Sharks: Conservation, Governance and Management explores the global conservation and management of sharks. There has been a rapid decline in populations of many shark species, while new science has emerged of the critical role they play in marine ecosystems. However, the authors show that conservation law and policy have been slow to develop, with only a small number of iconic species being protected worldwide.
The increase in fishing impact – primarily through shark finning and by-catch – has led to shark conservation receiving greater international attention in recent years. Sharks: Conservation, Governance and Management surveys our current knowledge and status of the law and science in relation to sharks with a particular focus on improving frameworks for their conservation and management. Recent trends are analysed, including shark finning bans that have been put in place in several countries, the widening number of nations establishing shark sanctuaries and the growth of shark-based tourism.
The efficacy of current listing processes for endangered species and fisheries regulations is also examined. Tourism is explored as an alternative to fishing and the risks and impacts associated with this industry are analysed. Contributors include leading authorities from universities and conservation organizations in North America, Europe and Australia. A common theme is to emphasise the importance of collaborative governance between various interest groups and the need for inter-disciplinary research and management approaches that are necessary to address the decline in sharks.
Introduction
Erika Techera and Natalie Klein
Part 1: Governance Challenges
1. Approaches to Conservation and Governance of Marine Species
Erika Techera
2. The Existing Global Legal Regimes
Natalie Klein
3. Challenges for International Governance
Mary Lack
Part 2: Scientific Perspectives
4. The State of Knowledge on Sharks for Conservation and Management
Michael Heithaus and Jeremy Kiszka
5. Shark Conservation, Governance and Management: The Science-Law Disconnect
Robert Harcourt and Paolo Momigliano
6. Human Perceptions and Attitudes toward Sharks: Examining the Predator Policy Paradox
Christopher Neff
Part 3: Actors and Stakeholders
7. Collaborations for Conservation
Anissa Lawrence
8. The Role of the Tourism Industry
Christine Ward-Paige
9. Shark Conservation Efforts – as Diverse as Sharks Themselves
Jill Hepp and Elizabeth Wilson
Part 4: Risks and Rewards
10. Economic Rationale for Shark Conservation
Andres Cisneros-Montemayor and Rashid Sumalia
11. Iconic Species: Great White Sharks, Basking Sharks and Whale Sharks
Ryan Kempster and Shaun Collin
12. Species at the Intersection
Charlie Huveneers and Will Robbins
Part 5: Tools and Techniques
13. The role of Marine Protected Areas and Sanctuaries
Erich Hoyt
14. Fisheries Management and Regulations
Boris Worm, Aurelie Cosandey-Godin and Brendal Davis
15. Synergies, Solutions and the Way Forward
Natalie Klein and Erika Techera
Erika Techera is a Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Australia. Natalie Klein is a Professor at the Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University, Australia.
"[...] The state of knowledge of shark biology is particularly well summarised and would provide an excellent introduction to the specialist literature for someone new to the field [...]"
– Ian Lancaster, The Bulletin of the British Ecological Society 46(1), March 2015
"Sharks: Conservation, Governance and Management is a comprehensive publication drawing on the expertise of a wide range of individuals who present their, or their affiliated organisations, perspective on a wide range of relevant issues, all underpinned by the knowledge that sharks are an essential element of a diverse and healthty marine environment."
– Ali Hood, The Marine Biologist
" [...] a most important book. The book is relevant to anyone interested in the management of marine resources, maritime law, or governmental structures.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners."
– S. R. Fegley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CHOICE Reviews, February 2015