Out of the Blue is composed of four parts: an introductory first part gives a general overview of marine mammals, attempting to provide answers to questions people often ask about them and somewhat more. Next, a carefully worked-out catalogue gives individual profiles of species encountered in and around the island; this makes up the main body of the book and makes it a valuable reference work. The third section, growing from Howard’s experience with dolphins and sperm whales off Kalpitiya and his discovery of the relevance of bathymetry to their habits, reflects his progression to a fascination with oceanography and their correlation with marine mammal occurrences, especially concerning the larger whales.

He offers explanations on currents and various deep sea parameters. Food, that vital ingredient, must be understood in terms of sources and relevant factors. Some of these elements he has begun to test and observe at sea, and has detailed them for the convenience of newcomers in a most welcome, holistic approach to understanding the oceans and the life in them. In the same way, he attempts to discern the reasons for Sri Lanka’s significance as a special destination for whales – reasons that will be long debated. The final part of the book deals with whale-watching. This is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism worldwide, with Sri Lanka being an outstanding destination. This book caters to the whale-watching enthusiast, providing some indication as to known places for observation and guidelines for good conduct at sea.