Florida's coral reefs, unique in the continental waters of the U nited States, stretch in a long curving line from Fowey Rock near Miami to the islands of the Dry Tortugas 65 miles west of Key West. They are incredibly beautiful. Yellow branches and purple plumes and fans form forests and caverns for a multitude of life forms-strange plants, brilliantly colored fish, shellfish, sponges, and other sea creatures. And they are seriously endangered. Pollution, development, even too many admirers swarming over the reefs, threaten their survival. Marine scientists question whether corals and the reefs they form can withstand the effects of human civilization. The question is complex but Dr. Voss argues convincingly that we must protect the reefs until answers are found. This book offers a very readable introduction to the biology and history of the reefs as well as an investigation oftheir chances for survival. Sixteen pages offull-color photographs display the gorgeous life in and around the reefs.