Bringing together 30 international experts, this volume commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, the UN organization responsible for fostering intergovernmental cooperation on global ocean issues. It looks at how governments use science to establish ocean policies, with chapters ranging from the history of ocean management to current advances in marine science, observation and management applications, and the international agencies that co-ordinate this work. With a focus on key topical issues such as marine pollution, exploitation, and hazards, Troubled Waters reflects on past successes and failures in ocean management and emphasises the need for knowledge and effective government action to ensure a sustainable future for this precious resource. Illustrated with dramatic, full-colour images, it is essential reading for researchers, students, policy makers and managers of the marine environment, and also provides an attractive and accessible overview for anyone concerned about the future stewardship of our oceans.