This new book, as described in the Preface, presents a collection of contributions by several participants of the First National Congress of Marine Sciences organ ized by the CoNISMa. The 62 selected papers, grouped into seven sections, deal with a number of significant and current topics of marine research conducted at Mediterranean stations mostly situated along the Italian coast. The focus of each section is clearly expressed in the headings. The research sites may be conceived as "key" or focal points in the study of marine ecosystems. Indeed. the information collected transcends regional...