In a matter of decades, a spectacular cold-water paradise thirty million years in the making is succumbing to warming oceans. Kelp forests are largely out of sight, hidden under the ocean鈥檚 surface, yet they are one of Earth鈥檚 most wonderous and underappreciated marine habitats. It鈥檚 an ethereal light-infused realm of sharks, otters, eels, sea stars, crabs, rockfish, and myriad other species vital to a functioning ocean and the countless coastal communities that make their living from the sea. Unlike coral reefs, whose similar plight plays out in tropical waters highly visible to vacationing tourists, kelp forests thrive along cold-water coastlines far from tourist centers. What will it take to stop the decline before these underwater playgrounds bursting with colorful life become vast fields of lifeless urchin barrens?
For readers who know kelp only as tangles on the ocean surface or smelly mounds of seaweed littering beaches, Forest of the Sea reveals a thriving three-dimensional underwater world of color and beauty whose loss if allowed to happen will reverberate in unimaginable ways for both nature and humans. David Helvarg, a veteran journalist and accomplished scuba diver, takes us on a memorable journey beneath the waves through kelp鈥檚 natural and human history, the billions of dollars of products and services it contributes to our global economy, the unwitting human activities that threaten its survival, and the hopeful movements around the world to restore kelp habitat. Helvarg introduces us to Indigenous leaders promoting sea otter reintroduction, out-of-work urchin fisherman, documentary filmmakers, and ocean scientists all working in an unlikely collaboration to restore and protect kelp forests while promoting a growing range of uses for food, medicine, and energy.
Forest of the Sea is the first book to document what is at stake if we lose these irreplaceable marine jewels, helping readers to understand how these natural systems might adapt and survive.
"A world tour of a threatened, essential ecosystem. . . . A welcome argument for paying more attention to 'the most basic building blocks of life.'"鈥�Kirkus Reviews
“Explore the secrets of the golden forests of the sea with David Helvarg, whose masterful voice for the ocean is on point to inspire actions needed to explore, cherish, and protect vital kelp systems; kelp is critically needed to stabilize climate, biodiversity, and the prosperity of life on Earth—humans very much included.”—Sylvia A. Earle, oceanographer
“Forest of the Sea is an important reminder of the world of kelp and how entangled our human lives are with giant algae. David Helvarg’s dives, journeys, and meetings with memorable characters offers a balance of wonder and warning about the kelp forests of the world.”—Craig Foster, cofounder of Sea Change Project, Oscar-winning filmmaker of My Octopus Teacher, and author of Amphibious Soul
“David has dedicated his life to the protection of our precious Blue Planet. His deep dive into the fabulous world of kelp lays out not only the peril of these dynamic ecosystems but also a way forward that benefits the ocean and people.”—Ashlan and Philippe Cousteau, ocean restorationists and founders of the Voyacy Group
“An utterly fascinating book. If the world’s kelp forests were on land instead of under the waves, they’d be as famous as the Amazon; we owe David Helvarg a debt of thanks for bringing them to light. We can repay it by doing something to protect this vital and irreplaceable ecosystem.”—Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun
“David Helvarg has devoted his life to helping the sea, and now he turns his attention to declining kelp forests. The solution is achievable. Forest of the Sea tells us what we need to know and what we need to do.”—Carl Safina, author of Song for the Blue Ocean and Alfie and Me
“David Helvarg offers a mesmerizing picture of one of the most vital, yet overlooked, parts of our planet: the kelp forests sprawling just off our shores. This book is a call to action, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me to stand up for the forests of the sea.”—Ted Danson, award-winning actor, ocean advocate, and Oceana board member
“As David Helvarg dives into brilliant kelp forests, he takes readers on a voyage of discovery. Kelp is the unsung hero of our ocean, and Helvarg illuminates its humble majesty in this beautiful and riveting narrative. Forest of the Sea is a gift to us all.”—Susan Casey, author of The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean
“David Helvarg argues in Forest of the Sea that kelp forests and the sea life dependent on them are in trouble. His message is clear—if we are to protect our oceans, we must protect kelp forests.”—Leon E. Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and cochair of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
“David Helvarg’s lyrical prose and remarkable observational detail takes you with him on a journey exploring the critically endangered kelp forests. Beautifully written and evocatively picturesque, Forest of the Sea offers a breathtaking dive into one of the least known enchanting wonders of our planet’s ecosystems.”—Ralph Nader, author and consumer advocate
