In a Perfect Ocean: The State of Fisheries and Ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean

Book Description

Recent decades have been marked by the decline or collapse of one fishery after another around the world, from swordfish in the North Atlantic to orange roughy in the South Pacific. While the effects of a collapse on local economies and fishing-dependent communities have generated much discussion, little attention has been paid to its impacts on the overall health of the ocean's ecosystems.

In a Perfect Ocean: The State of Fisheries and Ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean presents the first empirical assessment of the status of ecosystems in the North Atlantic ocean. Drawing on a wide range of studies including original research conducted for this volume, the authors analyze 14 large marine ecosystems to provide an indisputable picture of an ocean whose ecology has been dramatically altered, resulting in a phenomenon described by the authors as "fishing down the food web." The book:

provides a snapshot of the past health of the North Atlantic and compares it to its present status
presents a rigorous scientific assessment based on the key criteria of fisheries catches, biomass, and trophic level
considers the factors that have led to the current situation
describes the policy options available for halting the decline
offers recommendations for restoring the North Atlantic

An original and powerful series of maps and charts illustrate where the effects of overfishing are the most pronounced and highlight the interactions among various factors contributing to the overall decline of the North Atlantic's ecosystems.

This is the first in a series of assessments by the world's leading marine scientists, entitled "The State of the World's Oceans." In a Perfect Ocean: The State of Fisheries and Ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean is a landmark study, the first of its kind to make a comprehensive, ecosystem-based assessment of the North Atlantic Ocean, and will be essential reading for policymakers at the state, national, and international level concerned with fisheries management, as well for scientists, researchers, and activists concerned with marine issues or fishing and the fisheries industry.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive Report on the Sad Condition of the No. Atlantic Fisheries.......2007-01-30

This is a Pew Foundation funded comprehensive, scientific, data based report on the state of the North Atlantic Ocean fisheries. It takes in not only a consensus on the various fish types and their depleted numbers, but also ocean ecology damage effecting spawning areas, over-fishing by type methods and too many boats, disparities in derived fish protein gained vs energy spent to harvest, pollution, negative effects of government subsidies, boat buy-back and destruction schemes to reduce the size and numbers of fleets, fishing rules enforcement or lack there of , etc.

There are many graphs, references, and notes for further research- in a nutshell, this is bible for fisheries research.

This study concludes with several recommendations for reviving the health and productivity of the oceans with a caveat that there is little time left to implement them. As abundantly described, the oceans are in a dismal state affairs and the time to act was yesterday. A call for a new ethic in ocean conservancy and resource management is in order.

Daniel Pauly coined the popular concept of "Shifting Base-lines" to describe historical and current trends in ocean health and this term has now been embraced and spread throughout just about all disciplines to measure and describe change over time. Indeed, everything from fish numbers over time, availability of resources to one's waste-line changes. A very useful tool in describing the vagaries and impact of change over time!

UPDATE: In the April, 2007 National Geographic Magazine, there is an alarming and lengthy series on the dismal state of the World's ocean fisheries "The Global Fish Crisis". Complete with good text, research data and those famous NGM photos.

Can we have our fish and eat them too?(Conservation)(Book Review): An article from: American Scientist

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Can we have our fish and eat them too?(Conservation)(Book Review): An article from: American Scientist

Manufacturer: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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IN A PERFECT OCEAN; THE STATE OF FISHERIES AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN [STATE OF THE WORLD'S OCEANS SERIES]

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IN A PERFECT OCEAN; THE STATE OF FISHERIES AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN [STATE OF THE WORLD'S OCEANS SERIES]
Daniel; and Jay Maclean Pauly
Manufacturer: Island Press Washington, DC; Covelo & Loondon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IX6J04

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First Book of Grasses: The Structure of Grasses Explained for Beginners
Agnes Chase
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Institution
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GLHUOW

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Classic little book in this field

