A fine collection of fish

This commendable practical field guide from FAO covers the major catches off the shores of Namibia, but it has its uses for other coasts. Catches include shrimps, lobsters, crabs, sharks and fish as well as some their lesser known relatives such as bivalves, gastropods and chimaeras. However, it s not all fish; seaweeds, turtles, seabirds and marine mammals have their rightful place in the book. The introduction outlines the geographical, environmental and ecological factors influencing fisheries, and the basic components of the fisheries of Namibia. As an aid to identification to higher taxonomic levels, a pictorial index to families is included and most groups are preceded by an illustrated guide to orders and families. Each species-account provides scientific nomenclature, common names, sizes, habitat and biology, diagnostic features, and one or more illustrations. A list of useful references is appended. All in all, an exemplary presentation. Field Guide to the Living Marine Resources of Namibia FAO, 1999. 298 pp. ISBN 9251043450 US$30 Euro 32.05 FAO Sales and Marketing Group, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. Fax: +39 06 57 05 33 60 Email: publications-sales@fao.orgField Guide to the Living Marine Resources of Namibia FAO, 1999