The book describes the main marine and coastal biological systems of Passamaquoddy Bay and adjacent waters and the oceanographic and meteorological characteristics of the area. Subject areas begin with meteorolgy and oceanography. The second group covers the intertidal systems with chapters on rocky intertidal shores, rock pools, coarse sedimentary shores and salt marshes. The third general section covers hard and sedimentary sublittoral habitats. Following chapters discuss pelagic systems under the headings fishes, phytoplankton, larger zooplankton, and microzooplankton. Three chapters deal with the birds, amphibians and reptiles, and marine mammals. Finally coastal vegetation is described.