Secrets of the Sea: The story of New Zealand's native sea creatures

by Robert Vennell

**SHORTLISTED FOR THE OCKHAM NZ BOOK AWARD BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF NONFICTION**

An illuminating tour through the native sea creatures of Aotearoa, by the bestselling author of The Meaning of Trees




Secrets of the Sea is a fascinating introduction to New Zealand's fish and shellfish, weaving together history, biology and culture to reveal how these unique and intriguing creatures have shaped our lives. Ranging from sandy shores and rocky reefs to the open ocean and its cavernous depths, Robert Vennell celebrates the magic and mystery of the world beneath the waves.

Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs and fascinating historical illustrations.

**

'Steeped in history and tradition, Secrets of the Sea is a standout ... gorgeously illustrated, and with stunning photography, Secrets of the Sea is a resplendent unravelling of the mysteries surrounding some of the incredible inhabitants of Aotearoa waters' Jo Lucre, Wellington Regional News

'Secrets of the Sea is a treasury of interesting facts, beautiful photography and remarkable prose. Beyond the luscious illustrations is a perfect blend of science, history and mātauranga Māori that gives the text depth and relevance and reveals in fascinating (and urgent) ways the interconnectedness of the human and extra human world. Visually compelling and hugely accessible, this impactful book will delight the marine biologist, sea aficionado and general reader alike.' New Zealand Book Awards Trust, Ockham shortlist for Best Illustrated Book of Nonfiction

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published April 2, 2025

Reviews

[Teo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great for if you want to learn in detail about the many ways humans kill and eat fish, not so great if you actually want to learn about the fish themselves. I’m genuinely surprised there aren’t complaints about just how gratingly repetitive this was in that aspect, regardless of if you do or do not care about fish because of ethical reasons.

In saying that though, this has got to be one of the least self-aware books I’ve read with how many times extinction and conservation gets brought up, yet the author fully endorses exploiting these beings. He even views them being served at high-end restaurants as an achievement. What a joke!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful record of the fish around Aotearoa from fresh water tiny fish and crayfish to ocean going fish and sharks. The book is beautifully illustrated with prints from The Alexander Turnbull Library, plus photos of New Zealand's history. Each fish is well illustrated with drawings and discussed. There are separate boxes for Etymology and Biology. The fish is described from the Maori world view and from the Pakeha perspective. Unfortunately there is also the history of overfishing and plunder of threatened resources. I do not understand how people can literally take thousands of fish and Molluscs and expect them to stay plentiful and survive. A lot of care and attention has been put into the making of this resource book and it well deserves to be nominated in the Non-fiction category of the New Zealand Book of the Year Award for 2023. A great read.

[Ellen Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up impulsively and I’m so glad I did because it’s amazing!
The important role sea life/kaimoana has played in NZ is fascinating - I’d never even thought about it before.
And yes, I admit, I got excited when I recognised things I’d seen before when snorkelling at Goat Island.
Anyway, the artwork accompanying each section is beautiful too. I would love to own this book!

[Elisapesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visually stunning and a brilliant read. A fresh approach to NZ's sea life. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the sea!

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic from start to finish! I learned a lot, and the illustrations were beautiful.

[ROBIN FRASER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Read up on one creature every day til finished. Definitely not a marine enthusiast, so most of the information was new to me. Easy to read, with good illustrations and fun facts.

[Steph Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gem of a book. Way outside my usual but I’m so glad I went for it. Part marine biology, part history, part geography

Loved it

[Dom Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the best book ever