Medical Editors Ass Professor John Williamson from Adelaide, Dr Peter Fenner from Mackay and Professor Joe Burnett from Baltimore, USA, together with Biological Editor, Dr Jacquie Rifkin have spent four years compiling this major reference book exploring almost every venomous creature in the sea that envenomates or poisons (ie not sharks).

It is a book that will be helpful to every Hospital, General Practice, Poison’s Centre, University, School, Library or Museum, where such information will need to be referenced. It is the `state-of-the-art’ in marine envenomation. With presentations from approximately 26 authors world-wide, who have helped contribute some 240,000 words, 400-odd pages and about 350 photographs, many in colour, it contains the latest information on most venomous marine creatures. The latest information on almost every world-wide venomous marine creatures is included. This includes jellyfish, both venomous (even lethal) and non-venomous, venomous fish, cone shells, sea snakes, blue-ringed octopus and many more.

Each animal is presented with details on the appearance, distribution, venom effects, first aid and medical treatments; many have biological details and also, any other pertinent information that may be useful. Much of it is new information which has never been published before. Almost all the information has been combined in a manner that could only be equalled by buying many reference books covering biology, first aid, medicine, chemistry and immunology.