The Rev Dodgson said:

“What the Wild Sea Can Be explores the challenges and hopeful possibilities for the world’s oceans, blending science, history, and conservation insights.

Helen Scales, an acclaimed marine biologist, examines the existential threats facing the oceans, including climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, while offering cautious optimism for marine life. The book traces the deep history of the oceans, linking prehistoric ecosystems to contemporary conditions, and highlights species under threat, such as emperor penguins, sharks, and orcas. Scales emphasizes that human activity has accelerated these challenges but also demonstrates that protective measures, like no-fish zones and habitat restoration, can yield positive results.

Structure and Content
The book is organized into chapters focusing on different marine species and ecosystems, including coral, kelp forests, and apex predators. Scales interweaves historical context with modern scientific observations, showing how ocean life is adapting to warming seas and human pressures. While the narrative is stark about the damage humans have caused, it also highlights successful conservation efforts, such as species revitalizations and the expansion of protected marine areas.

Themes and Perspective
A central theme is the interconnectedness of humans and oceans, summarized in Scales’s assertion that “we are all ocean people”. The book balances realism with hope, encouraging readers to recognize both the fragility and resilience of marine ecosystems. Scales also addresses social justice, noting that those least responsible for environmental damage often suffer the most from its consequences. The work serves as both a call to action and an antidote to eco-anxiety, urging readers to engage in practical steps to protect the oceans, from reducing plastic use to supporting sustainable fisheries.

Reception
What the Wild Sea Can Be has been widely praised for its evocative prose and accessible scientific insights. It was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction and the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing, and longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction. Critics highlight its ability to combine rigorous science with storytelling, making complex ecological issues understandable and compelling.
helenscales.com
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In summary, What the Wild Sea Can Be is a thoughtful, hopeful, and informative exploration of the oceans’ past, present, and potential future, emphasizing both the threats they face and the actions that can help preserve their richness for generations to come.”

It is also where I learned of the Greenland Shark.

Sounds good.