This book investigates the efficacy of existing international legal frameworks in protecting coral reef ecosystems from global environmental threats. Edward J. Goodwin, a legal scholar, examines the intersection of maritime law, international treaties, and environmental policy to determine how current governance structures address the degradation of coral reefs. By analyzing specific conventions and jurisdictional challenges, the author argues that current international efforts require significant reform to effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change and over-exploitation on these vital marine habitats.

Legal scholars and environmental policy experts recognize this text as a comprehensive reference for understanding the intersection of international law and marine conservation. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational resource for students and practitioners in the field of environmental governance.