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
We live in the land of dolphins and manatees, and have seen them many times. I have yet to see a whale, except in movies and TV.. it seems from the books you show us that humans are trying to destroy every living thing on the planet, including other humans. I thought of the way the buffalo were decimated when I read this.
ReplyDeleteOne of my great regrets is that I have never seen a manatee.
DeleteAnd again I mourn, rage and feel shame at our species.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a daily reaction, isn’t it?
DeleteSounds like a great one to have for the home library. Thank you for your excellent review, David.
ReplyDeleteBuen libro, para conocer la apasionante vida del mundo marino. Que la dejadez del hombre, hace que cada vea esté más contaminado.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
Es repugnante lo que le hacemos a los océanos
DeleteSea mammals are a favorite of mine, thanks for the review and book suggestion. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDelete...while in Hawaii, we went on several whale watch trips and they were all underwhelming.
ReplyDeleteIn what way were they underwhelming?
DeleteHumans can be embarrassingly shameful selfish creatures who will cut off their nose to spite their face, as they say. But they can also be glorious, gracious creatures who can sacrifice with kindness. Why can't we ever seem to learn that we need to care for the place we live...with others? Maybe there are just too darn many of us?
ReplyDeleteTo your points, Rita. We can be glorious, gracious creatures, but few of us, infrequently and generally without impact. As we speak we are continuing to destroy each other and the environment and all the creatures in it. As for there being too many of us - of that there is no doubt.
DeleteI'm sure it's a very interesting book, David. I am also ashamed of how these large mammals are treated. It's worth crying over...
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
I have seen lots of dolphins but never a manatee. My kids live in Florida and see them often. Have a very nice day today.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would bet that many of them, if not most, are scarred from contact with boat propellors.
DeleteAnnalisa in my language is synonymous with analyze.
ReplyDeleteThe 150 color illustrations are a visual treat.
An appropriate name, then.
DeleteI have a good friend who's daughter studied Marine Biology. I'll have to tell her about the book.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very interesting book, David.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame how marine mammals are treated.
Man is really terrible in this area.
Greetings Irma
Sadly, humans have shown that they lack the will to take care of other species. Nature has ways of taking our numbers down. We need to wake up.
ReplyDeleteThe term cornerstone would not be the same as keystone, grammatically. A Cornerstone is a beginning that others build upon. A keystone is put on much later and holds things together. Both are essential to the integrity of the building.
In a civil engineering context you are absolutely correct. I am not sure the use of the expressions follows this pattern in a biological context.
DeleteThis sounds like an important book for anyone interested in saving and protecting these keystone animals, our cousins in the sea.
ReplyDeleteHumans just complicate things and make the problems worse. I guess we will never learn or even care to change our habits. Sad!
ReplyDeleteI think we have proven, Bill, that we don’t learn, and will not change our ways. Some even deny there is a problem.
DeleteI just wrote a long reply that disappeared into the ether. How frustrating! Thank you for this excellent review. I have been fortunate enough to see many sea creatures in the wild, including a blue whale that breached several times very close to the fishing boat we were on. Absolute majesty!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fascinating. There was a great programme on Arte yesterday about the pollution of the seas and the effects on the animals, fish and everything else that lives there. Thanks for the book review! Hugs, Valerie xxxxx
ReplyDeleteIt’s more than depressing.
DeleteMany thanks for another excellent book review.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Sea mammals are such wonderful animals, and many of them are really smart, it would be horrible not to have them sharing our world with us. Their loss is just another way people can be ignorant and self-centered. Hope your week is going well. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteAnd people continue to use disposable plastic crap to pollute their environment and fill their habitat with trash.
DeleteBuenas noches, estimado David!
ReplyDeletehow beautiful today's theme with moving photographs, of course these mammals are more than oil or food, they are terrifying creatures. They are poetry, under blue waves, dolphins and whales dance and whisper secrets of the mysteries of the sea.
Cetaceans are poetry, yes!
Big kiss and happy beginning of autumn
see you later! ☕🕰🤎📜✒️✌🏽🧸🚪🎻🥥🌰🏹⏳
For me, the jury's out on this one, David. It covers a subject that has limited immediate practical interest considering our location. However, I might just be swayed if I find myself on a pelagic next week!
ReplyDeleteMy very best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard
Hi, Richard: In my experience pelagic trip are very exciting - challenging for photographers, however!
DeleteHi David - I am anxious everyday about life ahead ... I won't be around to find out, but I do worry about 'us'. People can't seem to put the web of life into some form of context that we all live in. I worry about going green ... when we have to ruin more of the earth in digging for the material components ... I understand fossil fuels 'aren't good' - but how much land and ocean floor will we need to destroy with accompanying eco-systems ... and what then ...What would be wonderful if we'd respect all we have ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt sounds interesting thanks for sharing. Never thought of manatees as mammals, never think of them actually.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an important book. I like the mixture of science, fact, and 'wearing her heart on her sleeve.' I think there needs to be much more of that to help people form an emotional connection--crucial if any of these species are to be given space to exist. Thanks for a great review!
ReplyDeleteOtro libro interesante. Besos.
ReplyDeleteQuerido David es una excelente reseña y sobre un mundo muy interesante. Ojalá nos demos cuenta de que no podemos seguir así, aunque tristemente es muy difícil lograr concienciar a la inmensa mayoría. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam.
ReplyDeleteA splendid review, David.
ReplyDelete