Rhodolith/Maërl Beds: A Global Perspective

Editors: Riosmena-Rodríguez, Rafael, Nelson, Wendy, Aguirre, Julio (Eds.)
This engaging book synthesizes the current state of knowledge on a globally significant ecosystem
It is of great assistance to research workers, resource managers, policymakers and all those interested in the marine ecosystem, coastal ecology or global and geological processes
This book provides the first comprehensive compilation of what is known about these unique marine ecosystems combines knowledge from biology, physiology, geology, taxonomy, and phylogeny, in an interdisciplinary approach discusses how global warming or acidification of the ocean might influence the future distribution of rhodolith and maerl beds
It includes the discussion how global warming or acidification of the ocean might influence the future distribution of Rhodolith/maerl beds

Rhodolith beds are recognized internationally as a unique ecosystem, and they are the focus of this interdisciplinary book. These marine beds occur worldwide, from the tropics to the poles, ranging in depth from intertidal to deep subtidal habitats and they are also represented in extensive fossil deposits. In the light of international interest in rhodoliths and maerl concerning their role in coastal ecosystems and with respect to biodiversity, fisheries, and the production of sediment, this book provides the most comprehensive view possible. As readers will discover, rhodoliths/maerl are fundamental to a range of ecological processes, acting as ecosystem engineers including playing key roles in recruitment and providing nursery habitats. Rhodoliths/maerl have been used commercially in some parts of the world, and they are understood to be vulnerable to coastal modifications and human-induced change, and hence their status may serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. Rhodoliths/maerl contribute to global carbon budgets although the extent remains to be evaluated, as do the potential impacts of changing global climates and ocean acidification.

Number of Pages
VIII, 368
Number of Illustrations and Tables
38 b/w illustrations, 59 illustrations in colour
Topics
Coastal Sciences
Geomorphology
Biogeosciences
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Freshwater & Marine Ecology



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