At the heart of Unwritten Seas is ocean life and the stories waiting beneath the surface.
From cetaceans and sharks to the countless species that make marine ecosystems possible, Unwritten Seas explores the animals beneath the surface, the environments they depend on, and the challenges they face in a changing world.
Created by marine biologist Bobbie Cost, Unwritten Seas brings together marine science, conservation, research, photography, personal perspective, and conversation. Some articles take a closer look at scientific research, animal behavior, conservation issues, human impacts, animal welfare, captivity, and policy. Others are a place for my own thoughts and perspectives, experiences from the field, or conversations about issues where the answers may not always be simple.
Unwritten Seas is also a place for the stories of individual animals. Some leave an impact that extends far beyond what can be captured in a research paper, population estimate, or conservation statistic. Their lives can challenge perceptions, bring attention to larger issues, deepen our understanding of a species, or simply leave a story worth telling.
Photography offers another way to make those connections. Alongside the writing, Unwritten Seas includes my photography of marine and aquatic life, wildlife, coastlines and waterways, and the natural landscapes encountered along the way. A photograph can capture a single moment, but there is often much more to the story beyond the frame.
Unwritten Seas isn’t intended to provide a predetermined answer to every conservation or animal welfare question. Science changes as new evidence emerges, perspectives evolve with experience, and many of the issues surrounding wildlife are more complicated than they first appear. The goal is to look closely at the evidence when it’s available, be honest about uncertainty when it isn’t, make room for perspective and discussion, and remain willing to ask questions.
Above all, Unwritten Seas is about connecting people with ocean life—through science, conservation, research, stories, photography, advocacy, and conversation.
For more of the story behind how I got here and why I created Unwritten Seas, read the Welcome article →