The name Annalisa Berta is synonymous with expertise in, and deep knowledge of, sea mammals and their role in our oceans, their origins and their future.
So, one opens up this book with high expectations and one is not disappointed. It is a beautifully illustrated volume focussing on individual species within a framework of themes, viz, Evolution, Discovery, Biology, Behaviour, and Ecology and Conservation. Information is delivered succinctly, accurately and engagingly.
Sea mammals, in many instances are keystone species (I had not heard the term "cornerstone" species before, but it seems to mean the same thing), and what they do and how humans react to them impacts entire ecosystems. Everyone is familiar with Robert Paine's groundbreaking experience with Pisaster ochraceus Sea Stars, which led to a full examination of the way in which the elimination of one species has the potential to change the entire dynamic of an ecosystem. Sea mammals, in their role as top predator, and sometimes important prey, fall squarely in this category.
The history of humans and whales, humans and dolphins, humans and manatees spins a tale of total disregard for the integrity of ecosystems and slaughter has taken place on a massive scale, without heed for the morrow or an acknowledgement of the consequences. Enlightened science originating with scholars like Berta is bringing change but universal acceptance and a firm commitment to action is still absent in many parts of the world. Ironically the future for some species that have been hunted mercilessly to near extinction is now tied to ecotourism, with popular whale-watching tours casting a rosy hue on the future of Grey Whales, Humpbacks and others.
We have a long way to go, however. The extinction of the Yangtze River Dolphin "was caused by extreme human impacts to the Yangtze River in recent decades, including pollution, harmful fishing gear, overfishing, and habitat destruction." This is a damning litany of the issues facing all marine organisms today. The Yangtze River Dolphin is believed to be the first dolphin species driven to extinction due to human impacts. It will not be the last.
It seems impossible to go more than a day or two without news of the desperate plight of the Polar Bear; as a charismatic animal it has become a poster child for environmentalism, yet the trajectory of its future seems ever more dire.
In this book Annalisa Berta projects facts, informed science and connects cetaceans and other sea mammals to the entire oceanic ecosystem in which they exist, yet she wears her heart on her sleeve too. Is it possible to envisage a world without these magnificent ancient creatures, mammals just like us who suckle their young? Do we really lack the will to save them, and in the process save ourselves? Only time will tell, but the future does not look good for many species.
Thank you Dr. Berta for making us think about sea mammals, and all the creatures of the oceans. Perhaps we can try to love them as much as you. In that rests their salvation.
Sea Mammals: The Past and Present Lives of Our Oceans' Cornerstone Species - Princeton University Press
Annalisa Berta
Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691236643
224 pages - 6.5 x 9 inches (16.25 x 22.5 cm)
150 + colour illustrations
Publication date: 26 September, 2023