Jacobsen, Rowan

Examines colony collapse disorder (CCD) that could result in an agricultural crisis. Describes how industrial agriculture depends on bees to pollinate most fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and discusses why large numbers of bees are dying from CCD. Also considers solutions to the problem.

Discusses the discovery of one of the last pristine beds of Olympic oysters on a remote beach in British Columbia, examines the importance of oysters and other shellfish to the ecological health of the world's seas, explores the history of dependence on shellfish and the coast, and looks at what is being done to restore and protect native shellfish populations.