This important new book provides an introduction to the diversity of aquatic environments. Using examples drawn from a wide geographical range the text moves away from the traditional split between marine and freshwater systems, emphasising their common features and ecological similarities.

This introductory text explores the diversity and unique features of all the World's main aquatic environments. it moves away form the traditional marine and freshwater split by emphasising their common features and ecological similarities. It has been written as an introduction to the subject, for those with a basic understanding of ecology, but no prior knowledge to aquatic systems.