Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology is a completely updated and revised edition of the earlier work, Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecosystems. The new edition has been re--titled to reflect the fact that the authors found that, from the modification exercise, a completely different and new book emerged.

In origin, this book is the second edition of Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecosystems. However, it is not simply an update, and is thoroughly modified to become a new and very different book.

The emphasis throughout is on the integration of freshwater and marine ecology leading to a balanced, comparative approach; each chapter being drafted by both a marine biologist and by a biologist concerned with inland waters. Chapters consider the various 'types' of aquatic ecosystem; water columns, coasts, deep-water zones, each discussing features common to all systems, such as primary production and nutrient cycling, so that comparisons can be drawn between systems. One chapter considers the important area of aquatic ecosystems and global ecology, discussing topics such as global nutrient fluxes and interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems. Later chapters look at the individuals and communities in aquatic environments; covering community organization, reproduction and life histories, speciation and biogeography, and specialist aquatic feeding mechanisms. The peculiar habitats of reefs and then streams and rivers are discussed, and the book closes with a review of the impact of man's activities on aquatic ecosystems, including pollution, exploitation for food and conservation.

This book provides an invaluable new approach for students taking courses in all areas of aquatic biology.

Of the first edition:
"No better introductory survey of these highly significant aspects of modern biology could be desired." Nature