David N. Thomas

The Natural History Museum, 2004. ISBN: 0.565.09188.3

Hardcover, 224 pages.

This book is recommended reading for anybody who wishes to get a good introduction of how ice influences the Arctic and the Antarctic Seas, two regions that may appear similar at a first glimpse. The book is an introduction, and it is just that: written in understandable language, pointing out the highlights without becoming too scientific. The author describes what happens when sea water freezes, which stages it passes through and how life in the water responds to these changes.

For me, the most interested are the chapters devoted to life in and under the ice, the algae, copepods, amphipods, and life on the bottom of the sea. These chapters make it clear that the Arctic and the Antarctic regions are very different indeed. Many species are highly adapted to the sea-ice conditions. Their reproduction and feeding habits influence the chances of survival for the more complex species. But icebergs, so it becomes clear, can have a devastating effect on all life on the bottom of the sea. The last two chapters the author summarizes the expeditions, both the historical and modern ones. Seals and belugas are equipped with sensors to tell us more about the ice from underneath, as do submarines. An increase in global temperature will have huge impacts on these cold regions. Its species are highly adapted up to the point it that it makes them vulnerable for changes. The book has an attractive layout, with many beautiful photographs, it is easy to read and has a glossary of specialized terms used throughout the book.

G.E. Fogg

Oxford University Press, 1998. Second edition 2004. ISBN: 0-19-854953-9

Softcover, 263 pages.

This book provides an overview of all ecosystems in the Arctic and Antarctic: melting ponds, coastal waters, glaciers, sea ice and pelagic ocean, all habitats are systematically covered. The author dedicates much attention to the important role of algae and other microscopic organisms, provides interesting details on the (conditions of) life of mites, lichens and mosses and other vegetation types. For the layman I recommend to first read Frozen Oceans (title above) since The Biology Of Polar Habitats is chiefly a scientifical publication and regularly uses technical terms that are supposed to be known by the reader. On the other side, this book is a great overview of all studies that have been carried out in this domain, and at the end of every chapter there is a clear summary. Chapter ten, the last one, is a summary of the book itself. It is a pity that the black and white photographs have been poorly reproduced in this edition, but the book's text largely makes up for this. I recommend this title to anyone who wishes to learn more about the biology of polar habitats north and south.

DN Thomas, GE Fogg, P Convery, CH Fritsen, JM Gili, R Gradinger et al

Oxford University Press, 2008.
Second, revised edition. ISBN-13: 9780199298136 (harcover), 9780199298112 (softcover)

394 pages

The first edition, reviewed here above, has been followed up by a new and revised edition, of which I have not yet been able to judge its contents. But indeed, at a first glimpse it looks like it has been reviewed thoroughly:

• Besides G.E. Fogg a lot of other authors are now listed on the cover
• An additional 130 pages
• Better reproduction of the photographs

George A. Knox

CRC Press. 1st edition, 1993, 2nd edition 2007. ISBN-13: 9780849333941

Gregory S. Stone

Vine House, 2003. ISBN-10: 1593730179

75 pages, colour and b/w photos.

Richard Gordon Miller

Foresta Institute for Ocean and Mountain Studies. 1st edition, 1993. ISBN unknown.

This is a heavy book (792 pagina's) that covers all fish species that live in Antarctic waters. It contains 180 plates and pen drawings. Part I describes the Southern Oceaan, its evolution, processes and characteristics. Part II (from p. 85 onwards) is the biggest portion which describes the 378 fishes categorized per family, providing a distribution map and illustration (by Josette Gourley) for identification for each species.

W. Fisher e.a.

FAO, Rome 1985. ISBN vol I: 92.5.102357.3, vol 2: 92.5.02358.1

Part 1 deals with (Seaweeds, Euphausiids, Crabs, Bivalves, Gastropods, Cephalopods, Hagfishes, Lampreys, Sharks, Batoid fishes).

Mitsuo Fukuchi & Harvey J Marchant

Rosenberg Publishing Pty Ltd., 1st edition 2006 ISBN-10: 1877058467

Hardcover. 136 pages, 55 colour illustrations.

Guy Duhamel, Nicolas Gasco & Patrick Davaine

Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. 1st edition 2005. ISBN 2-85653-578-X

Softcover. 419 pages, colour photographs.

JT Eastman

Academic Press, 1st print 1993. ISBN-10: 0122281403

Hardcover. 322 pages, b/w illustrations