Grass Identification

First Book of Grasses: The Structure of Grasses Explained for Beginners (Smithsonian publication ; 4351)
Agnes Chase
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Inst Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Grasses | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Botany | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874743079

Customer Reviews:

Classic little book in this field.......2005-03-27

Although my botanical interests lie mainly in mycology and dendrology, I developed a little (or not so little, as the case may be, since there are approximately 14,000 species of grasses) subspecialty in graminology, or grass taxonomy. I was truly delighted to find this little book, because it is the best book I've found to get a conceptual understanding of the structure of grasses and the main genera to such an extent that it will aid your ability to identify them in the field using more traditional taxonomic keys. Normally, such keys lead you from the specific characters to the taxon/concept itself, but with this book, you learn the more powerful concepts that unify and differentiate the various genera. This was a great aid to me in my field identification of this important group, because after reading this book several times, I basically knew what was going on, instead of just "cookbooking" it using the typical botanical key, which is what the usual non-specialist in grass taxonomy does.

I have sort of an amusing story associated with this book. By learning the powerful generic concepts in the book I could basically identify any grass at least to the genus level by sight, and then I could consult a more detailed taxonomic key from there for the species. I was once sitting around a fire with my fellow mycologists, who were somewhat amused I had somehow learned how to identify the grasses, which, even for a botanist, are an esoteric group. So when they asked what I was doing, I said that once you understood the grasses, even an apparently desolate, boring, sand lot down the block can provide hours of fun. Mycologists are used to spending hours tramping through the woods in search of interesting mushrooms, so they found this quite funny and everybody laughed at the thought.

Anway, Agnes Chase loved the grasses and this book is filled with that enthusiasm in this clear and concise book, helping to make one of the most difficult areas of plant identification easier to deal with.

Grass Identification.......2001-11-13

While this listing doesn't say what edition the used copy is, it would be either 2nd or 3rd, I'm guessing. I own both. I would love to have a first edition. This primer of grasses is unique, in that it teaches the beginning botanist the basic structure of each tribe of grasses. Spikelet structure is broken down into easy to remember elements, vastly simplifying the student's understanding of an otherwise confusing plant family.

The fourth edition, AGNES CHASE'S First Book of Grasses, 1996 Smithsonian Institution Press, is a delight to have available, since earlier editions are out of print. This book is a "must have" for students of the grass family.

Book Description

This classic guide to paddling the waters of southern New England has been completely revised and expanded with seven new trips. Ken Weber's guide, in print for more than 20 years, has now been completely revised and expanded. Chapters include day trips on flatwater, selected whitewater runs, and suggestions for overnight trips—with 30 trips in all, there's something here for every level of paddler. Each chapter includes information on put-ins and take-outs, distance, water conditions, dams and rapids, portages, what time of year to paddle, and what you'll see along the way. A detailed map and a handy mileage chart for each river make planning easy.

New trips in this edition include:
• In Massachusetts: the Housatonic, Westfield, Deerfield, Blackstone, Taunton, and Nemasket Rivers
• In Rhode Island: the Pawtuxet River
• In Connecticut: the Upper Quinebaug and Pachaug Rivers

The first edition of this book was titled Canoeing Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. 30 trips in all, 7 new for this edition. All new maps and photographs. Suitable for both canoes and kayaks. 30 black & white photographs, 35 maps.

Book Description

Metabolome analysis is now recognized as a crucial component of functional genomic and systems biology investigations. Innovative approaches to the study of metabolic regulation in microbial, plant and animal systems are increasingly facilitating the emergence of systems approaches in biology. This book highlights analytical and bioinformatics strategies now available for investigating metabolic networks in microbial, plant and animal systems.

The contributing authors are world leaders in this field and they present an unambiguous case for pursuing metabolome analysis as a means to attain a systems level understanding of complex biological systems.

