Shark: In peril in the sea

A superlative study of our planet’s dominant predator for millions of years. A major and fully indexed contribution to the preservation of this amazing creature, now much threatened by human activity – with losses from overfishing, pollution, and the destruction of their habitat. Although scientific knowledge of sharks is increasing rapidly, the author shows that there is still much to learn about these complex and elusive animals. For many species, it may already be too late. The book overturns negative and damaging perceptions of sharks. Thoroughly researched, it is written in clear jargon-free language and informs the reader of everything necessary to know about these sophisticated guardians of our oceans.

Contents

1. Shark Attack: Controversy, Reality, Response
2. The Way of the Shark Roads: Sharks and Indigenous Societies
3. ‘This Strange & Merueylous Fyshe’: Sharks and Europeans
4. Fathoming the Shark: Evolution, Classification
5. Shark Biology: Form and Function
6. ‘Creatures of Extremes’: Description of Sharks, Rays, Skates and Chimaeras
7. ‘An Incredibly Beautiful Crop’: Shark Exploitation
8. Shark Conservation: Problems, Solutions
9. Sharks and Creativity: Visions of Hunter and Hunted

Glossary
Notes
Index