This volume presents a collection of multidisciplinary papers written by scientists from the various countries of the Pacific rim. The major topics covered are the origins of life in the marine environment, the changing distribution of biological parameters, hydrophysical and hydrochemical processes, and the exploitation of ocean resources and the ensuing consequences. The material is divided into five parts. An introduction gives an overview of the research activities of the IOC and related organizations. The following four parts of the book comprise a number of survey papers which deal with specific aspects of marine science in the Pacific Ocean. This book should be of use to researchers and decision makers interested in marine and environmental science with an emphasis on the Pacific Ocean.
