Many people recognise the beauty and diversity of plant and animal communities in Australia’s tropical seas, particularly those along the Great Barrier Reef. By contrast, relatively few know about the immense variety along the southern half of the continent. Since the Second Edition was published more than a decade ago there have been thousands of updates to the existing text, while more than a hundred brand new species accounts and 130 new photographs have been added. The inclusion of 1,600 new species distribution maps is another superb addition that helps to keep the book in its position as the leading title in its field. In total, the book describes 1,600 of the most commonly seen plants and animals of the region and includes notes on their habitat and distribution. It includes 1,630 colour photographs plus a wealth of information for academic marine biologists, divers, beachcombers and those who fish professionally or for recreation. In short, this is the most definitive reference work of its kind on this subject.
