This book describes coastal marshes in terms of form, function, ecology, wildlife value, and management. Chabreck’s emphasis is on the marshes of the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico but he also examines marshes on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Plant and animal communities are each given a chapter, and the book concludes with considerations of future uses and needs of coastal marshes. “Salt, brackish, intermediate, and freshwater marshes are discussed in chapters on nutrient cycling, food web and biodiversity, plant and animal communities, economic value and recreational use, and managerial techniques. . . illuminating and attractive.” --Naturalist Review