Books
&
More!
Want more in-depth knowledge of our oceans? Books and documentaries can be excellent resources.
The list below is continuously updated, so check back. Have a suggestion that’s not on the list? Email hello@marinebio.life and let us know!
Please remember, the most ocean-friendly thing you can do is to borrow or buy used. Check your local library first!
Some links below are affiliate links, which means your purchase helps to support the podcast at no additional cost to you.
Books
Non-Fiction
Junk Raft by Marcus Eriksen
Set sail in a raft made from post-consumer plastic bottles and airplane parts. Junk Raft brings depth to the Plastic Crisis our oceans face via explorers (and scientists) on both the oceanic and political high seas.
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
Yes, mass extinctions are normal. Yes, our planet works in cycles, with rising and cooling temperatures. However, it’s the rate at which our planet is changing that has scientists concerned. Dive into this read for a better understanding of our impacts on planet Earth and what we can do.
Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime by Ellen Prager
Amazing ocean facts and information presented in an entertaining tone of voice. Dr. Prager makes reading about the ocean and it’s slippery, wild denizens fun (as it should be). You’ll definitely learn a thing or two reading this book. I certainly did!
Song for the Blue Ocean by Carl Safina
An amazing, in-depth look into the world of tuna, salmon, and the industries and policies that affect them. This book is beautifully written, will take you on an amazing journey, and really illustrates the importance of good science and policy working together.
Spineless by Juli Berwald
Join Juli Berwald as travels the globe to answer one burning question: “will jellyfish take over our oceans?” From tracking the giant jellyfish off a tiny island in Japan, returning to Israel, where she fell in love with the sea, getting the shake-down in Alabama, and tying it all together in Spain, Juli weaves her own story into the pages of Spineless, making it an easy read. Through Juli’s writing, all ocean lovers will have a newfound appreciation for the mysterious and miraculous creatures that jellyfish are.
Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
This book does a great job illustrating how our every day decisions can make big impacts, and how a sea-change can change the planet.
Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson
Bea and her family of four only produce a mason jar of trash each YEAR. She offers great insight and tactics to help create an ocean-friendly lifestyle.
Identification Books
These identification aka ID Books have been my go to manuals for identifying undersea life around the world. I have used these books to identify fish for our citizen science monitoring on our home reefs in Florida as well as my time exploring the Indian Ocean. These well put together books are a great way to study and identify fish. Great way to get involved with the Great Annual Fish Count!
- Reef Fish Identification – Florida Caribbean Bahamas
- Reef Fish Identification – Tropical Pacific
- Reef Creature Identification – Florida Caribbean Bahamas
- Reef Creature Identification – Tropical Pacific
- Reef Coral Identification – Florida Caribbean Bahamas
Fiction
Dylan McFinn & the Sea Serpent’s Fury by Liam Jenkins
Liam Jenkins weaves together a fun, captivating story about a MacGyver-esque sea captain hero and his unlikely family. For those who love folklore as I do, this is the perfect read as we dive into the realm of mermaids, monsters, and heroes. It’s a quick, fun read that’ll transport the reader to a different dimension.
Shadows in the Water by Kathryn Laskey
One of my very favorite books growing up illustrates how everyone, including children, has the power to make an impact.
Escape Galápagos (Wonderlist Adventures) by Ellen Prager
Very entertaining, easy read about the Skylar family’s adventure in the Galápagos islands. Learn about both the terrestrial flora and fauna, and be taken on an adventure along the way.
The Shark Whisperer (Tristan Hunt and the Sea Guardians) by Ellen Prager
Fascinating dive into the magical world of the sea. Dr. Prager does an excellent job incorporating science and a wonderful adventure story into one packed novel.