The future is uncertain for the world's large marine ecosystems. These relatively narrow ocean zones, which produce nearly 95% of useable marine biomass, are becoming increasingly stressed both by natural and anthropogenic changes. The potential for consequent negative effects on global ecologies and economies has aroused major international concern. This new volume is a state-of-the-art update on large marine ecosystems, representing a multidisciplinary effort to develop a more holistic approach to the research, monitoring and mangaement of marine resources.