A RENOWNED conservationist and author has plunged to new depths. 
Erich Hoyt, who lives in Bridport, has released a new book that tells you everything you need to know about whales and dolphins. 

The Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is based on the 40 years Erich spent with whales and dolphins in field and is filled with stories of what it’s like to study them. 

Erich said: “For me, the Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises was a chance to talk about the revolution in whale and dolphin studies since I began spending my summers with orcas in 1973 off northern Vancouver Island, Canada.

“I wrote this book for adults, teens and older kids — anyone who wants to know more about these extraordinary, intelligent social mammals.”

The American-Canadian author moved to Dorset in 2013 and released Weird Sea Creatures, which offers a glimpse of the lives of the bizarre, rarely photographed creatures found in the depths of the ocean.

This was soon followed by Creatures of the Deep.

Erich, who is a conservationist and research fellow for Whale and Dolphin Conservation, has written 22 books on wildlife and science for both adults and children.

He said: “I like to tell a story that hasn’t been told using my own style of narrative non-fiction. I am also a researcher and lecturer. I like exploring new frontiers and trying new things.”

As a working scientist and conservationist, Erich also writes scientific papers, reports and books and his work has taken him all over the world to give talks and illustrated presentations.

He also helps direct the Far East Russia Orca Project, a long-term project with Russian scientists to understand the killer whales in the vast Russian waters.

Erich said: “I have been very fortunate to work with various dolphin and whale species in many countries, as well as ants in the tropical rain forest, and to be at forefront of marine protected area conservation now for two decades.”

Erich will be offering to sign first editions of his various books on whales and the deep sea and showing videos of his work at Bridport Book Fest at the Arts Centre, South Street, on Saturday (2) from 10am to 2pm.