Review by Choice Review
"Save the Whales" (plus porpoises and dolphins) is a well-known phrase, and many people are generally aware of the threats to cetacean survival. But what and where are the perils to these mammals? How are their numbers to be maintained or increased? What are the problems arising from their migrations? What are the political and economic forces competing for the multiple products derived from whales? And how do the growing demands of tourism affect whales? Hoyt (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) offers a handbook on the status of worldwide habitat preserves, marine protected areas, and so forth. This is a rich, detailed resource--not a book to be read cover to cover. After examining differences among sanctuaries, marine reserves, and parks, Hoyt reviews whale species distributions, population numbers, and ways to create cetacean protected areas. He looks at the multitude of international treaties and conventions designed to protect endangered species. Most of this well-referenced sourcebook focuses on 18 oceanic regions with ongoing or previous projects to preserve whale populations. A useful summary of each area includes information on cetaceans of interest, rationales, and names of associations/people to contact for more information. With recent concerns about whale survival, this book could enhance support for establishing appropriate reserves. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. D. Bardack emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
