September 2009

Smithsonian Ocean

By Deborah Cramer
Published by Smithsonian Books/HarperCollins Publishers

With half the pages filled with beautiful photographs, Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water, Our World is a lovely hardcover history of the world’s oceans. From the molten beginnings of the planet to the mass extinctions of the present, this history reads like an engaging encyclopedia with short passages on varied topics. The result: a pick-up, put-down, thought-provoking visual feast.

It’s easy to delve into the depths of this book by Deborah Cramer. As the history unfolds, you’ll experience prehistoric lifeforms and the evolution of the first fish in the sea. As the descendents of those fish creep out of the ocean and learn to live on land, the world changes forever. And the human beings that eventually evolve will change the world forever again, by harming the ocean that gave them life.

Thus, the ocean’s history continues a new chapter – one of great concern to conservationists.

WWF-Canada and CPAWS are pleased to recommend this comprehensive and important work published by the Smithsonian. Understanding the ocean – its history and its promise – is essential in safeguarding its future.

“Whether you seek information or inspiration, this volume is a must.” Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, deep sea explorer, and ocean activist

Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water, Our World is the companion volume to the Smithsonian’s permanent new Ocean Hall, National Museum of Natural History.

You can help. Please enjoy Smithsonian Ocean and pass it onto a friend. Contact politicians and urge them to take action on ensuring healthy oceans for all Canadians. Every voice counts.