The Empty Ocean

In this title, Richard Ellis tells the story of our continued plunder of life in the sea and weighs the chances for its recovery. Through portraits of a wide array of creatures, he introduces us to the many forms of sea life that humans have fished, hunted and collected over the centuries, from charismatic whales and dolphins to the lowly menhaden, from sea turtles to cod, tuna and coral. Rich in history, anecdote and surprising fact, the author’s descriptions bring to life the natural history of the various species, the threats they face and the losses they have suffered. Killing has occurred on a truly stunning scale, with extinction all too often the result, leaving a once-teaming ocean greatly depleted. But the author also finds instances of hope and resilience, of species that have begun to make remarkable comebacks when given the opportunity.