This Month's Books

The Jade Coast: The Ecology of the North Pacific Ocean by Robert Butler

Key Porter Books,

2003 ISBN 1-55263-513-9 soft cover, 176 pp, colour photos and illustrations, glossary, index, $29.95 Cdn

In The Jade Coast, Rob Butler has synthesized observations and investigations from many scientific disciplines to demonstrate the ecological connections that exist along the rich and amazing coastline stretching from northern California to southeast Alaska. His love for this unique area shines through as he seamlessly imbeds sometimes technical information in lyrical text, interspersed with quotes from generations of poets and other writers to create a highly personal and readable overview of the ecology of the north Pacific. Well captioned colour photos and highlighted sidebars add to the appeal of this attractive volume that will be enjoyed by those who already share Butler’s appreciation for the Pacific coast and by those who want to learn more. Such a beautiful presentation of years of research helps to reinforce the importance of conservation and protection.

Pacific Reef & Shore: A Photo Guide to Northwest Marine Life by Rick M. Harbo

Harbour Publishing,

2003 ISBN 1-55017-304-9 softcover, 80 pp, colour photos, index, $9.95 Cdn

This is a great pocket guide for your paddling or beach walking explorations. Its handy size (5.5” x 8.5”) and simple layout (short descriptions adjacent to colour photos) make the information readily accessible and identification of your discoveries easy. At $9.95, the price is right too. The guide lists 300 of the most common plants and animals of the Pacific Northwest intertidal zone, grouped according to phyllum and listed by common names. Genus and species are also given. The simplicity and clarity of both descriptions and photos make this guide an excellent choice for family outings. Children will not be overwhelmed by the text and will delight in comparing what they see on the beach with the photos in the guide. It could also serve as a checklist—how many plants and animals can we find today? Rick Harbo is a leading marine writer and photographer, a diver, and a senior marine biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Orcas, Eagles & Kings: A Popular Natural History of Georgia Strait and Puget Sound

by Steve Yates

Primavera Press,

1992, ISBN 1- 882175-00-X, large format, hardcover, 236 pp,

colour photos, index, $29.95 US

With narrative text and 180 stunning colour photographs from some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest nature photographers, Steve Yates’ book offers a portrait of the Salish Sea. Inspired by his explorations of Puget Sound, Georgia Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the book introduces readers to the wealth of plant and animal life who recently passed away, wrote this book to arouse curiosity, inspire personal exploration and add to our growing awareness of the beauty and complexity of the natural world from which we gather so many riches, both material and spiritual.

Sea Kayaker Magazine’s Handbook of Safety and Rescue

by Doug Alderson and Michael Pardy

Ragged Mountain Press,

2003, ISBN 0-07- 138890-7, softcover, 208 pp, b/w illus. and photos, glossary, index, resources list, $23.95 Cdn, $14.95 US

This handbook is a thorough review of the knowledge and skills that will help sea kayakers anticipate and avoid the risks inherent in paddling in open water. Every aspect of the sport is covered, including health and fitness (mental and physical), environmental concerns, choosing gear, planning and preparation, paddling techniques, rescues, and navigation. Appendices provide useful information and lists for on-the-water decision making, risk assessment, paddling levels, trip plans, lines and knots, first aid and survival kits, the Beaufort Scale and clubs, books and magazines, government information services, and website addresses. The combined experience of the authors—two senior paddling instructors—ensures that this handbook is a reliable and comprehensive source of information. Photographs and anecdotal reporting of real life scenarios help to link the theory with situations that paddlers can that thrives in these protected waters. The natural and human histories of the region are accompanied by historical and contemporary photographs and are linked to the realities of the present and possibilities for the future, which depend on the actions of those of us who have the power to preserve and protect this diverse ecosystem. Yates, expect to encounter.