Sunday, February 05, 2023

Book Review - Seaweeds of the World: A Guide to Every Order - Princeton University Press

 


     The opening sentence in the Introduction states "Seaweeds rarely get the attention they deserve," and I think that speaks volumes about the relationship most of us have with seaweed. It is either slimy stuff left on the beach when the tide goes out, or wrapping on our sushi when we go to our favourite Japanese restaurant. 
     Seaweeds (algae) merit much more than this! They are the marine equivalent of terrestrial forests and other vegetational ecosystems, and are critically important in marine environments. Seaweeds are classifed in three phyla, Green (Chlorophyta), Red, (Rhodophyta) and Brown (Ochrophyta), each distinct in myriad important ways from the others.
     This excellent book demystifies seaweeds in so many different ways. It begins with the simple question, "What are seaweeds?" and moves us through a complete examination of these under-studied and under-appreciated organisms. As one moves from section to section - Early evolution, early multicellurality, a natural history - and so on, one acquires a fundamental understanding of the wide diversity of seaweeds and their importance, both ecological and commercial, in various parts of the world.
     In coastal areas, seaweeds form the basis of food webs, and anchor an ecosystem as diverse and vibrant as any land-based equivalent. As a nursery for marine organisms they are critical, and unrivalled in richness. ".....perhaps three quarters of Earth's fish start their lives in a seaweed bed." 
     As we continue to emit unsustainable levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere we are changing the chemistry of the oceans, in some areas such as the Arctic at an alarming rate. Throughout the world oceans are becoming more acidic and drastic die-offs are occurring. The public is generally aware of the destruction of coral reefs, those glamourous ecosystems whose demise makes the nightly news, but little is reported on seaweed die-off and the potential for speciation. The results are no less catastrophic.
     We are now clearly into the Anthropocene, the human-made epoch, and threats to seaweeds are pressing and dire. To claim that it is terrifying would not be hyperbole. As the author states about threatened species, "So enjoy the ones we have while they are still with us."
     In the section entitled Selected Species seventy genera are covered, with pictures, range maps and a succinct informative text. This is such a valuable guide to seaweeds and of great benefit to scientist and layman alike. I have always made a practice of taking pictures of seaweed marooned by receding tides and I will look forward to being able to identify them with the help of this book.
     The great takeaway, perhaps, is that despite all the evidence at our disposal, humankind seems unwilling to seriously tackle the issue of climate change that threatens the ongoing survival of the planet as we know it. The science is clear, and we ignore it at our peril. Yet - ignore it we do. If rhetoric were action we would by now have solved the problem.
     Perhaps seaweeds are yet another canary in the coal mine. How many do we need?

Seaweeds of the World: A Guide to Every Order
John H. Bothwell
Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691228549
240 pages - 6.75 x 9.375 inches (16.875 x 23.44 cm)
249 colour and 17 black-and-white illustrations - 77 maps
Publication date: 31 January, 2023
     
 
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

44 comments:

  1. I think that this book is a little too specialised for me and my interests, David, but I do thank you for bringing to our attention, once more, the serious messages that the world is receiving about the future of the planet - and ignoring them!

    Best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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  2. Yes, that's the big question , David. How many canary in the coal mine do we need before we wake up and not fall asleep again...? I'm afraid we've woken up too late again and again. Even if we try to do the best we can it is too late. This has been talked about since the mid-seventies without much happening. It's scary.
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  3. Algae represent a fascinating universe. The book is very useful.

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  4. ...a subject that I know little about.

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  5. A few years ago a friend showed me some underwater photographs of seaweeds. In their natural environment they look a whole lot more attractive than the stuff I find washed up on the beach after a storm. The name can't help either; "sea weed" doesn't make it sound very sexy.

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  6. The underwater world of seaweed is an unknown topic for me. Your review is encouraging and beautiful.
    The price of the book is encouraging, despite the price of a dollar in Poland.
    Hugs and greetings:)

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  7. There is so much that we don't know, don't understand and we neglect it at our peril. Far too many canaries have died/will die.

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  8. Hari OM
    I am a big fan of seaweeds - they are fondly foraged here in Scotland - and many other places. They are indeed a very important part of te overall ecosystem and they most definitely deserve attention. Marked for later perusal here! YAM xx

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  9. Being an island (more than one, actually) our coastlines are full of different seaweeds. I love seeing all the different types washed up on the beach after a storm (and have even collected some a few times for eating). I believe in Victorian times it was a popular pastime to dry seaweeds and mount the pressed samples in a type of herbarium book. I would rather just photograph them!

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    1. I too find them fascinating, Margaret, and I buy dried seaweed wafers as healthy snack food.

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  10. Sounds interesting. One of our stores here sells seaweed, we bought some and put it in our chowder.

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  11. I've often given thought to the growth of seaweed as I wander around the backwaters of the Gulf. It's interesting to consider the role that it plays in Nature.

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    1. It would give me great satisfaction if this review were to cause people to ponder seaweed more frequently and in greater depth.

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  12. I think it's interesting that someone finally wrote a book about seaweeds and spoke about how climate change and ocean warming is affecting them. Did it mention about how seaweed can become such a big food source for many people, and not just cultures that use it now? This sounds like a great book that many people should read. Happy new week David.

