Product Description
Many marine mammals communicate by emitting sounds that pass through water. Such sounds can be received across great distances and can influence the behavior of these undersea creatures. In the past few decades, the oceans have become increasingly noisy, as underwater sounds from propellers, sonars, and other human activities make it difficult for marine mammals to communicate. This book discusses, among many other topics, just how well marine mammals hear, how noisy the oceans have become, and what effects these new sounds have on marine mammals. The baseline of ambient noise, the sounds produced by machines and mammals, the sensitivity of marine mammal hearing, and the reactions of marine mammals are also examined.
An essential addition to any marine biologist's library, Marine Mammals and Noise will be especially appealing to marine mammalogists, researchers, policy makers and regulators, and marine biologists and oceanographers using sound in their research. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Marine Mammals and Noise
This is and excellent book for the researcher, graduate student, or undergrad (with some physics under his or her belt), who wants to learn about the effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. Currently this topic is the focus of much interest and is one of the most active areas of marine mammology research.Richardson et al. do an excellent job explaining the technical information, and have organized the book chapters in a logical sequence.Most terms are explicitly defined and the use of technical jargon is kept to a minimum.This book is a must for any researcher, or student, in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
Combining excellent science with accessible style, the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals is an indispensable resource on the fascinating warm-blooded creatures of the sea. The contributions of more than 200 leading international authorities have made this single volume the guide for studyig the entire range of marine mammals.

Organized alphabetically, more the 280 articles are devoted to wide range of topics -- from the specific behavior and physiology of cetaceans and pinnipeds, to ecology, population biology, human effects and interaction, and research methodology.

Up-to-date, accessible, and scientifically sound, the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals will occupy a central place in any marine science library.

KEY FEATURES
*Complete Species List, featuring both living and extinct mammals;
*Comprehensive Glossary with definitions for more than 1,000 specialized terms;
*Extensive cross-referencing between articles;
*Abundant visual resources -- photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, and figures

KEY FEATURES
*Complete Species List, featuring both living and extinct mammals
*Comprehensive Glossary with definitions for more than 1,000 specialized terms
*Extensive cross-referencing between articles
*Abundant visual resources -- photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, and figures ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Marine Science and more, Every Marine Biologist should have a copy
Well written, with an excellent list of references for further study and research.I was able to answer serveral questions in less than half an hour.The alphabetical lay out made locating information very easy.I provided a second copy to my collegues at work in the Environmental Secruity Office at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton CA.

Excellent Resource on Marine Mammals
I'm thoroughly pleased with this book, which is an indispensable resource on all forms of marine mammals, extinct and extant. The book has provided indepth essays from the foremost experts in respective fields, with helpful diagrams and accompanying images, throughout.

A must have for every student of marine mammalogy!
This book is easy to use and provides comprehensive information for such a variety of topics that every student of marine mammals should have it in their library.I recommend it to students who are just starting their journey into marine mammal studies! ... Read more

Product Description

This book is about studying the acoustics of marine animals using underwater acoustic techniques. Marine bioacoustics is a very broad interdisciplinary field that covers diverse areas as the production and reception of sound by researchers, the production and reception of sound by marine animals, the nature of sound propagation in the ocean, the nature of sound propagation in small tanks and other enclosure, signal processing techniques to acquire and store acoustic signals either on tape or in a computer, the analysis of sounds produced by marine animals, the characterization of hearing and sound production by marine animals, psycho-acoustic testing procedures, electrophysiological measurement procedures to name a few. Therefore, an accomplished bioacoustician must have some knowledge not only in the physics and mathematics of sounds but in the various areas mentioned above. This book attempts to discuss and unite the various areas of marine bioacoustics in a single text in as comprehensive manner possible.

