The Great Barrier Reef
History, Science, Heritage

This 2002 book provides a cultural and ecological history of European impact on the Great Barrier Reef.

James Bowen (Author), Margarita Bowen (Author)

9780521172790, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

492 pages
24.4 x 17 x 2.5 cm, 0.78 kg

Review of the hardback: '… the first full history of the Reef … The Bowens give a lively history of the exploring and mapping of the Reef … scholarly, well-written …'. Australian Studies

One of the world's natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2000 kilometres in a maze of coral reefs and islands along Australia's north-eastern coastline. Now unfolding the fascinating story behind its mystique this 2002 book provides for the first time a comprehensive cultural and ecological history of European impact, from early voyages of discovery to developments in Reef science and management. Incisive and a delight to read in its thorough account of the scientific, social and environmental consequences of European impact on the world's greatest coral reef system, this extraordinary book is sure to become a classic.

Part I. Navigators and Naturalists in the Age of Sail: 1. Quest for the great south land
2. Voyage of the 'Endeavour': Cook and the Labyrinth
3. Endeavour naturalists: 'a separate creation'
4. Matthew Flinders: voyage of The Investigator
5. The reef explored: early surveys 1821–1844
6. Reef charts completed 1846–1862
7. The reef as a maritime highway: colony of Queensland 1859–1900
8. From natural history to science, 1850–1900: voyages of the Challenger and Chevert
9. Exploitation and resource raiding 1860–1890
10. For maximum yield: reef biology
Part II. A New Era in Reef Awareness from Scientific Investigation to Conservation and Heritage: 11. Origin and structure of coral reefs: from Forster to Darwin
12. Darwin's legacy: coral reef controversy 1863–1923
13. Exploitation challenged rise of ecology: the subversive science
14. Reef research and controversy 1920–1930
15. The Low Isles expedition 1928–1929: Planning and preparation
16. Biological research of the Low Isles expedition
17. From depression to war: tourism, conservation and science 1929–1939
18. The Pacific War and its aftermath
19. A new problem: the conservation controversy 1958–1972
20. Crisis resolution: formation of an environmental management authority
21. A new era: research-based management
22. The reef under pressure: problems of management
23. The reef as heritage: a challenge for the future.

Subject Areas: The environment [RN], Physical geography & topography [RGB]