The Brackish-Water Fauna of Northwestern Europe

A guide to the animals and habitats of brackish water in northwestern Europe.

Richard S. K. Barnes (Author)

9780521455565, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 August 1994

304 pages, 117 b/w illus. 2 tables
24.6 x 18.9 x 1.6 cm, 0.55 kg

'Fieldworkers, naturalists and students interested in Europe's coastal fringe will find this an essential reference work.' Bryan Sage, Countryside

Brackish water can be found wherever sea water is diluted by freshwater to form water of intermediate salinity. The ephemeral habitats of estuaries, coastal lagoons and inland seas are rich in fauna, but are threatened by rising sea levels, drainage and reclamation of low lying coastal land, storms and sea defences. This is the first identification guide to the fauna of these ecologically important areas. The ecology of these animals and their habitats are examined and reviewed. The keys are designed to be used with living material, and illustrations are provided for all species likely to be found in brackish-water habitats in northwestern Europe, making identification easy. Fieldworkers, naturalists and students interested in these fragile and ephemeral habitats will find this an indispensable reference.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. The origin of brackish-water habitats
3. Brackish-water habitats and their investigation
4. Nature of brackish-water faunas: estuaries
5. Nature of brackish-water faunas: lagoons
6. The diets of brackish-water animals
7. What limits the populations of brackish-water animals?
8. Reproduction
9. Identification and notes on the species
Sources of illustrations
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Marine biology [PSPM], Freshwater biology [PSPF]