Information and inspiration are the keys to action. Without these, nothing happens. That is why 5 has selected a pick of where you can find each of these in reams. Enjoy!
READ
Something to look forward to in spring is this book: The Blue Wonder: Why the Sea Glows, Fish Sing and Other Astonishing Insights from the Ocean. Written by marine biologist and diver Frauke Bagusche, the book is a journey into the amazing beauty and science that makes the ocean unlike any other place on Earth. As we discover a mysterious underwater world of fish that clean their own teeth, ‘weddings’ among the coral, and an octopus that is able to imitate more than 15 other animals, it becomes clear just how little we know about what goes on beneath the waves. Fittingly, the publication will coincide with World Oceans Day on 8 June. Published by Greystone Books and available for pre-order.
Photo courtesy of Greystone Books
LISTEN
Kara Muzia’s popular podcast So You Want to be a Marine Biologist should come with an advance warning: it is likely to inspire high levels of envy and make you question past career choices, especially for those of us in desk-bound professions. Who wouldn’t want to wear a swimsuit to work and spend days splashing around with dolphins? What this podcast soon makes painfully apparent is that the reality of the job is even cooler than you’d imagined. From a Caribbean coral researcher to an American ocean lawyer, to the first person to film a giant squid, each episode features marine biologists passionate about the ocean and protecting all that’s in it. It makes for a captivating listening and learning experience for all, even non-science-minded landlubbers, and comes with advice for anyone wanting to get involved in some way. Better yet, it’s guaranteed to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
Photo courtesy of marinebio.life
WATCH
Catch some of the world’s most mesmerising ocean documentaries in the 18th Annual International Ocean Film Festival. The event will be a virtual feast for the eyes, with 73 films from 16 countries, spread out over 18 days. This year’s selection includes: 360° Sea Plastic, narrated by Tim Robbins, and 50 Shades of Sharks. In addition to award-winning independent films and premieres, there will also be live Q&A panels with filmmakers and marine scientists discussing ocean conservation. Founded in 2004, the festival is a volunteer-driven non-profit initiative that aims to inspire ocean activism through film. The festival will run from 15 April to 2 May. Tickets are on sale from 15 March.
Photo courtesy of International Ocean Film Festival
SIGN
There’s nothing as satisfying as immediate action, so why not sign a petition to help support ocean conservation, right here, right now? While there are a raft of great causes to choose from, a good place to start is Greenpeace’s current Protect the Oceans campaign. They are aiming for four million signatures to help create ocean sanctuaries and urge governments to agree to a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the UN. It’s just a matter of clicking on the link and adding your name and email address.
Photo: Denis Sinyakov / Greenpeace
