Can you briefly describe The Secret Life of Corals?
The Secret Life of Corals is a deep dive into the wonderful and vibrant coral world that exists under our mask and snorkel view. Just as The Hidden Life of Trees revealed previously unknown information about the trees in the forest, this book reveals information about the mostly unseen miracle that is hidden beneath the waves. Full of fascinating and unknown facts about corals, this book explores everything from their diverse types to the interesting ways they reproduce to the threat of climate change on the secret coral world.
What inspired you to write this book?
When I was writing my first book on active restoration for corals (Active Coral Restoration: Techniques for a Changing Planet), my family made me realise that the world needed to know more about the secret life of corals. I wanted to share this story with my readers and tell them that the secret life of these organisms below the surface is amazing, and in peril, but that there is good news of how to technologically bring them back and what we all can do to make that change happen in our lifetime.
Why did you decide to publish it with J. Ross Publishing?
J. Ross Publishing was very supportive of the work of my first book on active restoration for corals. And now they have been very supportive of this follow up book, to bring the important message to the wider public, including the young aspiring saviours of the ocean, and to those who are concerned about our planet and want to be part of the solution with hope and wonder.
Is there anything in particular that you think people should know about coral, or this book?
Coral is usually misunderstood as to whether it is a plant, an animal, a microbe or a living rock, but this book explains that it is all of those rolled into one and helps readers understand exactly what a coral is. This book also helps readers understand the rapid impact of climate change means we are losing half of the world’s corals in our lifetime. But I want to give readers hope through this book as we can do something to change that from happening. Readers will learn how we can restore our reefs using new technologies to grow corals faster and keep our vibrant underwater world safe.
You started the Plant A Million Corals Foundation, can you tell us a bit about that?
After retiring for the third time from some of our most prestigious oceanographic institutions, I was privileged to develop technologies and methods to scale up the production of aquatic organisms for food (clams, oysters, fish, shrimp) and for marine ornamentals (clownfish and reef tank corals). Now, I want to continue that production at scale to grow corals for the ocean and plant a million corals before I retire.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given to you?
Follow what you want to be when you grow up and don’t give up on your dreams.
What piece of advice might you give to young academics looking to follow in your footsteps?
If you think you want to be a marine biologist, start with trying everything you can do now, no matter how old you are. Volunteer with an organization, do an internship, take on a special project with your teacher, take a summer class or camp, or do a special project related to marine biology. Two things happen; one is you obtain more experience than your schoolmates in your field to have a better resume than most to get into college or to get a job. And second, and perhaps more importantly, you get to know what you like and what you don’t like and can make a better decision of doing what you like for the rest of your life and now have the experience to do so.
What’s next for you?
I will continue to demonstrate that restoring our reef is possible in our lifetime, and why we should all be stewards of our planet. I also have a new book coming out (publication date TBC). My next book, So You Want to be a Marine Biologist, huh?, is about how you can be a marine biologist, whether you are a student, or always wanted to be one but chose a different career. It’s about how it’s not too late to change your career.
The Secret Life of Corals is published by J. Ross Publishing.