If one were to conjure up two names most eminently associated with sharks, rays and chimaeras, David Ebert and Marc Dando might well be the two.
They have created a magnificent field guide; but it is in fact far more than that, with text and illustrations covering 173 species found off the east coast of North America. Every possible aspect of the lives of these vitally important creatures is covered with pictures, diagrams, charts, maps, discussions of anatomy and feeding, dentition, prey and population status. There is an excellent glossary and exquisite graphic representation of sea depths, currents, salinity, surface temperatures, and marine climate zones. An important section is dedicated to the correct handling of sharks, rays and chimaeras captured for research.
Despite years of trying to rehabilitate the almost universal perception that sharks are mindless killers, that attitude still prevails in many quarters, unfortunately. These ancient creatures are an essential part of an ecosystem that functions less efficiently without them. They are both prey and predator and when they are removed the ecosystem goes awry.
Sonja Forham is invited as a guest author to contribute a section on conservation, and it is sobering to read of the plight of so many species, due to overfishing, reckless fishing practices, ocean acidification and rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and inadequate enforcement of protective legislation. I was happy to see Canada referred to as a "stalwart" in matters of conservation, but much still remains to be done.
Enforcement of laws regulating the capture of elasmobranchs is difficult, due to the fact that much activity takes place in international waters, and some nations openly flout international conventions anyway. Mankind has proven time and again that excessive zeal resulting in the collapse of a resource is no deterrent to ongoing stupidity.
This book should really make us reflect on our past profligacy and our never-ending foolhardy attitude towards the integrity of our oceans and the creatures that dwell therein.
In this time of climate change the world is poised on the edge of catastrophe and urgent, immediate action is required to mitigate disaster; we are past the time when we can avoid it altogether. Respect for all the inhabitants of the deep and a commitment to protect them would be a good place to focus our efforts.
As Fordham points out, "Sustained public support is crucial to advancing shark and ray conservation.....No experience necessary."
We can all help. We all must help. There is no longer a choice.
Field Guide to Sharks, Rays @ Chimaeras of the East Coast of North America - Princeton University Press
David E. Ebert and Marc Dando
Paperback - US$39.95 - ISBN 9780691206387
432 pages - 6.75 x 8.5 inches (16.875 x 21.25 cm)
Publication date: 07 May, 2024
How I wish that more people realised that we must help. Yesterday. And all of our tomorrows.
ReplyDeleteI have never killed anything in my life other than a few spiders and yes I know I should not but when they are inside i do. I do not care for these scary creatures so I just avoid their environment and go no deeper than knee high. I have seen thousands of the sting rays in the water here, for as far as we can see. what a sight it is. Mankind has figured out how to destroy everything on this earth from digging coal to killing living creatures . agree it is time and say this YBH. yes, but how!
ReplyDeleteWe have a large black spider sharing our bedroom right now. Last night it was on my pillow but before I could catch it to put it outside it had scurried off and hid successfully. Maybe tonight……
Delete...chimaeras are new to me, I had to do a search.
ReplyDeleteSo you learned something new, Tom.
DeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteHaving recently been enchanted by the sharks and rays of Scotland's Moray Firth, this book captures my attention, for the threat to each area is unlikely to be much different. That said, I have promised myself to only purchase books on species that I am likely to be able to see... One has to draw a line! Always enjoy your reviews, David, ta. YAM xx
I just hope that I would never encounter one...
ReplyDeleteAnother superb guidebook published by Princeton University Press.
ReplyDeleteIt's relieving that also native English speakers need to do some searches (Tom above). Before starting to read your post, I needed to check both rays and chimaeras (what they would be in Finnish). :)
Fascinating creatures.
So many stingrays, interesting.
ReplyDeleteSo many species of fish, flora and birds are endangered, not to mention the insects etc. You are a hero to sleep with a spider! Hugs, Valerie xxxxx
ReplyDeleteA good thing. It seems that some photos are taken in the natural environment.
ReplyDeleteVery nice review, David. I'm happy that there are no sharks here!
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
Beautiful photos of the sharks, rays and chimaeras. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteVery interesting review. I'm not afraid of spiders, but I always catch them and take them out of the room.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I hear a stingray, I remember the famous Steve Irvin, who died in Australia as a result of his heart being pierced by a stingray's venom spike.
