Book for life on west coast

[Avic7]

There has been so many new things that I am seeing on my dives but I have no idea about the things that I am looking at.


It orange and have fins.

Sad isn't it? I went to the library to see if there are any books that I could read and look up to find out what I am seeing on my dives but there is so much. Can anyone recomend a specific book for me to get from the libabry instead?
Thanks

 

[Hyper-limits]

One of my favorite book is Tidepool&Reef marinelife guide to the Pacific Northwest Coast. By Rick M.Harbo. I don't know if it still Published or not but it was a great book for quick reference and great pictures of 250 to 300 species found around here.
The best part is I only payed 5$ for it around 1990. So if it is still around it should be 10 to 15 dollars at the most.

 

[ChillyWaters]

One of my favorite book is Tidepool&Reef marinelife guide to the Pacific Northwest Coast. By Rick M.Harbo. I don't know if it still Published or not but it was a great book for quick reference and great pictures of 250 to 300 species found around here.
The best part is I only payed 5$ for it around 1990. So if it is still around it should be 10 to 15 dollars at the most.

I like his book "Whales to Whelks" (2003) which is available at your local dive shop, or Amazon. He also has a few other books, but I haven't seen them.

Whales to Whelks definitely has the most common of what we see in our waters.

- ChillyWaters

 

[scubandrea]

I like his book "Whales to Whelks" (2003) which is available at your local dive shop, or Amazon. He also has a few other books, but I haven't seen them.

Whales to Whelks definitely has the most common of what we see in our waters.

- ChillyWaters

I love Whelks to Whales, but there are still so many things missing! Does anyone have another favorite?

 

[NavyDoll]

I too like Whelks to Whales, but agree with Andrea... there are alot of things missing.

I like Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest by Andy Lamb (available through Chapters for ~$25). This book has a colour photo section as well as a full page of information on each fish.

I also use a few different websites to help me with creature identification.. not as handy as having a book at the dive site... but still very useful

Similar to Whelks to Whales.. but online http://www.seaotter.com/marine-life.html
Nudibranch Info http://slugsite.tierranet.com

There are a few other sites that I use... will see if I can locate the URLS and post them at a later date...

good luck

 

[diveborg]

Another vote for Whelks to Whales. It is a great generalist book as it covers a very wide range of the more common stuff.

 

[ChillyWaters]

I too like Whelks to Whales, but agree with Andrea... there are alot of things missing.

Yes, but it is a great starting, GENERAL book. Once you get an interest in identifying creatures, then perhaps get books for the specific wildlife you want to identify: i.e. a nudibranch book or a fish book. No single book can realistically identify EVERYTHING we see underwater.

- ChillyWaters

 

[NavyDoll]

Hi Chilly...

I never said that Whelks wasn't a great book.. it's actually the first place I look when I'm trying to id new and interesting sea creatures. If I don't find what I'm looking for there.. then I head to the net or borrow books on specific creatures... like nudi's or crabs, etc.

have a great day all..

 

[ChillyWaters]

Hi Chilly...

I never said that Whelks wasn't a great book.. it's actually the first place I look when I'm trying to id new and interesting sea creatures. If I don't find what I'm looking for there.. then I head to the net or borrow books on specific creatures... like nudi's or crabs, etc.

have a great day all..

Yeah, sorry, you did put up a great post, but I got that general impression from the other replies.

I love that nudibranch site (been there before). I think nudis are the coolest things ever.

And that link to the Marine Life Index looks GREAT. I wish the thumbnails were bigger though. Seems to have a LOT (missing the white sea pen though).

- ChillyWaters