The fresh waters of the British Isles are diverse, ranging from torrential hill streams to powerful rivers and wide, meandering lowland channels. Canals and drainage channels, ranging in size from ditches to the large Fenland drains of eastern England also hold fish, as do reservoirs, lakes, ponds and other still water bodies. The fish themselves are correspondingly varied. This pocket-sized book provides information about the 54 native, invasive and naturalised species found in the UK tod...

This illustrated guide describes the many ways that coarse fish species depend upon the diversity of habitats in river systems and considers how this dependence changes throughout the stages of their lives - from spawning and eggs, through to the juvenile and adult stages- and with changing seasons and river conditions. This knowledge is important if we are to understand the many population bottlenecks and the variety of coarse fish species that have resulted from historic changes to our r...

Despite being among the most widespread and common fish in the UK there is still a lack of knowledge about the small freshwater fish species that inhabit our rivers and waterways. Often neglected but endlessly charming, these small fish are, for many, their first childhood encounter with the underwater world and inspire a lifelong interest and enduring fascination. As threats to biodiversity grow and conservation efforts intensify, it is important to remember that fishes are wildlife and t...

‘Crucially, this book bridges a gap in our understanding of how different societal sectors can be united to define roles, identify shared interests and devise strategies that complement progress towards more sustainable material use.This message will be of particular interest to the chemical industry as it seeksnew pathways towards a cyclical economy.’– Dr Simon Vandestadt, Director, Senior Executive and Researcher, Specialist in peace, conflict and sustainabil...

The crucian is a freshwater fish species that has seen a renaissance of interest in angling and conservation communities in Britain. Despite its wide northern European and western Asian distribution, the species is under threat due to multiple causes including the decimation of the small pond habitats upon which it depends. As a small pond specialist, the crucian serves a particularly important role as a charismatic focus encouraging support for the protection and restoration of this highl...

The burbot has a unique ecology as the only member of the order of cod-like fishes found in freshwater. It is the second most widely distributed freshwater fish in the Northern Hemisphere, variously threatened, extinct or thriving across different parts of this wide Palaearctic range. Burbot were driven to extinction from Britain most probably in the 1970s, the last recorded specimen caught in 1969 in Cambridgeshire. Particularly over the past decade, a large body of work has addressed pot...

Back Cover CopyHumans have exploited a huge diversity of materials throughout history. Today’s conflict between rising demands and dwindling resources raises searching questions about how optimally to meet humanity’s needs efficiently and safely, challenging common assumptions. Plastics support many facets of modern life yet raise associated problems, whilst ‘natural’ materials may be far from benign when inputs extending their longevity are considered.PVC (polyvinyl chlori...

This book is dedicated to the spiky little freshwater ruffian known better as the ruffe, pope, 'tommy ruffe' and other local names.A fascinating little fish, the ruffe is long overdue a book all of its own. Much loved by many anglers, ruffe can also be problematic when introduced beyond their native range.Scientist, author and broadcaster Dr Mark Everard details fascinating aspects of the biology, angling and wider contributions to society of the ruffe.

Revised and fully updated, this textbook provides a detailed yet accessible introduction to the key aspects of ecosystem services.Ecosystem services is one of the most powerful guiding principles for ecology, biodiversity conservation and the management of natural resources. It provides the basis of assessing the multiple values and services that ecosystems can provide to humankind, including diverse issues such as carbon sequestration, flood control, crop pollination and aesthetic...

Indigenous People and Nature: Insights for Social, Ecological, and Technological Sustainability examines today's environmental challenges in light of traditional knowledge, linking insights from geography, population, and environment from a wide range of regions around the globe. Organized in four parts, the book describes the foundations of human geography and its current research challenges, the intersections between environment and cultural diversity, addressing various type of ecosyste...

Game fishes, particularly those of the salmon family, are critical indicators of the health of those ecosystems upon which we now know we are dependent. As the authors of this important environmental book argue, “Our game fishes [then] serve as more than merely an indicator of healthy waters. Instead, they can be regarded as iconic of the ecosystems in which they occur.” Moreover, “the quality requirements of different types of fish population have formed the backbone of a great deal of wa...

This book is a celebration of the humble gudgeon, the angler's favourite 'tiddler'.This much-loved little fish is long overdue a little book all of its own.Scientist, author and broadcaster Dr Mark Everard tells tales about the biology of the gudgeon, gudgeon fishing, and the diverse social quirks and values of this most popular of little fishes.