An international group of experts describe and assess current and future threats to the marine environment from chemical pollution (including oil, heavy metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons and radioactivity), platic waste and microbial contamination. The book describes the consequences of further exploitation of the coast due to population growth, accelerating urbanization, greater affluence and faster transport. The effects of fisheries, the consequences of over-fishing and stock fluctuations are considered, and proposals are set out for immediate action.