Coral reefs : secret cities of the sea

Home to a quarter of all marine species, coral reefs are one of the most spectacular and diverse habitats on the planet.

The wonder, life and science of these amazing living organisms is revealed in Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea.

Drawing on the latest scientific research taking place across the globe, Anne Sheppard discusses the importance of coral reefs for sea and coastal life.

She describes the diverse varieties of coral reef and their many and varied inhabitants, and explains how they adapt to their ever-changing environment.

She also looks at how they provide a food resource, livelihood and coastal protection for many millions of people, as well as examining the threats to their existence and the latest conservation methods.The book is illustrated with images of live reefs from around the world and specially photographed specimens from the Natural History Museum, London, including corals of great significance collected on early and more recent expeditions.

It also includes stunning photographs from The Catlin Seaview Survey, a unique global study of coral reefs.The book is published to tie in with a major new exhibition of the same name opening at the Natural History Museum in March 2015.