Book Description

This book summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on naturally occurring organohalogens, of which more than 3700 are documented. The chapters cover all aspects of this field, including the structural diversity and sources of organohalogens, the mechanisms for their formation and biodegradation, the clinical use of dichloroacetate, and the synthesis of the powerful anticancer chlorine-containing cryptophycin. Both biogenic and abiogenic sources of organohalogens are treated, the latter of which include volcanic emissions and abiogenic formation in soil. Halogenation in humans, fungi, and in the ocean are covered in separate chapters. Sources and biosynthesis of the relatively rare natural organofluorines are also discussed in this volume. By better understanding of the role nature plays in the area of organohalogens, we can more intelligently regulate the production, use, and disposal of man-made organohalogen compounds.

Book Description

This is a self-contained companion volume to the author's book "Plane Answers to Complex Questions: The Theory of Linear Models". It provides introductions to several topics related to linear model theory: multivariate linear models, discriminant analysis, principal components, factor analysis, time series in both the frequency and time domains, and spatial data analysis (geostatistics). The purpose of this volume is to use three fundamental ideas from linear model theory and exploit their properties in examining multivariate, time series and spatial data. The three ideas are: best linear prediction, projections, and Mahalanobis' distance. Multivariate linear models are viewed as linear models with a nondiagonal covariance matrix. Discriminant analysis is related to the Mahalanobis distance and multivariate analysis of variance. Principle components are best linear predictors. Frequency domain time series involves linear models with a peculiar design matrix. Time domain analysis involves models that are linear in the parameters but have random design matrices. Best linear predictors are used for forecasting time series and for estimation in time domain analysis. Spatial data analysis involves linear models in which the covariance matrix is modeled from the data and making best linear unbiased predictions of future observables. This book develops a unified approach to this wide ranging collection of problems. Ronald Christensen is Professor of Statistics at the University of New Mexico. He is recognized internationally as an expert in the theory and application of linear models. In addition to this book and "Plane Answers," he is the author of numerous research articles, "Log-Linear Models and Logistic Regression", and "Analysis of Variance, Design,

Linear Models For Multivariate-time Series And Spatial Data

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Linear Models For Multivariate-time Series And Spatial Data
Christensen
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag New York, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N5EWME

Book Description

What would you be willing to do to save someone, perhaps someone you loved? On a moment’s notice, for instance, would you lunge between that person and an assailant’s knife strike? In that same situation, what would you be willing do for yourself? And what if there were nothing, ultimately, to be done?

These and other such questions live in the untouched minutes—questions most of us are, fortunately, never compelled to answer, though the media exposes us daily to the stories of those who are. In February 2001, on what started out as a typical Sunday afternoon, Donald Morrill and his wife Lisa Birnbaum became the victims of a home invasion and found themselves faced with the specter of ultimate contingency. In The Untouched Minutes, Morrill recounts and examines the events of that day and its aftermath as well as the circumstances surrounding the murders of Dartmouth professors Half and Suzanne Zantop, which occurred the same week.

Set against the unfolding drama of post-9/11 America, The Untouched Minutes explores how violence and the threat of violence color and recast one’s assumptions and can plot the course of people facing the unknown, the unknowable, the irredeemable. Morrill presents a memorable portrait of what it means to take back the life that, finally, wasn’t taken, and in the process he offers a powerful meditation on terror and security, home and travel, art, race, luck, and our individual places in the wider world.

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The Untouched Minutes
Morrill Donald
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UF528U

Book Description

Coiled like a snake at the base of the spine, kundalini is the spiritual force that lies dormant in every human being. Once awakened, often through meditation and yoga practices, it rises up the spine and finds expression in the form of spiritual knowledge, mystical vision, psychic powers, and ultimately, enlightenment. This is the classic first-person account of Gopi Krishna, an ordinary Indian householder who, at the age of thirty-four, after years of unsupervised meditation, suddenly experienced the awakening of kundalini during his morning practice. The story of this transformative experience, and the author's struggle to find balance amid a variety of powerful physiological and psychic side effects, forms the core of the book. His detailed descriptions of his dramatic inner experiences and symptoms such as mood swings, eating disorders, and agonizing sensations of heat—and of how, with the help of his wife, he finally stabilized at a higher level of consciousness—make this one of the most valuable classics of spiritual awakening available.