Product Description
This book provides a general introduction to the biology of marine mammals, and an overview of the adaptations that have permitted mammals to succeed in the marine environment. Each chapter, written by experts in their field, will provide an up-to-date review and present the major discoveries and innovations in the field. Important technical advances such as satellite telemetry and time-depth-recorders will be described in boxes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good, simple approach and almost all inclusive.
Great book at giving the readers dynamic information not just about marine mammals, but also their systematic relationships. It is inclusive of both fossil and extant taxa. Covers most aspects of pinniped, cetacea, and sirenian biology. It is highly understandable to the novice of phylogenetic systematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Must For Environmentalists and Marine Animal Lovers!
The truth behind many hot environmental topics is discussed in this book and also displayed using many graphs and charts.Everything from the dolphin-tuna controversy to the seal and sea lion over-populationproblemin the Northwest and how they effectsalmon is covered in this one book. This book is fabulous and gives insite from every angle imaginable. Unfortunately, there are no color plates. ... Read more

Product Description
"UNDERSEA ENCOUNTERS, a series of 10 age-appropriate books about the underwater world, teaches through motivation and delight. The young elementary school reader (grades 2-4) will be grabbed 'hook, line, and sinker' by the colorful cover photograph on each book. Inside, the text and an abundance of pictures support readers with features like bolded vocabulary defined in the glossary. There is a section of additional resources, which includes lists of books and websites, and an index with both text and picture pages.

DOLPHINS, SEALS, AND OTHER SEA MAMMALS helps the reader to view these animals as more than just another mammal. From their early evolution on land to their return to the sea, dolphins and other pinnipeds have survived in some of the harshest environments, yet still have managed to have fun. Their probing and sorrowful looking eyes, graceful antics, and intelligent brains endear them to children and adults alike. Because these creatures are our closest relatives in the ocean, humans have a special bond with these creatures; some even take vacations in order to swim with them!" --National Science Teachers Association Recommended Book ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you venture out on the high seas or observe nature from the shore, you'll enjoy this full-color guide to the whales, dolphins, seals, sea-lions and other aquatic mammals that populate the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. Designed to enhance your whale-watching experience, the book includes a Quick Reference Guide, tips for spotting whales and illustrated dive sequences. You'll also find information on myths surrounding whales, the history of human interaction with whales and contemporary concerns regarding these giant cetaceans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great overview of local marine mammals!
I bought this book because I moved to Oregon and wanted to know roughly what to expect on a stranding or when out whale watching.This was a great resource for that...It's an easy and quick read, great pictures that even my kids enjoy.It's a good read - not scientific publication detail, but not toddler-time detail either... so it's great for an overview of the local marine mammals on this coast. ... Read more

Product Description
Some of the world's most beautiful, intelligent and highly adapted mammals inhabit our seas and oceans, and have stirred the human imagination for many centuries. As our knowledge of marine mammals grows, the need exists for a reliable and complete reference to the ecology and biology of these fascinating creatures. The Handbook of Marine Mammals series was founded with this in mind and now reaches its conclusion with this sixth and final volume. Within the pages of this classic series, scientists, conservationists and informed layperson alike can find the definitive review of all the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and related species as well as sea otters and sea cows.
Volume 6 covers the remaining dolphins and porpoises in a series of 17 chapters, each written by a specialist author with extensive personal research experience of the species. Each chapter provides a description of the species, and includes sections on the aspects of distribution and abundance, anatomy, physiology, behavior, reproduction, parasites and diseases and the impact of human activity on the animal's population and well-being. Numerous maps, photos and drawings illustrate the text.

Key Features
* Concludes this major definitive series
* A standard reference work on all of the world's marine mammals, their anatomy, distribution, ecology, and behavior
* The most up-to-date research in a concise reference form
* Numerous photos of live and specimen animals, skulls, and anatomical details, plus distribution maps
* Text specifically deals with conservation and management issues ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This series is a must
This continuation of the Handbook series provides an invaluable reference for anyone studying odontocetes.Wonderful reviews of available knowledge on dozens of species!

