Basic Limnology and Fish Biodiversity

Description

Limnology is the study of inland waters. Often termed as ‘freshwater science’, It is regarded as a division of ecology or environmental science. It covers the biological, chemical, physical, geological and other attributes of all inland waters (running and standing waters, both fresh and saline, natural or man-made). This includes the study of lakes and ponds, rivers, springs, streams and wetlands. A more recent sub-discipline of Limnology termed as ‘Landscape Limnology’ studies, manages, and conserves these aquatic ecosystems using a landscape perspective.

Limnology is closely related to aquatic ecology and hydrobiology, which study aquatic organisms in particular regard to their hydrological environment. Fish rule the oceans and freshwater of the world. They are the most common group of vertebrates (creatures with backbones) and were also the first vertebrates. However with the lack of proper regulation of the fishing industry and rising malpractices such as overfishing, improper disposal of waste, etc their homes face grave dangers from the ever increasing human population. The way to save their habitat begins by creating awareness and sharing knowledge of the fish fauna of the region.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book considers the value of preserving aquatic biodiversity by offering an overview of imperilled fish on a taxonomic and geographic basis. It is a comprehensive work on the biodiversity of one of the largest ecosystems known to man – freshwater. The author is a commanding authority on the subject and has a PhD in this field from a very reputed university.