Customer Reviews:

Like Being There.......2007-01-10

Very well written. I read the first 25 pages in about 3 days and finished
the entire book 2 days latter.

Another book for the curious west.......2005-03-03

These kind of experiences are quite possible although rare during the awakening of kundalini. However, it is highly improbable that this occurs in the author's chosen method of practise(In fact, this experience is possible in certain practises which are not heard of by most Hindus too).
A nice piece of fiction for a Hindu. The westerners curious about Eastern occultism will find this very interesting reading.
I have read some interpretations and comments on this novel and find it even more interesting.
In general, English translations of Sanskrit/Hindu works are pathetic. Added to that are several prejudices: rational, scientific approach, fruedian interpretations, psychoanalysis, or how it can/has been achieved in western mysticism etc. All this to a subject which is explicity stated to be incomprehensible to the senses in their normal state and by people who have made little attempt to practise it or even worse try to understand it with open mind. And I hate it the most when Hindu practises are presented vaguely as some Eastern mysticism.

Very good example of what one should never try to do.......2004-09-09

As the author very frankly admits, awakening the Kundalini when one has no idea of what one is doing leads to all kinds of problems as explained in this book. This personal experience of Gopi Krishna should warn everyone that this is no game. Kundalini is a terrific energy lying within the "body" (not just the physical one) that sustains one's body at different levels (physical, emotional, spiritual). Did you ever wondered what happens when one tries to unleash the energy contained in atoms ? Kundalini is similar, in that awakening this energy source leads to chain reactions like nuclear power. Kundalini will have effects on all aspects of your life. If you do not know the purpose of awakening the Kundalini, then it means you are not ready to play that game. If you know what you are doing (i.e. are already spiritually awake and know that the end in itself is not to obtain anything) then it's not a problem, and in that case Kundalini will awaken by itself even without you being aware of it.

Still, if you want to play with chakras and Kundalini, then be prepared as this book gives you an example of what may happen.

experiencing kundalini.......2002-11-25

A very honest trip through kundalini awakening, the author has avoided to tell us precisely what happened exactly before that very day, but you have a very clear understanding of the process.
Carefull attention is required, nothing forced like for Gopi, however his experience show us there will be a lot of awaken people in the future.
Be wise don't overdo it, awakening comes with a change in the brain and spinal apparel, consciousness has to shine within your body,needs a good and stable mind and body . Do read Osho rasjneesh books too, as meditation is learning to die going through the process of dying brings real life within you.

Difficult to read.......2002-11-22

The author explains his physical experience on awakening the Kundalini but fails to explain his spiritual experience.

The book could take 50% more editing. His pseudo-scientific explantions are difficult to follow.

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Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man.
Gopi Krishsna
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M4BC38

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KUNDALINI THE EVOLUTIONARY ENERGY IN MAN

Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HE5LF8

Amazon.com

Shocking as it is, this book--a crucial source of original research used for the bestseller Hitler's Willing Executioners--gives evidence to suggest the opposite conclusion: that the sad-sack German draftees who perpetrated much of the Holocaust were not expressing some uniquely Germanic evil, but that they were average men comparable to the run of humanity, twisted by historical forces into inhuman shapes. Browning, a thorough historian who lets no one off the moral hook nor fails to weigh any contributing factor--cowardice, ideological indoctrination, loyalty to the battalion, and reluctance to force the others to bear more than their share of what each viewed as an excruciating duty--interviewed hundreds of the killers, who simply could not explain how they had sunken into savagery under Hitler. A good book to read along with Ron Rosenbaum's comparably excellent study Explaining Hitler. --Tim Appelo

Book Description

The shocking account of how a unit of average middle-aged Germans became the cold-blooded murderers of tens of thousands of Jews.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-08-23

Very well-done and insightful study on ordinary Germans in the Holocaust and Browning's overall thesis extends to "ordinary men" in many circumstances.

