Book Review: Seaweeds of the World

Published 3 years agoon February 10, 2023

Seaweeds of the World: A Guide to Every Order by John H. Bothwell is a beautifully illustrated hardback book that delves into the world of seaweed.

As divers we see seaweed all around us on our dives, wherever we dive in the world. But how much do we really know about them? I loved dipping in and out of this book to learn about what different species I had come across. Occasionally I was even surprised to know that the things I had seen on dives were classed as seaweed at all! Seaweeds are astoundingly diverse. They’re found along the shallows of beaches and have been recorded living at depths of more than 200 meters; they can be tiny or grow into giants many meters long. They’re beautiful, too! This book is packed with over 250 images to prove it.

But this book is not just an ID guide. Want to learn more about these incredible algae? Yes – seaweeds aren’t plants: they’re algae! Then look no further. This book provides loads of accessible information about their biology, evolution, diversity, their importance to other marine species, and their wide range of uses; from spa treatment to superfood.

This is a lovely book that will delight anyone interested in the underwater world. You can pick out fascinating facts; check on species you have encountered on your dives, or just browse the gorgeous images and illustrations. I know I will be dipping back into this book over and over again.

Details:

Publication Date: 31st January 2023

Publisher: Princeton University Press

ISBN: 9780691228549

Cost: £25

Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com