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    1. As you say, food for many, Erika. Seaweed farming is quite common in Asia.

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  13. I love the smell of seaweeds...and I love to eat them too. They are quiet strong in iodine taste, but I love it!.....nice book!....Abrazotes, Marcela

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  14. This sounds very interesting.
    I've never eaten seaweed.
    Greetings Irma

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  15. I love your review. I am tempted to buy the book just to satisfy my curiosity about seaweeds and to see the images. By the way, I see a Kindle [Print Replica] version is available on Amazon for about $22 USD. As I sit here reflecting on your review, I am so happy to have lived a long life here on Earth before humans destroy it. The failure of the world’s leaders to do something about the way we are destroying our environment is tragic. Thank you for your review.

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  16. Kolejna cenna książka, którą nam przedstawiłeś. pewnie nigdy nie wezmę jej do ręki, ale wiele osób będzie miało możliwość zagłębienia się w temat. Dziękuję!

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  17. Great review and book David. Seaweed is very important to the ecosystem. Take care, have a happy week!

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  18. Interesting, thanks for the review

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  19. I know next to nothing about algae, but I am always fascinated when I see them at our wild beaches, and there are so many different kinds. I also enjoyed seeing them in the water while snorkeling in Hawai'i - it is such a fascinating world below the surface of the water.

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    1. In recent years I have always tried to identify them and this book will assist in a major way.

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  20. There are lots of beautiful - and not so beautiful-seaweeds, really fascinating. Hugs, Valerie xxx

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  21. You are so right, we don't generally think about seaweed, especially when you don't live on a body of water. I knew seaweed as the stuff that tangled up in the propellers of our boat when we were out enjoying the above the waterline nature. This has to be eye opening and I will go to Amazon and see if I can get my hands on it. Oh you know there are so many canaries in so many coal mines ... our world is getting to be a frightening place to be and everyone seems oblivious. So sad ...
    I didn't do Face Off this week but I came over here just to comment on your post and say thank you for the invitation to join you in a brisk walk. I can't think of anything I would enjoy more, though distance probably dictates that it won't happen. I will keep it in mind if I find an opportunity to come up your way. That is to say, I will hold you to it :)
    We are back to balmy weather (that is the 40's during the winter months) so I am getting outside a bit more. Still have to be careful of the icy spots on the trails, but otherwise, I love the all white expanses and the occasional bird chirping. We do have a pair of Red Tails in my area. I haven't spotted where they are nesting, but they do hunt over our fields quite often and I see them parked on a light post now and then as well. I get my nature fix anywhere I can find it. Stay warm on your brisk walks, David ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  22. An interesting post. That book on seaweeds must be quite informative. I live away from a coastline so don’t see seaweeds much. I have read though that they could be a food in the future for more people. Also, that they provide much oxygen to the atmosphere and food for marine life. But I also read that some exotic seaweed (I think the Kappaphycus alvarezii) is being harvested in south India for corporations that include them in their products. These are invasive and are smothering and slowly killing the coral reefs – there is such a delicate balance in nature.

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  23. Muy buena reseña mi querido amigo. Las algas están infravaloradas y realmente deberían ocupar el lugar primordial que necesitan y que, nosotros, los humanos podamos entender, admirar y respetar la necesidad de estas en los ambientes marinos tan fundamentales para mantener su ecosistema.
    Un gran abrazo querido amigo y profesor por tan buenas difusiones.

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  24. Over the years, when visiting beaches, it has always been interesting to see the different colours and kinds of seaweeds.

    Did you know there are more than 100 types of edible seaweed ...
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-benefits-of-seaweed-and-why-you.html

    All the best Jan

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    1. And the list may be growing, Jan. I consume seaweed quite regularly.

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  25. Sounds fascinating!
    I love those paper-thin Japanese seaweed snacks.

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  26. Hi David - I'd love to see this book ... i think I must see if the library will get some of these books down for me ... holidaying by the Cornish sea - seaweed was always gathered for the garden - and obviously crucial to many farmers. I wrote about a lady who is described as The Mother of the Sea - Kathleen Drew-Baker - a phycologist ... whose studies were recognised in Japan ... I wrote this in April 2013! I also wrote that Scott's base camp in 2012 about quilting seaweed - used as insulation in the prefab hut which was shipped out for his base camp in 1912. But I'd love to know more ... this sounds a brilliant reference book - we'd need a separate library for these sorts of publications. Cheers - Hilary

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    1. Good morning, Hilary. Will you send me the links to what you wrote?

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  27. You write such excellent book reviews, even about books I probably would never pick up! But the cover on this is a dream and the points you make all very good. Nicely done!

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  28. En estos últimos tiempos, se ha puesto de moda en la cocina. Yo aún no las he probado, pero siento algo de curiosidad.

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  29. Interesante libro. He visto varias algas cuando paseo por las playas, en algunas partes de España las recogen para abonar los campos. Besos querido amigo.

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  30. I always appreciate your book reviews, as you enlighten me on topics that otherwise would not be on my radar. I'll now be more attentive to seaweed - at the very least, I'll look to see if it is green, red, or brown.

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