Originally published in 1990 and designed as a student text, The British Seas is a clear introduction to the oceanography and resources of the region. It is unique in providing a detailed review of the resources of the north-west European continental shelf together with a comprehensive description of the environment. Introducing the shelf region as if it were a new country, Jack Hardisty explores first its physical environment and then summarizes the distribution and exploitation of resources from the environment. Part 1 – on the oceanography - covers the shape of the shelf, its geological history and its wave and tidal regimes. Part 2 – on the resources – looks at trade and shipping, and the hydrocarbon, fishing and seabed mining industries. It goes on to discuss wave and tidal power, and to consider the problem of pollution in terms of resource utilization. The industrial technology and the environmental potential of each resource are examined, and the economic and legislative restrictions are analysed.
