Field biologist and bird naturalist Sophie Webb uses a journal format to record her four-month stint aboard a science vessel in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean while on the job for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. While the trip’s primary focus was the impact of tuna purse-seine fishing on the dolphin population, Webb’s log includes observations of a whole host of deep sea animals and birds, as well as fascinating details about life aboard ship and in port. Watercolor illustrations on every page add a strong visual component to the quiet tone of the written narrative. This snapshot of a contemporary scientist at work clearly captures her passion for her field, especially evident by the way she spends her free time in port: bird-watching. (Ages 9–13)

In extremely deep waters (two miles deep), the vast sea appears empty. But as naturalist and artist Sophie Webb shows us, it is full of fascinating--yet difficult to study--life. Together with her shipmates, Sophie counts and collects samples of life in the deep ocean, from seabirds to dolphins, from winged fish to whales. Only their long-term field work can really help scientists determine the health of these remarkable creatures who need the clean deep ocean to survive.