Juli Berwald Bücher

"Coral reefs are a microcosm of our planet: wondrously diverse, deeply interconnected, and critically imperiled. They sustain entire ecosystems and protect vulnerable coasts. But corals across the planet are in the middle of an unprecedented die-off, beset by warming oceans, pollution, human damage, and their own devastating pandemic. Even under stress, they are out-of-this world gorgeous, sending out warning flares in fluorescent bursts of yellow, pink, and indigo. Juli Berwald fell in love with coral reefs as a marine biology student, entranced by their beauty and complexity. While she was concerned by bleaching events and coral disease, she didn't fully understand what a dead reef meant until she experienced one on a dive: barren, decaying, and coated in slime. Deeply alarmed, she traveled the world desperate to discover how to prevent their loss. Life on the Rocks is a meditative ode to the reefs and the undaunted scientists working to save them against almost impossible odds. Berwald explores what it means to keep fighting a battle that can't be won, contemplating the inevitable grief of climate change and the beauty of small victories"-- Provided by publisher

A former ocean scientist embarks on a journey to explore the captivating world of jellyfish, reigniting her passion for marine science and the fragile ecosystems of the sea. Jellyfish have existed for over half a billion years, showcasing remarkable features such as a venom that can kill a human in minutes and the fastest known motion in the animal kingdom. Composed of about 95 percent water, some species are masters of disguise, while others exhibit bioluminescence that has transformed biotechnology. Despite their long history, jellyfish have been largely overlooked by science and remain poorly understood. After leaving her ocean science career to raise a family in Austin, Texas, Juli Berwald felt drawn back to the sea by the alarming rise in jellyfish populations, which have disrupted power plants and devastated fisheries. Motivated by concerns over overfishing, coastal development, and climate change, she set off on a scientific adventure. Juli traveled worldwide to meet biologists dedicated to jellyfish research, experienced the wild by hitching rides on Japanese fishing boats, and even raised jellyfish at home. Through this exploration, she blended personal memoir with scientific insight, ultimately discovering that jellyfish science is not just about seeking answers; it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility for the planet.