Oceans cover over 71% of the earth's surface, absorb far greater amounts of carbon dioxide than rain forests, and exert a powerful control over climate, clouds, and weather. Yet our living oceans are imperiled as never before, plagued by overfishing, reckless development, and pollution. Will future generations be able to enjoy the riches of our nation's greatest environmental treasure? A fascinating account of America's oceans and ocean politics, Blue Frontier explores the impact of history, commerce and policy on marine life - and by extension all life on earth. From the legacy of Navy-funded ocean research and development since World War II to the latest controversies surrounding beach closures, collapsing fish stocks, killer algae, hurricanes, and oil spills, Blue Frontier takes readers on an adventure-filled tour of America's last great wilderness range. Helvarg argues that sensible policies can still halt the onslaught of industrial destruction, despite today's wide-open development along our coasts and in our offshore waters. Profiling the growing number of coastal citizen-activists, local governments, and waterfront communities that are working to protect and restore healthy seas for all of us, he shows how informed individuals can make a difference. An impassioned call for a new approach to ocean stewardship, Blue Frontier is essential reading for anyone interested in saving our maritime culture and heritage.