Review
This book brilliantly captures the lives of both coral reefs and the scientists that study them. It is a 21st century version of the Log from the Sea of Cortez--full of wisdom and humor. --Nancy Knowlton, Staff Scientist Emeritus of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and holder of the Sant Chair in Marine Science at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
The demise of many coral communities in the oceans and the threat to the rest are among the most stirring concerns regarding the state of our planet. But precisely because we respond to these grim facts with distress we should become educated in the issues involved. The book by Rohwer and Youle provides the chance for such an education, and does so in a manner that is accessible to all. Written in a reader-friendly style that belies the authority of the authors, this book introduces the biological, physical, and anthropogenic issues related to corals and their tribulations. Perhaps not surprising are accounts of the relationship of people and bacteria to the health of corals. Not only do the authors accomplish a difficult task--to enlighten readers of a varied background of these issues--but they engage us personally with stories about the people who conduct this research. We are taken on board ship to witness the problems, big and small, that face expeditions to the coral reefs. This book is a standout in the genre of current science writing. --Moselio Schaechter, Distinguished Professor, emeritus, Tufts University, and author of Microbe and In the Company of Mushrooms.
This book brilliantly captures the lives of both coral reefs and the scientists that study them. It is a 21st century version of the Log from the Sea of Cortez--full of wisdom and humor. --Nancy Knowlton, Staff Scientist Emeritus of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and holder of the Sant Chair in Marine Science at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
A blessedly clear and concise book that beguiles you with love for sea and science, even as it delivers critical details, tiny and large, of what is happening in our world's waters. --Alan Weisman, author of The World Without Us
Reading this book was an engaging, entertaining, educational experience. --Stanley Maloy, Dean, College of Sciences, SDSU
The writing style is excellent, so much so that an intelligent reader with no previous knowledge of coral biology or microbiology can appreciate the beauty, importance and complexity of the coral holobiont (the coral host plus its associated microorganisms) and coral reefs. --Eugene Rosenberg, Professor, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University
The demise of many coral communities in the oceans and the threat to the rest are among the most stirring concerns regarding the state of our planet. But precisely because we respond to these grim facts with distress we should become educated in the issues involved. The book by Rohwer and Youle provides the chance for such an education, and does so in a manner that is accessible to all. Written in a reader-friendly style that belies the authority of the authors, this book introduces the biological, physical, and anthropogenic issues related to corals and their tribulations. Perhaps not surprising are accounts of the relationship of people and bacteria to the health of corals. Not only do the authors accomplish a difficult task--to enlighten readers of a varied background of these issues--but they engage us personally with stories about the people who conduct this research. We are taken on board ship to witness the problems, big and small, that face expeditions to the coral reefs. This book is a standout in the genre of current science writing. --Moselio Schaechter, Distinguished Professor, emeritus, Tufts University, and author of Microbe and In the Company of Mushrooms
About the Author
Forest Rohwer, Ph.D., is a world-renowned marine microbial ecologist. For over 20 years, he has been diving and researching on coral reefs, unraveling the mystery of their recent decline. He has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions, including the prestigious Young Investigators Award of the International Society of Microbial Ecology.
Forest Rohwer, Ph.D., is a world-renowned marine microbial ecologist. For over 20 years, he has been diving and researching on coral reefs, unraveling the mystery of their recent decline. He has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions, including the prestigious Young Investigators Award of the International Society of Microbial Ecology.