Living Shores 4th edition launched
Everything you want to know about the sea is in this book, writes Orielle Berry
IT’s been 37 years since the very first edition of Living Shores was published. Authors George and Margo Branch have been referred to as a formidable team, as they tirelessly and passionately trail our shores to track what happens along the coast.
Last week, the fourth edition of the book was launched in a celebrative and somewhat moving occasion appropriately held at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
After a gap of several years, the latest version offers updated information.
As members of the Struik Nature Club, sea enthusiasts and experts sipped wine and munched on snacks in front of a tank where exotic fish and mantras provided a colourful backdrop, Pippa Parker, publisher of Struik Nature, opened proceedings, telling the audience that the book was reprinted due to an overwhelming demand.
“The book has long been a reference guide not only for marine biologists, but also for beach bums and coastal dwellers and anyone who lives for and loves the sea.
“Passion and dedication shines through every page and I am in awe of what they did.”
Two Oceans chief executive officer Michael Farquhar agreed with Parker about the passion that lights up the book.
“Certain books have a profound influence and can shake your life.
“Living Shores just made me appreciate the system around me and the title of the book is incredibly apt.”
Both in their introduction and speaking at the launch, the Branch couple relate that the book is a total revision in which they travelled from coast to coast and gleaned information from an amazing number of 3 500 research papers
“For both of us,” said George, “marine biology is a way of life… we derive such great pleasure from the sea and have a strong desire to communicate this.
“I am a wave watcher,” said Margo, adding: “I sit and observe the movements of the oceans and also collect sands.
“This time we brought in geology, things have obviously changed in the 37 years since we did the first book, digitally and with satellites.”
Flipping through the stunningly illustrated book, the might and diversity and complexity of the ocean is deeply and thoroughly exemplified by Margo’s comment: “Our marine life is so wonderful and amazing, and intricate.”
The couple are both experts in their fields, George, a lecturer and scientist with several awards, and Margo an award-winning biologist.
Truly a labour of love, this book unpacks the remarkable relationship between humans and the marine environment from ancient archaeology to the modern era.
The pair explored the coast from Beira to Luanda to renew their information and say “It has been an inspiration to see the extent to which science and local circumstances have been transformed”.
George is the photographer and Margo the artist, and both their skills are put to maximum use to illustrate what they communicate with words.
Anything and everything you have ever wanted to know about the sea is in this book.
For a start, and in case you didn’t already know, oceans occupy almost three-quarters of our planet and reach depths of 11km, eleven times the height of Table Mountain.
For the surfers and swimmers out there, currents are methodically explained, backed by wonderful illustrations.
Currents, waves and tides have different, but equally important effects; currents driven by two main forces – winds and differences in the density of the ocean.
Like a giant conveyor belt, the “thermohaline circulation” transports water around the globe, rising when it is heated and becomes lighter, but sinking when it is cooled.
There are exquisite pictures of shells accompanying their identification, of the colourful seaweeds that dot our shores, of how camouflaged decorator crabs attach fragments of algae to their bodies to further conceal themselves.
There’s a detailed explanation of kelp and the many kelp forests that abound – for example they extend 3km offshore and are a feature of the West Coat, giants of the seaweed world, they sometimes exceed 15m in length.
There’s all this and much more. In the second section on “the human factor” you can find out about harvesting the seas; the tragic issue of pollution that comes with development; climate change and spreading sea wisdom.
So many important issues are raised and wonderful information imparted.
Whether you live away from the coast, or close to the sea like I did for many years, and imagine the sound of the waves and the exhilarating smell of the salty sea air, this book is one of those must-haves for anyone who respects and loves the ocean.