Clear blue marine eco-thinking

The state of our planet's marine ecosystems and their importance for human survival is analysed in a new book published by Cemex.

Oceans: Heart of Our Blue Planet, published in partnership with the International League of Conservation Photographers and Conservation International, includes a foreword written by Prince Albert of Monaco, a special tribute to legendary oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle, a comprehensive introduction by a distinguished group of scientists, and creative ways of combating threats to marine conservation from leading experts in marine ecosystems.

The book, the 19th of Cemex's conservation series, is illustrated with over 150 images by some of the world's leading conservation photographers. The book argues how the oceans support life on our planet by moderating Earth's climate and producing 70 to 80% of the oxygen we breathe through the plants that inhabit marine ecosystems. At present, there are over 1.7m living species, of which approximately 50% are marine organisms.

A spokesperson for Cemex said: "Cemex is greatly honoured to have published this new book in collaboration with such highly respected organisations as the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Geographic, Old Dominion University, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean, New England Aquarium, and Code Blue. Our collective goal is to engage readers and build awareness of the most critical issues affecting our oceans and our planet."