News
Book Review: Secret of the Seas – A Journey into the Heart of the Ocean
The Authors
Alex Mustard and Callum Roberts
Review by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown
Secrets of the Seas is a visual feast with a strong conservation message as leading underwater photographer, Alex Mustard, teams up with Callum Roberts, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of York, to create this celebration of life beneath the waves. It is a hardback coffee table book, packed full of information and images from regions around the world. As I first unwrapped it, I could not fight off my first instinct, which as to simply look through all the images in the book. They are breath-taking and show off the beauty and extraordinary diversity that awaits us beneath our seas and oceans.
So then, I turn back to the beginning of the book and start to read. Callum Roberts is a scientist with a wonderful turn of phrase. His eloquent, and often poetic, words transport you to the world below, without the need for images. Each chapter is a 1500 essay that, along with his captions for the images, transport you to destinations like the Coral triangle, the North Sea, or in the deep blue with a shark for company. I particularly loved the final chapter on seals and sea lions.
A group of young California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) playing in the sun in the early morning. Santa Barbara Island, Channel Islands. Los Angeles, California, United States of America. North East Pacific Ocean.
However, this is not just a pretty picture book with some information on and descriptions about our oceans. Much as this would have been fine, the book has a higher objective and that is to also make us aware of what we have lost already and what we stand to lose in the future if we continue along the same path. The chapters give the reader a feel for what the oceans were like before destructive human impact of recent years; the damage already done, and offers hope for the future. It offers great insight into the biology of the marine life featured, but also includes oceanography and maritime history.
A spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) feeds by digging in the sand and seagrass for invertebrates. East End, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Caribbean Sea
This, in my opinion, is a proper coffee table book. It is a book that you want to have out all the time. One that you will be happy to re-visit and dip into over and over again. Both the images and the text will continue to draw you back in. It is a thing of beauty and quality and the passion for the marine world in both author and photographer is blatantly apparent.
- Secrets of the Seas
- Published by Bloomsbury Natural History
- 22nd September 2016
- Hardback
- £25
Scubaverse readers have the opportunity to get an amazing 25% off ‘Secret of the Seas – A Journey into the Heart of the Ocean’.
Visit bloomsbury.com and enter the code SEA25 at the checkout to receive 25% off Secrets of the Seas and free P&P.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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