WILD OCEAN:
The Shape of the Future
For Wild Ocean: Shark, Whales, Rays, and other Endagered Sea Creatures, editor Matt Demibcki and Fulcrum Publishing reteamed, this time in association with conservation group PangeaSeed. The book focuses on twelve marine animals that PangeaSeed has chosen to showcase in its efforts.
Dembicki paired me with artist Tom Williams in a story that looks at the manta ray and efforts by a team of engineers and scientists to create a bio-inspired underwater autonomous vehicle that mimics manta rays.
You can purcahse Wild Ocean in print directly from PangeaSeed, as well as oline retailers like Amazon and Powell's, or ask your local bookstore or comics shop. You can also buy a digital version through Amazon's Kindle store. Part of the proceeds of the book go to PangeaSeed.
Art by Tom Williams
Art by Tom Williams
Art by Tom Williams
Background
For research, I interviewed three of the project leaders: Dr. Hilary Bart-Smith of the University of Virginia, Dr. Frank Fish of West Chester University, and Dr. Alexander Smits of Princeton University. You can learn more about their project at those links, in the video to the right, and the following:
Science Vol. 332 "Bio-inspired Engineering: Manta Machines" by Elizabeth Pennisi, May 27, 2011.
PangeaSeed
From PangeaSeed's web site:
"PangeaSeed (Foundation) is an international organization who collaborates with members of the art, science, and environmental activist communities. PangeaSeed is dedicated to raising public awareness and education surrounding the conservation and preservation of sharks and other marine species in peril."
Check out the video to the right to learn more.