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Book Review: Secret of the Seas – A Journey into the Heart of the Ocean

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Secret of the Seas

Secret of the SeasThe 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.

Secret of the Seas

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.

Secret of the Seas

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.

Gear Reviews

GEAR REVIEW: JOBY SeaPal Underwater Housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy (Watch Video)

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JOBY SeaPal

In a video shot exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the JOBY SeaPal underwater housing for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones.

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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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idc

Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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