Not for the faint of heart, or the weak of stomach!.......2007-03-26

This book (as described by previous reviewers and the product description) details what the men in the Nazi Reserve Police Battalion 101 went through, specifically during the SS Invasion of Poland.

Browning describes in detail the process of dehumanizing the Jews, and writes at length on the style of execution that the Germans refined and perfected in Poland, prior to the widespread use of gas chambers: the person to be killed forced to lie down flat on their face, and then shot at a particular spot in their neck. The accounts of these executions is not just gratuitous violence -- graphic gore for the sake of shock or horror -- but rather, demonstrates that over time, the police officers involved in the executions worked to make the process of mass killing more humane (an idea that was at the root of the gas chambers, as ironic as that seems). It also serves to drive home the point that after so many hundreds of people were shot, the officers were able to completely dehumanize the people they were killing.

What is unique about this book is that it is not just another historical account; the author takes into consideration what the Nazis themselves had to go through, psychologically and emotionally, in order to carry out their orders. Many other historians have analyzed historical events during WWII while still demonizing the Nazi forces ~ but Browning shows us that the troops really were Ordinary Men, and these men suffered tremendous emotional tolls as a result.

And herein lies the Truth that makes this book so chilling: any one of us could have found ourselves in the very same position, carrying out the very same orders, as the German troops in WWII.

Browning describes the various social conditions and governmental policies that effected how the Nazis were able to so completely dehumanize their enemy and rationalize their own involvement -- in part, because the men were assuaged of their sense of responsibility for their actions, and also in part due to the tremendous number of times that the actions had to be carried out. Repetition bred a sense of normalcy.

In the Afterword, Browning addresses another author who has critiqued Browning's work -- Daniel Jonah Goldhagen -- whose work I feel compelled to mention since it directly relates to this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is studying modern history, sociology / psychology, or WWII, but keep in mind that it is extremely graphic and very, very hard to read -- not because of the language used, but because of the events that Browning so meticulously describes.

from ordinary men to masacre machines.......2006-11-27

In one of the most shocking books that I have ever read, Christopher Browning follows the evolution of a german reserve police batallion during the second world war, battalion which is involved in making several districts in poland "judenfrei" - free of jewish people. The book follows the psychological evolution of the members of the battalion from "ordinary men" to ... masacre machines.

Shocking reading.......2006-08-10

This complete study of an ordinary security unit which perpetrated a shocking attrocity give the reader dark insights into the minds of the murderers who perpetrated Hitler's nightmare upon Jews and others. No pack of nazi fanatics or even anti-semites. Not a group of habitual criminals like Dirlewanger's gang. Just oridnary men who one day murdered thousands of men women and children while sending others to the death camp of Treblinka.

Shocking. Depressing to read but necessary.

Most shocking to me was what these men testifed was the reaction of the Polish population. Many actually thanked them for doing it or baught drinks for them.

