Britain's shallow seas are a mysterious domain. They remain largely
unseen and unexplored except by marine scientists and divers, who have
been documenting their wondrous discoveries over many years. Now, a
wealth of information about what lives on and in the seabed has been
brought together in one sumptuously illustrated volume.
Keith Hiscock describes the incredible variety of marine life that
exists around Great Britain, providing a foundation of knowledge for
those interested in the natural history of the shallow seabed. He
explains how findings are gathered and organised, as well as showing
what is out there and how it works. Fascinating, beautiful and often
fragile, the habitats and marine life described are essential to the
health and productivity of our oceans. Without an adequate, shared
understanding of what and where they are, how can we identify and
protect them?
Exploring Britain's Hidden World is the culmination of 50 years of
research by the author to better understand where different subtidal
seabed habitats occur and how their associated marine life has come to
exist. That quest draws on a rich vein of knowledge obtained by many
naturalists, scientists and divers who, for almost 200 years, have
described seabed communities and sought to understand their structure
and function.
Using a minimum of technical terminology, Keith Hiscock combines his
interests in marine biology, diving and photography to inform, inspire,
and leave a vivid and lasting impression of the marine habitats and
species around Britain. He hopes this book will provide new insights,
much pleasure, and perhaps some surprises too.
