Marine Faunal Diversity in India Taxonomy, Ecology and Conservation Venkataraman

Marine Faunal Diversity in IndiaTaxonomy, Ecology and Conservation\nAuthor(s): Krishnamoorthy Venkataraman, Chandrakasan Sivaperuman\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc, United States\nImprint: Academic Press Inc\nISBN-13: 9780128019481, 978-0128019481\nSynopsis\nMore than 70% of the earths surface is covered by water, making it an ideal and abundant resource for studying species diversity, faunal communities, and ecosystems. Indias massive coastline (5,044 miles) means it plays a major role in housing these faunal communities. Of the 32 animal phyla, 15 are represented in Indias marine ecosystem, covering more than 15,000 species. \n\nMarine and coastal ecosystems of India provide supporting services in the form of wide range of habitats. Major ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons, seaweeds and sea grasses serve as nurseries for both inshore and offshore fishes and others, many of which are supposed to be commercially exploited..