In a Perfect Ocean: The State of Fisheries and Ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean presents the first empirical assessment of the status of ecosystems in the North Atlantic. The authors analyze 14 large marine ecosystems, providing an indisputable picture of an ocean whose food webs have been dramatically altered, resulting in a phenomenon described by the authors as "fishing down the food web." The book: - provides a snapshot of the past health of the North Atlantic and compares it to its present status - presents a rigorous scientific assessment based on the key criteria of fisheries catches, biomass, and trophic level - considers the factors that have led to the current situation - describes the policy options available for halting the decline - offers recommendations for restoring the North Atlantic An original and powerful series of maps and charts illustrate where the effects of overfishing are the most pronounced and highlight interactions among the various factors contributing to the overall decline of the North Atlantic's ecosystems. This is the first in a series of assessments by the world's leading marine scientists, entitled In a Perfect Ocean. The State of Fisheries and Ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean is a landmark study and will be essential reading for policymakers at all levels concerned with fisheries management, as well for scientists, researchers, and activists concerned with marine issues or fishing and the fisheries industry.