Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Sydney, UNSW Press, 2007
270 pp., ISBN: 978-0-86840-415-8. Price: $49.95The Silent Deep is a vital and timely contribution to our consciousness of the global environment. Encompassing the largest habitat on earth, the deep sea remains the least known ecological system on the planet. Tony Koslow brings significant knowledge of this extraordinary and hidden realm to our attention in lucid and compelling prose. The book is divided into three parts, the first of which is an engaging history of the people and paradigms that have advanced understanding of this ecosystem. The second is a concise overview of the variety of habitats in the deep sea and their associated biological riches. Perhaps of paramount value is the cogently argued third part with its well-explicated plea for the preservation of this essential and fragile environment.
The first, historical part of the book, gives a masterful synthesis of archaic and modern efforts in ocean exploration and demonstrates the hard-won nature of deep-sea discovery. Documenting the development of ancient notions towards contemporary conclusions, Koslow presents textbook examples of how personalities and prejudices can either advance or halt the accumulation of knowledge. The persuasive hold of Forbes’ azoic hypothesis on scientific thinking in the face of incontrovertible evidence to the contrary is woven together with findings from the monumental Challenger expedition and accounts of William Beebe's exhilarating and pioneering bathysphere dives. Important breakthroughs in methodologies and understanding are identified and acknowledged, bringing us to our present-day view of the inexplicable mystery of astounding biodiversity in the deep sea.
The second part of the book portrays the variety in deep-sea habitats and their ecological dynamics, fueling the wonder and amazement we have come to expect from the deep sea. Hydrothermal vents, a center-stage topic in most discussions of the deep sea, is well covered in the book but also nicely balanced with up-to-date information on seeps and whale falls. Particularly instructive are the sections on seamounts, the sea floor, and deep coral reefs. One's appetite is whetted by a number of high-quality color photos of a few deep-sea creatures accompanied by brief explanatory information; but it is somewhat disappointing that more detailed information is not provided on the biology of any number of other astonishing creatures of the deep sea.
In the final part of the book, the author draws on his extensive knowledge of deep-sea fisheries and mining to plainly bring home the sobering message that unrestrained exploitation of biological and mineral resources is destroying this habitat, even before we know all that is being lost. Trawls and massive fishing operations that damage sensitive seamount ecosystems are given a well-deserved and clear-eyed critique. The insidious, long-term effects of pollution are also described. Weighty implications of climate change are placed solidly in the context of oceanographic processes, thus providing understanding of the pivotal role the deep sea plays in buffering atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures. The book ends with a helpful chapter co-authored with Kristina Gjerde in which issues of contemporary policy are discussed, and recommendations are made for effective governance.
The real strength of the book is its wide-ranging perspective and accessibility. In the preface the author explains his objectives are to inform and inspire the general public about the deep sea. Without qualification this is an important contribution in bringing the wonder and plight of the deep sea to the attention of a curious public. This book will also appeal and be useful to students and professionals. Well researched and heavily referenced with recent findings, it provides a sound framework for scientific discussion and investigation. Not a coffee-table picture book, but an intellectual delight, The Silent Deep will find a ready reception among devotees of the deep sea. The more difficult task will be in getting those who ‘don't know why they should care about the bottom of the ocean’ to open its pages. But, if they do, both Koslow and the deep sea may very well win new hearts and minds.
John Zardus
Assistant Professor of Biology
The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC, USA
E-mail: [email protected]
© 2008 John Zardus
Notes
Published in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Institute of Marine Research, Norway, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Denmark