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Ocean: From the Shore to the Abyss
A stunning visual journey from the shoreline to the ocean's depths―celebrating the sheer diversity of life beneath the waves.
Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth but three quarters of our oceans' depths have never been explored by humans. This stunning book takes readers on a deep dive through the different depth zones―from the shoreline and surface, via the sunlight zone, the twilight and midnight zones, and into the abyss―to chart the richness and diversity of life in our seas.
Each chapter, centered on a different depth zone, begins with a comprehensive introduction, before exploring fifteen to twenty-five visual themes, from the smallest living things to the largest and from the familiar to the unknown. A final chapter on the oceans and us reveals the visual history of human interaction with the deep blue, from discovery and mapping to current issues of the environment and preservation.
Ocean features stunning photography throughout―from microscopic images of tiny creatures to corals of every hue and the abstract patterns of fish scales―shown alongside a wide range of stunning archival illustrations and specially commissioned infographics that convey complex data in a simple and elegant way.
Exploring a huge range of themes, creatures, and plants from around the world, Ocean draws crucial attention to the importance of life in our seas and the need to preserve it.
412 color illustrations
Water covers more than 70 percent of the Earth but three quarters of our oceans' depths have never been explored by humans. This stunning book takes readers on a deep dive through the different depth zones―from the shoreline and surface, via the sunlight zone, the twilight and midnight zones, and into the abyss―to chart the richness and diversity of life in our seas.
Each chapter, centered on a different depth zone, begins with a comprehensive introduction, before exploring fifteen to twenty-five visual themes, from the smallest living things to the largest and from the familiar to the unknown. A final chapter on the oceans and us reveals the visual history of human interaction with the deep blue, from discovery and mapping to current issues of the environment and preservation.
Ocean features stunning photography throughout―from microscopic images of tiny creatures to corals of every hue and the abstract patterns of fish scales―shown alongside a wide range of stunning archival illustrations and specially commissioned infographics that convey complex data in a simple and elegant way.
Exploring a huge range of themes, creatures, and plants from around the world, Ocean draws crucial attention to the importance of life in our seas and the need to preserve it.
412 color illustrations
- GenresNonfictionNatureScience
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 20, 2026
About the author
Asha De Vos
4 booksDr. Asha de Vos is an award-winning Sri Lankan marine biologist who has pioneered long-term blue whale research in the northern Indian Ocean. She has degrees from the University of St. Andrews, University of Oxford, and the University of Western Australia. Dr. de Vos is a TED Senior Fellow and founder of Oceanswell, Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation research and education organization. Dr. de Vos aims to inspire the next generation of ocean heroes from all corners of the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 16, 2026
Excellent color photographs, would make a wonderful gift for someone interested in ocean life.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review