Greetings:)
It is certainly a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThe rise in global temperatures, caused mainly by the emission of greenhouse gases from human activities, is having a devastating impact on terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Preservation and respect for all beings on our planet are fundamental to ensuring our own survival.
They are so necessary in the ecosystem of the oceans!
ReplyDeleteDear David, q tal! the call to action is clear: we must join together in a joint effort to protect these magnificent inhabitants of the ocean and preserve the health of the seas as well as my terror of encountering one of these little fish. But, since i'm a big person, i was able to look at the images without getting nervous :D
ReplyDeleteSaludos, each one of us can make a difference.
Have a beautiful night.
Nice book review David.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there are no sharks in the sea here.
You can see them in the zoo here.
Greetings Irma
It's concerning how human actions threaten these creatures.
ReplyDeleteThis book seems like a valuable resource for understanding their importance.
This is an important book. Sharks might be vital in some ways, but here in Hawaii, surfers are constantly being bitten by them.
ReplyDeleteConstantly? From 2000 to 2023 there was an average of 5.3 shark attacks per year in Hawaii. Traffic deaths average 106 per year. Swim in the ocean and don’t drive if you want to be safe!
DeleteNot 106 traffic deaths in Hawaii. Inflated number. Somehow, a shark attack and bleeding to death in the water is much scarier than dying on the street. Take your pick.
DeleteThey are accurate statistics, Gigi. You can go on your state government’s website and check them year by year. Why do you think they are inflated? As for shark attacks they very rarely are fatal. Of course in Hawaii you are also in danger from out-of-control wildfires, volcanic eruptions and poisoned water. The percentages are all in favour of the sharks!
DeleteThis book looks like it has a powerful message as well as lovely illustrations.
ReplyDeleteRight up my alley! I never miss shark week but it's on PBS. I don't know if I ever told you but my dream when I was young was to work with Jacques Cousteau... Probably a pretty hard life in some respects. Lovely illustrations. Enjoy your weekend
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing details of this book.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Kiitos kirjaesittelystä, vaikuttaa mielenkiintoiselta teokselta.
ReplyDeletePuhuit tärkeitä asioita ja tärkeistä asioista.
It is vital for all of us that we begin to take better care of our oceans.
DeleteMuy inetresante la reseña de ese libro, gracias.
ReplyDeleteHe podido arreglar la publicidad en mi blog, ahora queda a un lado discretamente y no molesta 😊
Muchos besos.
Hello, David
ReplyDeleteAnother great book and review. I agree we must all help to save the sea creatures and their habitat. They are have a reason to be here! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
The fight for shark conservation is so important. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi David - oh if only one had time for everything ... another intriguing and very valuable book from Princeton Uni Press ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI am so behind being online this week. New bees arrived, and I was worried as I had to install them in a chilly spell. They were kind of lethargic when they arrived which didn't help. But I went out yesterday afternoon when the sun was shining and there was lots of buzzing. Keeping my fingers crossed they make it since we're in for a warm up starting Monday. And this book would be useful when we got out in our boat, even though I have yet to see a shark. I know they are around though. HAve a great weekend. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteDear David, in short, I am convinced that there is absolutely no deterrent to persistent stupidity...
ReplyDeleteI admit that I have been afraid of sharks since childhood - but I am all for their protection. I don't want to swim anywhere where there are dangerous shark species, but I know that many of them are harmless to humans and that their benefit to the balance of nature is huge. I don't necessarily have to encounter a ray with a poisonous stinger either, but here too: they all have their value and should keep their place. I also found rays to be particularly aesthetic fish - you can see this clearly on the double page in the book that you show. (We were just yesterday with our grandson in the "House of the Sea" in Vienna. He is only 2 1/2, but is already very interested in fish and looked very carefully and for a long time into each aquarium and we told him a little about the things that we knew.)
All the best, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/05/rostrosen-alltag-nach-der-reise.html
Your first sentence says it all, Traude!
DeleteIt's such a frightening situation. The warm waters are doing a number on the coral reefs around Florida too.
ReplyDeleteA thought provoking post, David. And the book sounds good too:)
It is frightening, and environmental destruction is taking place everywhere, not only in the oceans.
DeleteMuy interesante libro, me encantan los libros. Besos.
ReplyDeleteIndeed we need to help. Instead, we use the ocean as a dumping ground.
ReplyDelete