This volume describes the biology of coral reefs, some of the most diverse and productive habitats on earth. The theme of the book is the constant process of building up and decaying which coral reefs undergo. There is much concern worldwide because of the negative impact of human activities on the reefs, discussed here. The book provides authoritative and comprehensive treatment of complex tropical marine ecosystem. It considers not only the basic biology but whether coral reefs may be bioindicators of global climate change and includes chapters on conservation and sustainable use.