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The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea
A Silent Spring for oceans, written by "the Rachel Carson of the fish world" (The New York Times)Who can forget the sense of wonder with which they discovered the creatures of the deep? In this vibrant hymn to the sea, Callum Roberts—one of the world’s foremost conservation biologists—leads readers on a fascinating tour of mankind’s relationship to the sea, from the earlie...more
Hardcover, 416 pages
Published
May 24th 2012
by Viking Adult
(first published January 1st 2012)
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‘There is a tide in the affairs of men…’
In this book, Callum Roberts sets out to argue the case that man is damaging the oceans of the world in ways that may be irreversible if not addressed quickly and determinedly. Prof. Roberts track record as a marine biologist and environmentalist is impressive – as well as a Hardy fellowship in conservation biology at Harvard University, he was awarded a fellowship by the Pew Environment Group, (one of the organisations behind the setting up of the new Gl...more
In this book, Callum Roberts sets out to argue the case that man is damaging the oceans of the world in ways that may be irreversible if not addressed quickly and determinedly. Prof. Roberts track record as a marine biologist and environmentalist is impressive – as well as a Hardy fellowship in conservation biology at Harvard University, he was awarded a fellowship by the Pew Environment Group, (one of the organisations behind the setting up of the new Gl...more
This is a clarion call to action by a Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of York. Much of his prose is a slow read because he writes as a scientist, there are few quick soundbites, just a mountain of evidence with regard to how the seas have changed since humans evolved. He takes us through all the science of oceanography and marine biology, winds and currents, tides, deoxygenation, dead zones, disease and marine farming, history, acidity and warming with remarkably little repeti...more
In short: please read this. It's important to understand what's going on in our oceans.
A recent issue of the Economist focused on this book, and as I was looking for a comprehensive overview of the state of our oceans, I picked it up at the library. The first part of The Ocean of Life goes into detail on the problems that humans have created: overfishing to the point that we don't even realize the abundance of fish that used to be in the sea; pollution such as plastics, nutrient flows from agric...more
A recent issue of the Economist focused on this book, and as I was looking for a comprehensive overview of the state of our oceans, I picked it up at the library. The first part of The Ocean of Life goes into detail on the problems that humans have created: overfishing to the point that we don't even realize the abundance of fish that used to be in the sea; pollution such as plastics, nutrient flows from agric...more
A very well written book about a very tough subject.
Roberts manages to convey the crisis of the oceans that is almost on us with sparkling clarity. He doesn't over complicate the subject, but writes with an urgency and a passion.
The chapters are quite gloomy when you consider how bad the seas are. He covers the amount of rubbish, in particular plastics that are in the sea, the steady acidification due to the water absorbing carbon dioxide relentlessly. He covers the scandalous trade in sharks fi...more
Roberts manages to convey the crisis of the oceans that is almost on us with sparkling clarity. He doesn't over complicate the subject, but writes with an urgency and a passion.
The chapters are quite gloomy when you consider how bad the seas are. He covers the amount of rubbish, in particular plastics that are in the sea, the steady acidification due to the water absorbing carbon dioxide relentlessly. He covers the scandalous trade in sharks fi...more
Don't be intimidated by the first couple chapters, most of the book is in layman's terms and even if you absorb just a little of the first few chapters you will have learned something.
Callum Roberts Sees man on the precipice of destroying/changing the oceans and environment in an unprecedented way. He lays out an interesting and at times entertaining argument. He's also optimistic that man can get this under control and advert this foreseeable disaster.
Anyhow this book will arm you with enough...more
Callum Roberts Sees man on the precipice of destroying/changing the oceans and environment in an unprecedented way. He lays out an interesting and at times entertaining argument. He's also optimistic that man can get this under control and advert this foreseeable disaster.
Anyhow this book will arm you with enough...more
This book is basically a survey of ocean ecology and the challenges that it faces from pollution, climate change, and over fishing. The book discusses some ways of managing these issues.
I found the book reasonably well written and informative, but somewhat alarmist at times. I would have liked more in depth information and better references in several places.
