Wildlife on the North Atlantic

The North Atlantic is a long way from the often quoted ‘warm blue waters of the Caribbean’ or other similarly attractive-sounding southern seas, and as such a casual observer might consider its less inviting hues and more modest temperatures to hold little allure for marine species.

However, as Tony Soper’s new guide Wildlife of the North Atlantic aptly highlights, northerly latitudes support a profound richness of life all too easily unknown or ignored by landlocked city dwellers and those without intimate knowledge of the sea.

Great whales navigate through on their perpetual oceanic migration, basking sharks topping up their tan, turtles snack on jellyfish and smaller cetacean species even drop anchor to take on supplies. Those out cruising coastal waters may find dolphins riding their bow wave whilst gannets dive bomb mackerel in their wake.

Sea caves and sandbanks provide safe harbour for grey and common seals, and cliffs take lofty living to its natural conclusion for a multitude of raucous seabirds from gannets to gulls.

Combing Tony Soper’s erudite observations and Dan Powell’s expertly drawn illustrations, Wildlife of the North Atlantic provides a wealth of immediately accessible information on invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, seals and whales in one handy slim volume.

Tony Soper co-founded the BBC’s now-famous Natural History Unit. In a parallel career he pioneered wildlife cruising in expedition ships and Russian research vessels around the coast of the North Atlantic. He holds the British Yachtmaster ticket and the Master Diver ticket from the late and much-lamented British Underwater Centre.

Dan Powell has been a wildlife artist since graduating from Dyfed College of Art in 1983. His work has appeared in numerous books and journals, including The Arctic, a guide to coastal wildlife, and many publications by the RSPB. He is happiest sketching in the field – especially stuck in the middle of a bog.

For more information, visit Bradtguides.com.