HOW DO ORDINARY MEN BECOME COLD-BLOODED KILLERS?.......2006-05-30

"Ordinary Men" chronicles the rise and fall of Reserve Police Battalion 101, one of several units that took part in the Final Solution to the Jewish Question while in Poland. During the course of their stay, they were responsible for the shooting of 38,000 Jews, while also deporting 45,200 to the Treblinka Concentration Camp. The book argues that the men of Reserve Police Battalion 101, and other units like it, were comprised of ordinary men. It begs the question: How did ordinary men become the cold-blooded killers of the Holocaust?
Author Christopher R. Browning does a tremendous job of covering the ground. He also presents a strong case that these people were indeed ordinary men, who came from ordinary backgrounds, only to end up being transformed into the murderers of thousands. However, the book also stresses that some of the men, including several officers, could not be considered "ordinary," as they were trained in Hitler's Nazi organizations from youth. Browning also does something nearly impossible: He humanizes these people without excusing their horrendous actions. Their defense that "they were just following orders" just doesn't fit the bill, as some refused to take part in the actions, and asked to be relieved. If a few men could get themselves relieved from doing the killings, why did so many more not? That is the main question the book gives.
"Ordinary Men" is an extraordinary book that chronicles just one unit that took part in the murder of innocent Jews, while also presenting a good case of how ordinary men can become killers. I highly recommend this book to all students of the Holocaust.
Grade: A+

Ordinary Men, Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland

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Ordinary Men, Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland
Christopher Browning
Manufacturer: Harper Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PWBY9Y

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ORDINARY MEN RESERVE POLICE BATTALION 101 AND THE FINAL SOLUTION IN POLAND

Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H1KA7A

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The Handy Presidents Answer Book (Handy Answer Books)
Roger Matuz , Gina Renee Misiroglu , and Lawrence W. Baker
Manufacturer: Omnigraphics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
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The Handy Politics Answer Book (Handy Answer Books)

The Handy Math Answer Book (Handy Answer Books)

The Handy Biology Answer Book (Handy Answer Books)

The Handy History Answer Book, Second Edition (Handy History Answer Book)

The Handy Geography Answer Book (Handy Answer Books)

ASIN: 0780807731

Book Description

...a storehouse of information about all aspects of the presidents' lives. – Oklahoma City Oklahoman. Pledging to deliver captivating, timely reading and great breadth of information, The Handy Presidents Answer Book addresses more than 800 questions relating to the presidency. These range from why presidents refused to act against states’ rights to extraordinary powers taken by presidents during times of war, as well as actions in times of boom and bust, isolationism and expansion. Foreign policy questions address Washington’s controversial neutrality, the Monroe Doctrine (and later expansions), the Cuban Missile Crisis, the War in Iraq, and much more. Arranged in fourteen topical chapters, the questions begin with background on the Executive branch and the official duties of the president. Handy Presidents also answer intriguing questions on personal characteristics, leadership styles, relationships with the people and the press, and, of course, the first ladies. Then the gloves and top hats come off to address presidential candidates, campaigns, and elections—including lively accounts of deals, slogans, and controversies, from smoke-filled rooms to election night surprises … and recounts.

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Handy Presidents Answer Book
Roger Matuz
Manufacturer: OMNIGRAPHICS INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q1GUI4

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The Handy Presidents Answer Book -
Roger matuz-
Manufacturer: Visible Ink Press -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OMTH8A

Book Description

The region was sparsely populated by farmers and indigenous people. Its wildlife was little known. And it was in Mexico, invisible to North Americans. Thus, after the Water Treaty of 1944 was signed by the United States and Mexico, the flow of the Colorado River diminished to a trickle in the Mexican delta, transforming a fertile land of green lagoons into a dry wasteland. And nobody seemed to care.

The Mexican delta of the Colorado River is becoming one of the most remarkable environmental stories on the continent. Red Delta combines the powerful story of the delta's restored natural diversity with clear information on the "river of law" that governs water allotments to it (U.S.—90%, Mexico—10%), presenting a story of hope and recovery. Whether in search of a rare and endangered bird, sifting through the sands of the delta's badlands for fossils, or visiting a village of the delta's impoverished Cucapá people, Bergman helps us see the variety and abundance of life in this once-forgotten place.

*Winner of the Washington State Book Award, Benjamin Franklin Award, Finalist for PEN Literary Awards,winner of a Southwest Book Award from the Border Regional Library Association

Customer Reviews:

Compassionate Environmentalism at its Finest.......2003-10-23

Red Delta explores an amazing, almost forgotten section of the world. Through gorgeous photography and evocative writing, Bergman brings the Delta to life -- the land, the animals and the people. It's clear why the book has won three awards - and counting, i'm sure - and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in US water policy, the Delta, or both.

