Shark Biology and Conservation

This is not a book that relishes in the gore of shark attack tales, or one that recycles psychological fears of monsters in the brine; instead, as its subtitle suggests, it offers an educational overview . . . The book's ultimate goal, which it succeeds at, is to illustrate how integral to the ecosystem sharks are, how intertwined our lives are, and how the human threat has pushed sharks into perilous straits. Jason Motz, The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals The more awareness surrounding sharks and their ecological importance the better. What Daniel Abel and Dean Grubbs have managed to do, is present big picture questions while introducing you to shark species in an exacting and undaunting way. Dean Honey, Save Our Seas Foundation This book represents a comprehensive in-depth reference for the world of Sharks. Michael Scholl Blog This new book is indeed what I refer to as a Goldilocks book not too hard, not too soft, but just right . . . There is one thing, however, I feel compelled to warn my readers about this book: once you open its cover and begin reading, it is very, very difficult to stop reading and set it down so plan accordingly. Johannes Riutta, The Well-Read Naturalist If you are at all interested in sharks, skates, and rays and would enjoy a primer on their biology, this is must read for you. American Currents Shark Biology and Conservation fills the "sweet spot" between a coffee-table book . . . a field guide . . . and a technical book . . . This lavishly illustrated book can provide a basic knowledge of shark biology for anyone. Environmental Biology of Fishes This is a solid volume on the current knowledge on sharks that many people will find interesting, from the general reader to the scientist. Lisa Natanson, Nautilus

Daniel C. Abel is a professor of marine science and Distinguished Honors Faculty Fellow at Coastal Carolina University. He is the coauthor of Environmental Oceanography: Topics and Analysis, Environmental Issues: Looking Towards a Sustainable Future, and Environmental Geology Today. R. Dean Grubbs is the associate director of research and a full research faculty member at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Elise Pullen is a marine biologist and freelance scientific illustrator. Marc Dando is a freelance scientific illustrator who specializes in marine life. He is the illustrator of the field guide Sharks of the World.

Preface Acknowledgments Part I. Overview Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Evolution of Sharks Chapter 3. Diversity of Sharks Part II. Adaptational Biology: How Sharks Work Chapter 4. Functional Anatomy of Sharks Chapter 5. Sensory Biology Chapter 6. Reproduction Chapter 7. Circulation, Respiration, and Metabolism Chapter 8. Thermal Physiology, Osmoregulation, and Digestion Part III. Ecology and Behavior Chapter 9. Ecology Chapter 10. Behavior and Cognition Part IV. Human Impacts Chapter 11. Fisheries Chapter 12. Climate Change and Other Human Impacts Appendix Conservation: Efforts to Protect Sharks and Rays Index