Booklist
“As the human population has increased, the marine population has plummeted, and Ellis tells the complex story behind this equation for disaster with a vast array of facts, unfailing eloquence, and bracing frankness.”
The New York Times
Near the end of his book, Ellis writes in summary, ''We mourn the loss of rain forests and timberlands; we watch helplessly as urban sprawl encroaches on meadows and prairies … but the rampant destruction of the ocean floor and its endemic fauna is one of the greatest environmental disasters in history, and it is occurring virtually unnoticed.'' The destruction may have gone unnoticed until now, but with the publication of The Empty Ocean it will at least be easier to imagine, and to mourn. — Thurston Clarke
Publishers Weekly
This is not just another apocalyptic ecology book, lamenting the decline and extinction of too many sea species and the concomitant pollution of their watery habitats. Rather, Ellis (Imagining Atlantis) uses his considerable narrative skills, along with his deft illustrator's hand, to recount the worldwide saga of human predation in the oceans. This is a historical compendium rich in anecdote, lore and details of the natural life of water-dwelling creatures. The animals discussed are not limited to the commonly known, commercially important fish and the familiar intelligent sea mammals, but also looks into the fate of lesser known seabirds and the delicate limestone formations we know as coral reefs. Geographically the book ranges from the frigid North Atlantic of Newfoundland to the rich waters of New Zealand. The stories of human overuse and abuse of the sea are legion, from North America's loss of the penguin-like great auk, due to overhunting beginning in the 15th century and ending in the 19th century, to unintentional drowning of leatherback turtles by Asian fishing nets. Yet the author does not lock into the typical maudlin rant of modern-day environmental Cassandras. Rather, Ellis explains and details through both historical and scientific data the scope of the problem and offers some realistic alternatives to continued misuse and apathy. Illus. (May 13) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
In his latest book, marine artist and writer Ellis (Aquagenesis) expresses his deeply felt appreciation for the uniqueness of all forms of marine life and his sorrow at their dwindling numbers or extinction through elegant prose and finely detailed line drawings. He clearly explains the economic, political, historical, and biological reasons for declining fisheries, the plight of sea turtles, disappearance of marine birds, slaughter of marine mammals, and destruction of coral reefs. He notes how through carelessness and ignorance non-native species have been introduced into new habitats where they attack indigenous species or destroy their food supply. However, "the most harmful invader is humankind," writes Ellis. Humans have also discharged "our poisonous or radioactive effluents into the water, contaminating everything from lakes and streams to bodies the size of the Caspian Sea." This volume belongs in all public and academic libraries because of the importance and urgency of its message.-Judith B. Barnett, Univ. of Rhode Island Lib., Kingston Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