A very useful book!
This book is ideal for a young scuba diver or someone who basicly lovesmarine biology. The book informes you on all the marine animals. If you buythis book you will never regret the day you purchased it. Just think of theday when your son or daughter is doing a report on the fresh water dolphinand you can find enough information on the internet. This book will be veryuseful ... Read more

Product Description
Spinner dolphins, humpback whales, and the Hawaiian monk seal are among the marine mammals featured in this beautifully illustrated guide. Includes tips on how to help save the endangered monk seal. ... Read more

Product Description
The field of marine mammal science has made enormous strides inthe last ten years as well as attracting a large amount of interest,due no doubt to the public appeal of whales, dolphins, and seals,which are never out of media attention. The purpose of this book is to review key topics through chapters onthe major disciplines from invited authorities around the world.Subjects covered include evolution and genetics, life histories,ecology, physiology, behaviour, medicine (diseases, parasitology),survey methodology, and all the main conservation issues (pollution,fisheries interactions, and sound disturbance). The book has an ecological and conservation emphasis since these aresubject areas calling for the most attention in the modern world, butother areas such as evolution, physiology, and medicine are also givenin-depth treatment. The book is written at the level of theundergraduate or above, although its style should appeal to anyonewith a serious interest in marine mammal science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Review from The Quaterly Review of Biology, March 2003
"The editors have successfully defined and filled this niche.The book has two distinctive viewpoints.First, all of the chapters focus on issues relating to conservation.For example, sensory systems are covered because such knowledge is relevant for the later chapters to deal with net entanglement and noise pollution...this provides an often subtle, but refreshing alternative viewpoint to most other recent books on marine mammals."

Review from Marine Mammal Science, Vol. 18, No. 4, 2002
"Let's cut to the chase, this book is simply an outstanding read regarding the evolution, behavior, health, and conservation of marine mammals...the following five topics are covered in a very complete fashion: (1) life history and ecology; (2) sensory systems; (3) survey and study techniques; (4) health, parasites, and pathogens; and (5) conservation and management.No one of these sections in necessarily better than the other, as they are all provide excellent summaries of the available literature.The text is written in a style appropriate for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.One of the things I found particularly appealing about the book is that the editors clearly emphasized to each of the contributing authors that they should include some of the cutting edge questions, where future research needs to be directed to move the various fields forward.Therefore, the text is replete with ideas and suggestions for Masters and Ph.D. level research.In addition, I think the editors, who obviously worked closely with the authors of each chapter, found the right balance between emphasizing the underlying discipline...and the wonderment of knowledge about marine mammals... this is a textbook that belongs in the bookshelves of practicing marine mammal biologists and academics interested in vertebrate biology.In addition, I highly recommend this book to graduate students interested in applying the tools of a particular discipline to a specific hypothesis that can be tested using marine mammal data.As far as textbooks go, this text has "legs" and I would venture to guess that its useful shelf-life will exceed 10 years in most disciplines covered." - Douglas P. DeMaster, National Marine Mammal Laboratory

Review from Journal of Experimental Marine Biology & Ecology
"This book is generally of high editorial standard... I intend to recommend the book as background reading for my course and to use some chapters as the basis for restructuring some of my lectures... If you are interested in marine mammals this book will certainly be a very useful addition to your library."- by Helen Marsh, James Cook University ... Read more

Product Description
Whales and Dolphins of the North American Pacific is the most comprehensive photographic guide to the marine mammals of the North American Pacific (Baja California, Mexico to South East Alaska), covering all 38 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises), six species of seals and sea lions, and the sea otter.

Whales and Dolphins of the North American Pacific covers each species' key identification features and includes information on behaviour, status and distribution. Colour distribution maps and full-colour artwork accompanies the text for each species. The book's 38 remarkable colour plates depict typical views of cetaceans at sea, including images of some species never previously published.