I found the book reasonably well written and informative, but somewhat alarmist at times. I would have liked more in depth information and better references in several places.
This book should be required, not just recommended, reading for every government minister throughout the world.
It describes with terrifying detail how we are systematically destroying our enviroment, concentrating on the seas. Mostly rather depressing and frightening, there is some slight optimism towards the end of the book, as some governments and organisations are creating protected areas within the oceans.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in our environment, fishing, the...more
It describes with terrifying detail how we are systematically destroying our enviroment, concentrating on the seas. Mostly rather depressing and frightening, there is some slight optimism towards the end of the book, as some governments and organisations are creating protected areas within the oceans.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in our environment, fishing, the...more
This non-fiction overview of the oceans and the threats to them was dense and time-consuming but full of eye-opening information. Roberts is a scientist and writes as such, but in layman's terms so it is understandable if not spellbinding by fiction standards. I learned so much!
Humans have gained unprecedented supremacy over the seas in a short space of time, thanks to potent technological advances such as satellite
tracking devices and engines so formidable they can drag nets big enough to engulf a cathedral. Add in the impact of pollution, from the likes of fertiliser run-off or discarded plastic, and the oceans have changed more in the past 30 years than in all of human history.
tracking devices and engines so formidable they can drag nets big enough to engulf a cathedral. Add in the impact of pollution, from the likes of fertiliser run-off or discarded plastic, and the oceans have changed more in the past 30 years than in all of human history.
Sail and swim through our threatened waters towards ideas for creating a sustainable future.
For the complete list of 2013 Notable Books winners please go to the RUSA Awards page.
For the complete list of 2013 Notable Books winners please go to the RUSA Awards page.
I just read the beginning of this book and it is scary about the direction our world is going need to get it back out and read more when I can handle it!
An excellent and interesting book. Roberts educates us on the origins of life, the role of the oceans, climate change, dead zones, acidification, depleted oxygen, etc. And despite man's ineptitude and behavior he still manages to maintain a sense of optimism for the future of the seas.
Jul 07, 2012
Patrick
added it
Well-written overview of the ocean's current problem's and threats.
Jun 05, 2012
Lynn
marked it as to-read
Heard author on Diane Rehm show on 6/5/12.
Everyone should read this book!
This is full of shocking information. This is such an important book. It's chock full of pertinent information. I wish I could convince everyone to read it.
551.46 R6434 2012
Readable, interesting, depressing......
As a person really intersted in Marine Science, this book is quite fascinating. However, there are many parts that may be boring to people who are not very interested in Marine Biology. It's very sad at parts, but it's a very powerful book.
Excellent description of the perilous status of the oceans and the life within, looking at environmental issues including trawl fishing and dredge fishing, noise pollution, increased acidity, etc. Presents options for all of us to consider on how to protect the seas.
This is a book well worth reading. Here's my review on the Gulf of Maine Times Web site:
The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea, by Callum Roberts
The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea, by Callum Roberts
Aug 24, 2012
Spook Harrison
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Spook by:
New Book Shelf
Shelves:
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Dude. So amazing. Trustworthily informative, engaging, an all-around wonderful book.
May 06, 2013
Aaron Dobbs
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May 06, 2013
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| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Ocean Acti...: We're Reading: The Ocean of Life | 4 | 2 | Mar 11, 2013 12:43pm | |
| Online Ocean Acti...: Ocean of Life & Callum Roberts in the News | 2 | 4 | Feb 11, 2013 08:36am |
Recently named in the Times as one of the 100 most influential UK scientists, Prof Callum Roberts is an award-winning expert on Marine Conservation.
His main research interests include documenting the impacts of fishing on marine life, both historic and modern, and exploring the effectiveness of marine protected areas. For the last 10 years he has used his science background to make the case for st...more
More about Callum Roberts...
His main research interests include documenting the impacts of fishing on marine life, both historic and modern, and exploring the effectiveness of marine protected areas. For the last 10 years he has used his science background to make the case for st...more
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