also looks at `alien' species and the effects of other introduced species on the local environment, both biologically and economically. Finally, he explores the multitude of uses for seaweed, together with what you can do whilst combing beaches and rocky shores.
What are seaweeds?; What do seaweeds look like?; Seaweed growth and reproduction; The rigours of seaweed life; Seaweed as part of an ecosystem; Grazers, competiton and defence; Seaweeds at the extremes; Problem seaweed; Uses of seaweed; Glossary; Index; Further information.
David Thomas is a senior lecturer in Marine Biology/Biological Oceanography at the University of Wales-Bangor. He has been conducting research into seaweed since his undergraduate studies where he looked at seaweed species growing on the shores of the Irish Sea. He has worked in Germany, Israel, Vietnam and The Philippines studying the ecology and physiology of these plants.