Whales and Dolphins of the North American Pacific provides extensive information on where, when and how to go whalewatching and a guide to the best places to watch, including four accounts of outstanding days on the water. There are additional chapters on the geography, climate and oceanography of the North American Pacific.

Proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to the American Cetacean Society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Whales and Dolphins of the North American Pacific
Excellent whale watch book.The best thing about this book, from a 20 year veteran of formal whale watching with the American Cetacean Society, is that the pictures of these whales and dolphins are exactly what we see through our binoculars.Many a time, we have had to look through this book when a rare citing occurs to help distinguish, one time, a Bryde's whale from a Fin back.This book helped make the deciding choice.Excellent book.

Great illustrations and information
Just took this book on an eight day cruise from San Diego to Acapulco.It was very useful in helping identify dolphins and small whales we weren't used to seeing (being from the East).

Great new guide to northern Pacific marine mammals
For several years now, WILDGuides have been setting the standard for small, handy field guides that focus mainly on the identification of neglected groups of wildlife. Their approach is characterised by portability, the emphasis on visual utility (the use of computer enhanced photographs) and a significant contribution to conservation. The latter is achieved in two ways: firstly by getting these guides into the hands of the public at very competitive prices (WILDGuides is a non-profit publisher) and secondly by donating all profits to conservation organisations that work on the area or organisms treated by each guide.

Following on from a similar European guide, Whales and Dolphins of the European Atlantic (Ocean Guides), this is the latest addition to the WILDGuides series and it immediately becomes the standard field guide to sea mammals of the northern Pacific from Baja California to south-east Alaska. It will be handy for any marine excursion, whether it be whale-watching in the Sea of Cortez, a pelagic trip off the California coast or an Alaskan cruise. The key to the guide's utility is the use of digitally-enhanced photographs that show cetaceans as the observer encounters them. Thus there are comparative photographs of whale flukes, fins, blows and breaching, sequences of whales surfacing, and shots of the smaller species porpoising. In addition, there are full-body illustrations of all species and a concise, practical text to help clinch identification.

And since WILDGuides is a non-profit organisation that supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. In this case, profits from the book go to the American Cetacean Society.

This will definitely be along on my next trip! Highly recommended for beginners and experts alike.


Chris Sharpe, 5 May 2008. ISBN: 1550174096 ... Read more

Product Description
From the giant bottlenosed whale and the West Indian manatee to the crabeaterseal and hourglass dolphin, from the pygmy sperm whale to the spotted-necked otter, marinemammals are among the most fascinating--and most watched--of the earth's many animalspecies. Some, such as dolphins, are known for their intelligence, friendliness toward humans,and surprisingly sophisticated social behavior. In addition, all these animals are sources offascination for the special adaptations they have undergone for life in and around the water, fortheir unique methods of communication ("whale song"), and for the endangered status of manyspecies.

Now Ronald M. Nowak offers a comprehensive guide to this fascinating and varied order ofmammals. Walker's Marine Mammals of the World includes scientific and commonnames, the number and distribution of species, measurements and physical traits, habitat, dailyand seasonal activity, population dynamics, home range, social life, reproduction, longevity, andstatus of threatened species.

A foreword by John E. Heyning is engagingly written for the general reader, while a moredetailed and substantive introduction by Randall R. Reeves and Brent S. Stewart discusses issuesin greater depth for the specialist. Illustrated with more than 140 detailed black and whitephotographs, this book will be welcomed by marine mammal experts and enthusiasts alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

marine mammals
I have found this book to be ver interesting and helpful in my research of marien mammma's. I recommend this book to animal lover's of all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful!
This book describes the marine life of the Gulf of Mexico with numerous color photos and paintings by artist Larry Foster. This is a well-written and highly-recommended reference guide that will be particularly useful toreaders or travelers visiting the Gulf.

Included in the book is a set ofdrawings of the skulls of Gulf species allow readers who find beachedanimals to identify the animal. Sketches provide dorsal, ventral andlateral views.

