This Months Books and Maps
October-November 2005
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
by Diana Mumford |
Secrets of the Coral Reefsby Rick Sammon Voyageur Press, 2004 ISBN 0-89658-669-3 $29.95 Cdn / $16.95 US 120 pp, color photos, index Previously published as Rhythm of the Reef in 1995, Secrets of the Coral Reefs is a beautiful collection of stunning photographs and personal stories from award winning author and underwater photographer, RIck Sammon. In this volume he follows the daily rhythm of coral reefs, from sunrise, to midday, to twilight, to midnight, and shows how life on a coral reef changes with the passing of time each day. Sammon traveled to four areas of the world to record material for this book: the Red Sea off Egypt, Truk Lagoon in Micronesia, Cocos Island off Costa Rica, and Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. The images reflect the amazing diversity of life at these four locations, which may differ in detail, but share the same basic rhythm of life. He includes an introductory chapter about coral reefs in general, and another in which he warns of the alarming destruction of coral reefs around the world, as well as appendices with reef conservation information, underwater photography, and a list of suggested titles for further reading. Whether people use this book as inspiration for their own underwater exploration or to appreciate the wonders of coral reefs from their armchairs at home, Sammon hopes that it will help to raise awareness of the fragility of coral reefs and the interconnectedness of the oceans. Although named by humankind as Pacific, Atlantic, and so on for our own convenience, the oceans are really one continuous body of water and each is profoundly affected by what happens in other parts of the world. Whether you are a diver, following the conservationist creed— ’take only pictures, leave only bubbles’—or a city dweller doing what you can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you do have an eleventh hour opportunity to help save the reefs. This book will convince you that it is an opportunity we should all embrace. |
N30 Eco-Trips in Florida: The Best Nature Excursions (and How to Leave Only Your Footprints)by Holly Ambrose University Press of Florida, 2005 ISBN 0-8130-2850-7 $19.95 US, 368 pp, b/w photos, index The ‘30’ part of this book’s title doesn’t do it justice, as in fact, it contains a wealth of information for a lifetime of exploring Florida’s wild places. Despite its reputation for swampland and over development, Florida is home to three national forests, eleven national parks, 157 state parks, 28 national wildlife refuges and additional protected public lands in each county. Author Holly Ambrose, editor of the magazine, EcoFlorida, has divided the state into thirty areas within four geographic regions. For each of these thirty areas, she provides information to encourage you to ‘know before you go’ so that your wilderness experience is the best it can be. The ‘What To Do There’ text is organized under headings—Trail Tripping, Paddling and Boating, Guided Tours, Nearby Natural Areas, Nearby Attractions. She also includes information about wildlife, habitats, where to stay, and how to get there. From this smorgasbord of information, you can plan a trip to suit your interests. This very comprehensive guide will open your eyes to Florida’s natural beauty whether you are a resident or a visitor. |
Experience the World with Bill MasonWe recommend this new book about paddling legend, Bill Mason, father of WaveLength cartoonist, Paul Mason. ISBN: 1-894765-60-5. Price: $39.95 Cdn, 224 pp, hardcover, 400 color illustrations and photos, line drawings and maps. |
Guide to Seashells of the Worldby A. P. H. Oliver Firefly Books, 2004 ISBN 1-55297-943-1 $19.95, 320 pp, color illustrations, index www.fireflybooks.com This comprehensive guide to seashells covers 1,200 rare and common mollusks from all over the world. Although it is not inclusive of all existing species, the author, who is an experienced collector himself, has used his judgment in selecting shells that he felt would be of interest to collectors or are his personal favorites. The guide’s introductory section includes general information about mollusks and their classification, hints for shell collectors, a glossary of relevant terms and location maps of the world. Information for specific species, organized by Class, Order and Superfamily, is restricted to a description of the shell. This is a great guide if you can stand a little more weight with your gear, or if you have more than a passing interest in seashells. But there is some debate about removing shells from the marine environment and the author notes the need for responsible collecting. Also be sure not to collect in protected areas, and be aware that many countries do not allow collecting at all. Lastly, we wouldn’t collect any shells with live creatures still in them. |
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Handy Pocket Guide to Tropical Seashells
Handy Pocket Guide to Tropical Coral Reef Fishes
Marine Priority Conservation Areas: Baja California to the Bering Seaby Morgan, Maxwell, Tsao, Wilkinson & Etnoyer. Commission for Environmental Cooperation, 2005. Free downloadable PDF file, 132 pp / 9 MB: www.cec.org The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) was created by Canada, Mexico and the United States to address regional environmental concerns, prevent conflict in trade and environmental issues and promote the effective enforcement of environmental law. This report identifies twenty-eight priority areas along the west coast of North America—marine environments that have significance in the lives of species that migrate across national borders and depend on the health of habitats under different political jurisdictions for their survival. The report provides information about the biology of each area, human activities that impact the natural environment, and threats to species. It is one step in the process of cooperative action to protect the coastline and a good source of information for anyone interested in the big picture of coastal health. |
Sea Kayak Paddling Through History: Vancouver and Victoriaby Aileen Stalker and Andrew Nolan Rocky Mountain Books, 2005 ISBN 1-894765-57-5 $19.95 Cdn / $16.95 US b/w photos & maps, index This is the perfect volume to have along on your winter (or summer) paddling getaway to Victoria or Vancouver, BC. In the sheltered conditions of these urban waters, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a paddle on a calm or sunny winter day, and reading about your proposed route beforehand will add a fascinating dimension to your excursion. The authors have identified twelve distinct trips in and around Vancouver and Victoria harbors, providing necessary access information, and then delving into the history of the surrounding cityscape, illustrating the text with archival photographs. What better way to spend a winter weekend than by exploring in your kayak and enjoying the amenities of city life at the end of the day? |
Sea Kayak Barkley and Clayoquot Soundsby Mary Ann Snowden Rocky Mountain Books, 2005 ISBN 1-894765-54-0 $19.95 Cdn / $16.95 US b/w photos, index Mary Ann Snowden’s experience, both as a paddler and an author of guidebooks, make this latest paddling guide an indispensable resource for anyone who has the desire to paddle west coast Vancouver Island’s Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. The guide begins with a comprehensive introductory section, with sensible and sensitive advice about trip planning, safety, etiquette, marine weather and sea conditions. Specific, well-researched information is then provided for twenty-five trips, including a difficulty rating, distances and suggested trip duration, relevant marine charts and tide tables. Informative sidebars about the natural and human history of the area add interest. The compact size and durable construction of the book and others in the series will encourage you to take it along, even after using it for preplanning your exploration of this paddler’s paradise. |