Rugged, sometimes bleak or forbidding, and largely uninhabited, the Namibian coast is a fascinating and complex mix of richness and paucity. The warm and dry Namib Desert stands in stark contrast to the cold waters of the Benguela current which is so biologically productive. In combination, the ocean and desert provide a harsh and spectacular environment that remains largely pristine. The principal aim of the book is to help improve the management of the coast by providing information to a wide audience of managers, students, tourists, entrepreneurs, and the general public. It is also hoped that the book will contribute to an improved understanding and appreciation of the Namibian coast.