| Summary: | From 1993 to 2001, the Institute of Marine Research in Norway carried out a research program, Mare cognitum, on the Norwegian Sea ecosystem. Drawing upon results from this program, the book summarizes the current knowledge about this ecosystem. In a series of chapters the readers are introduced to the geography, currents and water masses that are the abiotic setting or "scene" of the ecosystem, and to the plankton, fish, squids, whales, seals and seabirds that are the key biological components or "actors" in the ecosystem. The "play" is the ecological drama where the animals strive to find their food while avoiding to be eaten themselves. The Norwegian Sea ecosystem contains very large biomasses of zooplankton and pelagic fish stocks. It is characterized by pronounced seasonal cycles in plankton production and large-scale migrations of herring and other animal populations. - Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2005
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