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. The relationship between mankind and the oceans has been crucial since prehistoric times. 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 as antifouling agents used on ships and aquaculture nets, and 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 on the oceans. It contains a lot of valuable information on the ocean environment, including controversial issues such as fish stock depletion rates, plus the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, and constructive suggestions for future directions.
The oceans belong to us all and we are equally responsible for the wise utilization and protection of their bountiful resources. Mankind and the Oceans is a useful tool for policymakers, resource managers, graduate and undergraduate students, scientists and all other people concerned about the role and future of our oceans.