Great White Shark covers all aspects of this great but sadly misunderstood ocean predator. There are three sections: Portrait of the Great White; Searching for the Great White; and Requiem for the Great White? Together they describe shark biology and behaviour (some of it previously unknown, such as hunting in groups) and describe how researchers and conservationists study and protect sharks.
The last section considers the plight of the shark and paints an accurate portrait of this remarkable creature. It also surveys the deadly dangers faced by great white sharks, such as finning and ocean garbage. More than 100 dramatic photographs of sharks fill the book.
Topics include:
- The role of the great white shark in marine ecosystems
- Complete survey of great white shark biology and behaviour
- Great white shark attacks
- Identifying and tagging sharks
- Shark protection around the world
- Range map and essential facts
- Protection legislation
- Further reading for adults and children, films and internet sites.
Four experts – underwater photographer Frédéric Buyle, oceanographer Catherine Vadon, marine zoologist Michael Scholl, and marine biologist Bernard Séret – reflect on the future of the species now living on borrowed time. Great White Shark is an exciting new chapter in shark research.
Foreword
Preface
Worldwide Distribution of the Great White Shark
Identification Criteria
Portrait of the Great White
Efficient Camouflage
A Cartilaginous Skeleton
A Body Designed for Speed
A Warm-Blooded Fish?
Non Fluctuat Nec Margitur: It Does Not Float Nor Does It Sink
Great White, What Big Teeth you Have!
Sophisticated Sensory Organs
A Fish That Doesn't Lay Eggs
10 Misconceptions About The Great White Shark
Catherine Vadon's Perspective
Search For The Great White
Port Lincoln, Doorway To Adventure
Portrait of Rodney Fox
A Species and Individuals
The Photograph: An Identification Tool
Tagging Is Not A Game
Two Types of Radio Transmitter
A Fish Named . . . Jammie
Nicole's Odyssey
Requiem For The Great White?
Great White Attacks: From Myth To Reality
Frédéric Buyle's Perspective
Man -- The Great White's Predator
Putting An End To Finning
Strappy: Victim of Human Activity
Bernard Séret's Perspective
Ecotourism: Is It Saving The Great White?
Michael Scholl's Perspective
Appendix
To Learn More
Acknowledgments
Index
Alexandrine Civard-Racinais is a popular-science writer actively involved in environmental issues. Patrice Heraud is a professional photographer and diving instructor. He has been researching great white sharks for more than 20 years. In 2007 he founded SOS Grand Blanc (SOS Great White), a foundation devoted to the protection of great white and other shark species. Maud Fontenoy is Spokesperson for UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the World Ocean Network.
"This reference brings general readers and students up close and personal with the great white shark. Following one research team tracking great white sharks in Australia, the book provides about 100 high-quality color photos throughout, most taken in open water, outside of protective cages. The book gives background on shark anatomy and examines threats to their survival as a species, with discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of ecotourism [...] Appendices offer a chart summarizing shark protection legislation around the world, plus lists of books, documentary films, and websites for kids and adults."
– Reference and Research News on 01/12/2013