This book is one of a series which examines topical issues concerning people and the environment. Each book examines not only the threats posed to the earth, but the international measures taken to protect it. The world's oceans are the subject of this book, which describes their rich resources and examines the increasing pressure on them from humans. The opening chapter describes the vastness of the oceans, their rich resources and the role they play in regulating the world's climate. Then the author examines the many ways in which the seas and oceans are polluted by sewage, domestic waste and industrial waste, including deadly PCBs. The devastating environmental effects of major oil spills, such as the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska, are also described. Further chapters examine the responsibility of humans towards conserving marine life - issues such as whaling, overfishing of certain species and the mining of marine minerals. The author also decribes the importance of saltwater habitats, such as the saltmarsh, mangroves and coral reefs. Finally the reader learns of positive international efforts to clean and conserve the world's oceans, and is encouraged to take part on a personal level. A useful addresses section is included. John Baines is a graduate in geography and a qualified teacher. For ten years he acted as Director of the Council for Environmental Education at Reading University, and also was involved in environmental education with the EEC, Council of Europe and United Nations Environmental Programme. He has written "The Environment" in Batsford's "Past into Present" series, and is the author of "Acid Rain" and "Conserving the Atmosphere" in the "Conserving Our World" series. - from Amzon