The Ecology of Sandy Shores

The Ecology of Sandy Shores provides both a holistic and conceptual introduction for the beginner, yet at the same time giving an in-depth and cutting-edge analysis for the researcher interested in sandy shores. There is no other book covering the ecology of sandy beaches, despite the extent and economic importance of these systems. This guide is designed to both introduce students to the basic principles of sandy shore ecology, to serve as a ready reference for doctoral students and researchers working on these systems as well as a handbook for land and coastal managers. This new edition will focus on humans as part of the sandy beach environment including aspects such as global change in coastal systems and its impacts on sandy littoral zones through ‘coastal squeeze’. Further, prominence will be given to resource use, such as artisanal fisheries and to the critical area of coastal zone management and governance. Considering these two main issues, the concept of sandy beaches as social-ecological systems will be developed together with an illustrative framework related to this approach. This guide will be an all-inclusive account of the current state of knowledge of the ecology of ocean sandy beaches, the most extensive but least studied category of coastal ecosystem worldwide. The only comprehensive book in the field that successfully covers the crucial topic of sandy shores as ecosystems examined ecologically, environmentally, socially, and economicallyFully updated edition of the preeminent book on sandy shoresNewest edition focuses on human impacts and beaches as social-ecological systemsIncludes aspects such as global change in coastal systems and its impacts on sandy littoral zones through ‘coastal squeeze’Offers the most updated information based on recent scientific findings, presented with an illustrative framework