The authors discuss the environmental problems of theGulf as they affect marine mammals, concluding: "Suffice it to saythat our love for these creatures has the capacity of being turned into apositive conservation force, not for just them but also for their fragileenvironments worldwide." This is a recommended title! ... Read more

Product Description
An engaging look at the biology and ecology of marine mammals. ... Read more

Product Description
Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska is the only book that exclusively covers all 29 marine mammal species of Alaska. Each whale, porpoise, dolphin, seal, sea lion, walrus, sea otter, and polar bear is described and illustrated. Color photos and surface profile drawings show all Alaska marine mammals and compare similar species, and color range maps show distribution. Mammal characteristics and descriptions are presented in a format that allows fast, accurate identification at sea. The 80-page, richly illustrated book is printed on durable water resistant paper, and is spiral bound to give years of service outdoors and in the office, classroom, and home. The second edition of this award-winning book has text updates and a few new photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent guide to the marine mammals of Alaska
I have found this book to be the most useful field guide to the marine mammals of Alaska.The book is compact and easy to use for the quick identification of animals.Any species not in this book are simply unlikely to be seen.

INCOMPLETE:useful for the most common cetaceans in Alaska
I have examined this field guide, but find no place for this on my reference shelf. Although user-friendly, this is an incomplete field guide. A number of whale/dolphin genera/species which occur in Alaskan waters are excluded. Although missing from this field guide, I have personally observed northern right whale dolphin and short-finned pilot whales in the Gulf of Alaska during research cruises. Risso's dolphin and false killer whale have been recorded from Alaskan waters and are also excluded from this book. A number of other ceteceans (especially Kogia spp, Stenella coeruleoalba, and several other Mesoplodon spp. especially M. carlhubsii) are potential accidentals in Alaskan waters during warm-water incursions and these are also ignored. Please consider purchase of a complete guide to cetacean identification instead. Try Leatherwood et al.'s "Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters'.

The best available field guide for marine mammals in Alaska
A comprehensive and user friendly guide to marine mammals in Alaskan waters.This book is designed to be used in the field, with enough information on habitat, range and behavioral traits of the various species. Identification is based on more than pictures alone allowingreadersto educate themselves beyond mere identification. ... Read more

Product Description
This book summarises legal and political events related to active sonar and marine mammals. While strandings and mortality of marine mammals, primarily beaked whales, have been observed in concurrence with mid-frequency sonar operation, additional controversy has focused on the development of low-frequency active (LFA) sonar. Some peacetime use of military sonar has been regulated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other statutes due to concerns that active military sonars are operated at frequencies used by some cetaceans (i.e., whales, porpoises, and dolphins), and their high-intensity sound pulses may travel long distances in the ocean. Although mid-frequency sonar has been implicated in several beaked whale strandings, there is scientific uncertainty surrounding the totality of the effects active sonar transmissions may have on marine mammals. This book also addresses the concern regarding environmental effects of ocean noise on three activities - military sonar exercises, oil and gas exploration, and commercial shipping. This is an edited, excerpted and augmented edition of a CRS publication. ... Read more

Product Description
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) developed the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction (ALWTR) plan to protect endangered large whales from entanglements in commercial fishing gear, which can cause injury or death. Because whales continued to die after the ALWTF plan went into effect, NMFS proposed revisions in 2005. The author of this book discusses these issues, as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which requires the NMFS to establish take reductions teams for certain marine mammals to develop measures to reduce their incidental takes. Other bills that specifically address marine mammal regulatory and management issues are examined as well. Furthermore, while some of these issues can be addressed administratively, in regulations proposed and promulgated by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, others likely would require statutory change. This book lays out the range of issues likely to be raised during reauthorization debate, the reasons behind them, and possible proposals that could be offered to address these concerns.This book consists of public domain documents which have been located, gathered, combined, reformatted, and enhanced with a subject index, selectively edited and bound to provide easy access. ... Read more