Reference Book. There are no other words in the English language which convey a clearer image of a dull read, other than perhaps 'encyclopedia'. This latest book from Andy Lamb and Bernard Hanby is a refreshing contradiction. As divers, many of us are familiar with Andy Lambs previous work, 'Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest'. With 'Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest', Lamb has given us another wonderful book, this time accompanied by stunning photographs, courtesy of Bernard Hanby. The large format makes the book easy to use; however, it will hinder the attempts of many undergraduate students to smuggle it into fisheries lab exams. (It should be noted that the author of this book review firmly denies ever dragging out his dog-eared copy of Coastal Fishes during an exam.)

Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest contains over 1,400 descriptions and 1,700 photographs of seaweeds, invertebrates, and fishes found in the Pacific Northwest. The authors, experts themselves in taxonomy, sought the advice of many other research scientists and co-authored many of the sections with them. Their dedication and countless hours are evident. The layout of the book is excellent. The 'Quick Reference Guide' at the beginning will allow even the most casual beachcomber to quickly identify and learn about their discovery. The table of contents permits those with more experience to pinpoint their search by Phyla, and the description of each plant or animal includes a common name as well as a scientific name. In addition, the authors have developed their own proprietary coding system. (Many fisheries biologists speak their own language. For example, Quillback Rockfish is known simply as '424' according to J.L. Hart, Pacific Fishes of Canada.) Lamb and Hanby have given the rest of us a new language. I think we might just see the day when we can sit on the gunwhale of the boat after a dive and say, "Did you see that big school of VB37?"

The magic of this book really lies with the photographs. A picture says a thousand words, and these photos speak volumes. The reader is not assaulted with endless descriptions of physical attributes which are difficult to determine. Instead, the reader is presented with a beautifully detailed colour photograph of his or her find in its natural environment. The beginning of each section includes general information and provides a logical stepping stone for the reader to learn more about the about the plants and animals contained therein.

This book is the ultimate reference for every diver, beachcomber, student and researcher alike.

Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest
Andy Lamb and Bernard P. Hanby
Harbour Publishing, 2005
ISNB 1-55017-361-8