"General overview of ocean, island, and polar region ecosystems, including an exploration of disturbances these ecosystems face due to human interference, pollution, and climate change, and current conservation and reclamation efforts. Features include fact boxes, glossary, list of recommended reading and web sites, and index"--Provided by publisher.

Introduction -- Changing climate -- What is the ocean? -- Surface -- Coral reefs -- Underwater forests -- Ocean deserts -- Ocean bottom -- Overfishing -- Ocean pollution -- Climate change and the ocean -- What are islands? -- Island plants -- Island animals -- Invasive species -- Island pollution -- Climate change and islands -- What are the polar regions? -- Arctic -- Arctic plants -- Arctic animals -- Antarctic -- Antarctic plants and animals -- Whales and whaling -- Industrialization and development -- Ozone hole -- Climate change and the polar regions -- Activities -- Glossary -- Additional resources -- Index.