Spanning the vast range of Earth's marine environments, from Greenland to the Polynesian Islands, this book reveals hidden landscapes of unsurpassed beauty and awe. These fascinating undersea worlds occupy more than three quarters of the globe, and their natural richness is the source of all life - yet they are sill poorly understood.
With engaging text and more than 400 photographs, each page reveals a new marvel, from the exuberance of underwater forests to the delicate intimacy of octopuses and the extreme survival methods of creatures in the Antarctic. More than 25 essays from leading scientists highlight topics such as aquaculture and global warming - for in addition to celebrating earth's marine life, it helps us understand the threats that weigh on the oceans and why we must protect the incredible diversity of plants and animals there.
Laurent Ballesta is an underwater photographer, biologist and professional diver. An expert in the marine environment, he is a three-time gold palm recipient in the World Festival of the Underwater Image. Pierre Descamp is a marine biologist who specialises in the conservation of marine ecosystems. The author of many studies and scientific publications, he works in France and abroad. Jean-Michel Cousteau (foreword), the son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, has spent much of his life with his family exploring the world's oceans aboard Calypso and Alcyone. Honouring his heritage, Jean-Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work. As Executive Vice President of The Cousteau Society for nearly 20 years, and now as Founder and President of Ocean Futures Society, Jean-Michel travels the globe, meeting with leaders and policymakers at the grassroots level and at the highest echelons of government and business. He is dedicated to educating young people, documenting stories of change and hope, and lending his reputation and support to energise alliances for positive change.