Sea Trek

A companion to a BBC/National Geographic television series, this volume explores five undersea locations and the life supported by each. Marine biologist Holmes takes us to the Galapagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the kelp forest off the coast of California, Caribbean coral reefs and Hawaii's underwater volcanoes. Fascinating creatures abound in all these waters--giant clams, fish that change sex, huge potato cod, sea turtles, sharks and whales. Holmes and a partner swim with dolphins and humpback whales; they play with sea otters and watch them bedding down in kelp leaves. Describing communication among fish species and the effect of ocean currents, Holmes also discusses aquaculture in Hawaii and a new technique for water-electricity conversion. She notes that in the waters, as on land, flora and fauna are threatened by loss of habitat. The engaging narrative is enhanced by dazzling color photographs throughout. (Mar.)