Pristine Seas: Journeys to the Ocean's Last Wild Places

by Enric Sala, Leonardo DiCaprio (Foreword)

There are places in the ocean virtually untouched by man. They offer a fascinating glimpse into our past and an inspiring vision for the future. They are the last Pristine Seas, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala takes readers on an unforgettable journey to 10 of these astounding locations.
 
From the shark-rich waters surrounding Coco Island, Costa Rica, to the iceberg-studded sea off Franz Josef Land, Russia, this incredible photographic collection showcases the thriving marine ecosystems that Sala is working to protect. Offering a rare glimpse into the world's underwater Edens, more than 200 images take you to the frontier of the Pristine Seas expeditions, where Sala's teams explore the breathtaking wildlife and habitats from the depths to the surface—thriving ecosystems with healthy corals and a kaleidoscopic variety of colorful fish and stunning creatures that have been protected from human interference. With this dazzling array of photographs that capture the beauty of the water and the incredible wildlife within it, this book shows us the brilliance of the sea in its natural state. It is a beautiful reminder of what we have to gain by protecting our seas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Travel, Photography, Coffee Table Books, Environment

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 2015

About the author

Dr. Enric Sala is a former university professor who saw himself writing the obituary of ocean life, and quit academia to become a full-time conservationist as a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. He founded and leads Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 22 of the largest marine reserves on the planet, covering an area of 5.8 million square km.
Sala has received many awards, including 2008 World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader, 2013 Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, 2013 Environmental Media Association Hero Award, 2016 Russian Geographical Society Award, and 2018 Heinz Award in Public Policy. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Reviews

[David Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Geographic brings us Dr. Enric Sala's the Pristine Seas. This beautiful book is a real treasure of pictures and information. There are well over 100 stunning colour photographs of life in the oceans and the book is forwarded by the hugely popular actor Leonardo DiCaprio. It's a gorgeous and weighty hardback that is an absolute pleasure to read and/or just sit and enjoy the fantastic photographs. Highly recommended to anyone who loves the sea or cares about the conservation of our oceans and associated sea-life.

In 2008 Enric Sala joined the ranks of National Geographic explorers and started the Pristine Seas project (visit pristineseas.org). In the book we visit 10 places around the world where the seas can be described as still 'Pristine'. Enric Sala, his team and their key partners have joined efforts with some success to inspire country leaders to protect these remaining pristine sea locations.

At each location the book provides maps and dazzlingly wonderful colour photographs of sea animals, plant and fish species. Many of these places are wild and untouched providing perfect environments to allow many unique photo opportunities. There is geographical information and details of the dives and findings. Many of these places under the water have never been visited by man before.

In his forward Leonardo DiCaprio writes 'Losing the wildest places in our oceans, and on our planet, is not just a crime against nature - it's a crime against every species on Earth. Pristine Seas gives me hope and proves that our oceans can be protected for generations to come'. This is a beautiful book memorable for its message and glorious images. Thank you to Louise at lrtpublicity.co.uk for the review copy. I will pass it on to my local library for others to enjoy.

[Kelsey May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and finished this incredible book about the few truly wild and untouched places left in our oceans. Ocean conservation is something I've become more and more passionate about with every passing year. This book is a beautiful and well-written account of the complex ecosystems in pristine places, the breathtaking diversity that persists only where nets and lines have not poached life, and how and why we can and should change our diets to match our love for nature.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pristine Seas is a visually beautiful book. It is also a cautionary tale of what we will lose from this planet if we don't start caring about the environment more than we do now.

[Denise Chojnacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful tribute to preserving the oceans and all they give back to us. Gorgeous photography throughout.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book - love the maps and stunning photos with the accompanying data and prose.

[Francine Fang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love diving. One of my favorite sports! It is a completely new world under the sea.
Read in Maldives.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review of this wonderful book here http://lindasbookbag.com/2015/10/09/p...

[Jazeel 🇵🇸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.75