Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Two Unique Narratives on San Diego Bay

LiDAR at work

Available online at the ANR Sea Grant bookstore.

November 19, 2010

 

“San Diego Bay: A Call for Conservation” offers an enlightening look into the problems plaguing San Diego’s marine life as a result of human interference and is now on sale for $15.95.

Written by the High Tech High School students of Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs, students explore conservation challenges and opportunities through a series of thoroughly researched essays, poems, timelines and images.

Topics include the disappearance of animals such as the green sea turtle and California sea otter and the causes of degradation, including ship traffic, invasive species, dredging and climate change.

On an up note, students also discuss solutions to these problems, such as the passage of the Endangered Species Act, sustainable fisheries management, and the establishment of marine protected areas.

The book includes a foreword by emeritus Harvard professor Edward O. Wilson, founder of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, and a preface by one of the world's most recognized conservation authorities and UN Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall.

In 2007, Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs’ students released an equally compelling read, also written by high school students, “San Diego Bay: A Story of Exploitation and Restoration,” documenting the history of peoples and wildlife in San Diego dating back to the prehistoric era.

From tuna to sea lions to abalone, the students chronicle the history and importance of a number of peoples and species in the San Diego environment. Professionals in the field are also interviewed in Q&A style.

Goodall, who calls the book “wonderful," says, “It will be hard for the reader to believe that it is based on the research results of a group of high school students.”

Also singing its praises are Louisa Koch, education director for NOAA, and Michael W. Hager, president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Both of these books make wonderfully unique gifts for those interested in the history and/or ecology of the San Diego region.

Those in San Diego who would like to buy the books are encouraged to call California Sea Grant Communications at 858-534-4446 to place an order and set a time to pick them up (with no shipping or handling fees). Those out of the area can order online at: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/SeaGrant/