Red Delta: Fighting for Life at the End of the Colorado Rive.......2003-10-04

Deeply felt, and vividly descriptive, this book examines and explains in a clear yet poetic and personal manner the very complex and desparately contested issues concerning the Colorado River and its end at its Delta in Mexico at the Gulf of California.
This is an important story that no one else has told! This is the story of one of the largest and least known man-made environmental catastrophes in history. It is also a story of hope - there are signs of life in the Delta. Parts of it have come back to life with no help from humans. Bergman also lays out the solution to the Delta's woes: "the 1% of the Colorado's water for the Delta" idea. This will rejuvenate the greater Delta with very little effort and at virtually no cost. Bergman tells the poignant stories of the endangered people and cultures of the Delta, and skillfully weaves them in with stories of the endangered and threatened flora and fauna of the Delta and the Gulf of California. A book illustrated with beautiful photographs, thoroughly researched, and passionately executed in every detail. Inspiring! An important book! An instant Colorado River classic! A book no truly committed environmentalist should be without, and an easy way into the issues of Southwest water for the casual reader.

Red Herring.......2003-05-03

If you like your environmentalism in breathless hyperbole; if you like to have an author's central thesis beaten over your head in nearly every paragraph; if you subscribe to the Chicken Little version of the current state of the environment; or if you just want to read a truly bad book, try Charles Bergman's Red Delta. This book tells us in its various sections that (1) the delta is teeming with life, (2) the delta is dead, (3) the delta needs preservation and restoration, and (4) the delta is threatened. So, since these are not all compatible thoughts, which ones are true? And if the Cienega de Santa Clara really once was a mudflat devoid of vegetation, why would anyone seriously consider "restoration"? This book fits perfectly into W's America, where the creedo seems to be: "It is not supposed to make sense!" This book is less about the current state of the Colorado River delta and more about Bergman's adventures there, conversations with people who have more than a vested economic interest in the delta, and opinions on life in general. He's clearly in love with his impressions; every other word seems to be from the following list: "amazing, astounding, magnificent, remarkable, legendary." He's obviously a neophyte concerning natural history, since among other things he seems to find it noteworthy to tell us repeatedly that riparian and aquatic ecosystems depend on water (Duh!). I find it ironic that Bergman, a professor of English, didn't use a copy editor, because this book suffers from excessive repetition, bad sentence structure, and occasional typos ("Glenn Canyon Dam"). The following statement actually appears in the book (p. 165): "In a famous essay in Harper's magazine called `The West Against Itself," the great historian, Bernard De Voto, described the West as a region in conflict with itself." Gee, what a profound and original observation Bergman has made, and with value-added hype! What few facts that are actually presented are riddled with errors. For example, if Bergman really thinks the sediment load in the Colorado River is the highest in the world, perhaps he needs to read about a little Chinese river called the Yantze. If he thinks the Colorado River is the only river to suffer from water diversion, perhaps he should read about a little delta at the mouth of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Or the Yantze. Or the Zambezi. Or the Ganges. Or the River Jordan. Or the Sacramento-San Joaquin. I think the title, which is less about the delta and more about Bergman's infatuation with sunrise/sunset photography, would be more accurate if changed to Red Herring. If you want something a little less hysterical, try Salt Dreams, although that book is about the Salton Sea. Perhaps something a little more objective will come out on the delta someday.

The ecological story of fighting for life.......2003-01-06

Red Delta is the ecological story of fighting for life at the end of the Colorado River discusses keys to understanding environmental collapse and recovery in the Southwest. The Colorado River Delta was an 'accidental delta' created by developers who never fully realized their goals. Red Delta explores the environmental consequences of that Delta, which may now be realized as an important key to the Colorado natural area surrounding it.

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