What the Wild Sea Can Be By Helen Scales

Longlisted for both the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction and the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, Helen Scales’ compelling book invites readers into the heart of the ocean. Blending a rich tapestry of oceanic history with urgent contemporary issues, Scales paints an evocative picture of how our prehistoric marine ecosystems offer invaluable lessons for today’s environmental challenges. Through elegant prose, she navigates the lives of creatures like emperor penguins, sharks, and orcas, highlighting both the threats they face and the resilience that defines them.

Why You Should Read?

1. A Global Perspective: Recognising that "we are all ocean people," the book connects readers from all walks of life to the vast, life-sustaining waters surrounding us.
2. Engaging Storytelling: Scales’ lyrical and descriptive style transforms complex ecological concepts into beautifully vivid narratives.
3. Hope Amidst Challenges: Despite the sobering realities of climate change and environmental degradation, the book unveils inspiring success stories, from thriving marine reserves to the revival of seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
4. Innovative Solutions: Learn about groundbreaking strategies, including sustainable fisheries, coastline protection, and combating deep-sea mining to safeguard marine biodiversity.
5. A Call to Action: Beyond facts and figures, Scales instils a profound sense of awe for the ocean’s majesty, encouraging every reader to become an advocate for its future.

Immerse yourself in this urgent yet hopeful exploration, and discover not just the beauty beneath the waves, but also the critical role we play in its preservation.