The Deep

BY ALEX ROGERS, HEADLINE, £20

Ever since mariners began to set sail and explore far reaches of the oceans, they’ve come back and told stories of their journeys and encounters with extraordinary beasts. In his memoire

The Deep, Alex Rogers continues this tradition and tells captivating tales of his voyages and discoveries as professor of marine biology. There are great wonders to be found on these pages, from deep coral reefs to hairy ‘Hoff’ crabs on Antarctic hydrothermal vents.

Readers will find out what it’s like to be a marine scientist through descriptions of Rogers’ collaborative work with the many students and colleagues he introduces. Humanmade troubles in the oceans also feature throughout. Reassuringly, for someone who has witnessed so much change, Rogers remains optimistic about the ocean’s ability to restore itself, given a chance. He prescribes urgent actions needed to ensure healthy seas and avoid their continued demise by a thousand cuts.

Helen Scales Marine biologist

Cock-eyed squid are deep-water dwellers. They are named for the fact that they have one eye bigger than the other.