The Corals of Hong Kong

Preface

Preface This boo k i s intende d fo r th e growin g generatio n o f swimmers , snorkellers and divers who escape from th e horrors of the overcrowded city into the quiet and calm of the aquatic world. It s aim is to provide descriptions an d clear colour illustration s o f local coral species and the common plant s an d animal s foun d i n associatio n wit h them . A n in troduction for laymen to the biology of coral and the structure of coral reefs provide s a backgroun d fo r understandin g th e significanc e an d diversity o f coral communities . Identification o f the marine life was kindly supplied by the following people: Dr J.E.N. Veron , Australia n Institut e of Marine Science (hermatypic corals) ; D r Han s Moll , Universit y o f Amsterdam (aher matypic corals) ; M s Ails a Clark , Britis h Museu m (Natura l History ) (echinoderms); D r Joh n Taylor , Britis h Museu m (Natura l History ) (gastropods); Professo r Bria n Morton , Universit y o f Hon g Kon g (bivalves); D r Willia m Chan , formerl y Agricultur e an d Fisherie s Department, Hon g Kon g Governmen t (fish) ; an d M s Ma y Yipp , University o f Hong Kon g (hermi t crabs) . Divers o f th e YMC A SCUB A clu b wer e wonderfull y patien t an d helpful div e buddies an d underwate r photographers . I would als o like t o than k Mr s M . Cop e for readin g an d commen ting o n th e manuscript an d Professor Morto n fo r muc h helpful advic e and support . PJ.B.S. Photograph credits : Neil Hardin g (NH ) Issy Hollan d (IH ) Mike Hollan d (MH ) Chan Yuk-kwa n (CYK ) Brian Morto n (BM ) John Or r (JO ) Sara W u (SW ) Tommy Yeun g (TY ) All other photograph s an d drawing s b y th e author . ...