Whelks to Whales

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

Rick Harbo, a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Nanaimo,
B.C., has followed his 1997 book, Shells and Shellfish of the Pacific
Northwest, with an equally excellent everything-in-one (except birds)
field guide to the coastal marine life of the Northwest Coast.

In his introduction, Harbo provides a succinct overview of marine
biology, especially of such features as tides and conservation. The text
focuses on 420 of the most common species. Within an overall systematic
framework, each group of organisms is considered in turn, by both
scientific and common names. The etymological explanations make the
names more comprehensible. General biology (anatomy, range, habitat,
etc.), associated organisms, and health warnings are covered, along with
tidbits, such as “best for chowder.” Additional material includes a
helpful map, a glossary, and a list of further reading. The color
photographs, useful for quick identification, are clear and include
images of extras such as egg cases.

The reader is impressed with the wonderful array of life these shores
offer. Formatted in a convenient size, Whelks to Whales is a superb
guide to these riches in or out of the water.