Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator

by David Shiffman Narrated by Brian Wiggins

Overview

Sharks are some of the most fascinating and ecologically important, yet most threatened and misunderstood animals on Earth. More often feared than revered, their role as predators of the deep has earned them a reputation as a major threat to humans. But the truth is that sharks are not a danger to us-they're in danger from us.
In Why Sharks Matter, marine conservation biologist Dr. David Shiffman urges us to overcome our misconceptions and embrace sharks as the imperiled and elegant ocean guardians they really are. Touching on everything from Shark Week to shark fin soup, overfishing to marine sanctuaries, Shiffman reveals why sharks are in trouble, why we should care, and how we can save them.
A witty narrative highlighting the author's fascinating experiences working with sharks, this exploration of the essential principles of shark conservation science and policy is full of amazing facts about both little-known and iconic shark species. It spells out how healthy shark populations support marine ecosystems-and the coastal economies that depend on them-while carefully explaining what scientists, conservationists, and readers can do to help. With his signature pragmatism and irreverence, Shiffman doesn't shy away from explaining why much of what you've heard about sharks and how to save them is wrong.
Perfect for shark enthusiasts, Why Sharks Matter provides an approachable, informative guide to the world of shark conservation, and an insider's introduction to the passionate, brilliant people who work to protect our oceans. This fun read will have you looking at sharks with a fresh perspective and an understanding that their survival is crucial to the survival of another apex predator-ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Shiffman says he wants 'to teach you why sharks are remarkable and awe-inspiring animals, why we're better off with sharks than we are without them, and what you can do to help protect the alarming and increasing number of sharks of conservation concern.' He succeeds on all counts.
—San Francisco Chronicle

The argument of Shiffman's book is that we should do a better job of protecting sharks, and his method is to dip analysis and policy recommendations in a sugar coating of cool facts. For Shiffman, our inability to conceptualize relative risk is both an ecological and aesthetic tragedy, undermining conservation efforts while preventing us from exulting in the glory of sharks—with their dermal denticles, their total lack of bones and their ability to hear an injured fish from a mile away.
—Molly Young, New York Times

Whether this book makes you pause and reflect on your perception of sharks, or teaches you some new facts about these predators, Shiffman hopes he has shed light on human side of shark conservation through this work.
—Forbes

[Shiffman] delivers the book he was born to write.
—The Revelator

Join award-winning marine biologist Dr. David Shiffman in an approachable, humorous and adventure-packed narrative about sharks—the mysterious guardians of the ocean. You'll learn why we should overcome our misconceptions regarding these creatures, delve deep into Shiffman's own experiences with sharks, and explore decades of scientific research and policymaking related to shark conservation.
—Scuba Diving

A fun, engaging and informative read.
—Biological Conservation

Written by a US shark-conservation expert with a solid academic background...[Shiffman] question[s] the easy assumptions we divers sometimes make for emotional reasons about protecting sharks, rather than being guided by the science.
—Divernet

Shiffman is quick to celebrate those who advance the interests of sharks, profiling a diverse group of dedicated scientists (itself laudable in a field dominated by white men). His bluntness and specificity is refreshing in the face of so much advocacy that just sets its sights at 'raising awareness.'
—New Scientist

Shiffman is an entertaining writer, not afraid to nerd out over sharks and share plenty of interesting stories. But what I really appreciate is that every piece of information is grounded in science. Think of it as the anti-Shark Week: the book is entertaining and informative without being sensational or lurid.
—Cool Green Science (The Nature Conservancy)

Those that want to learn more about sharks and their conservation will find [Why Sharks Matter] a valuable resource. Shiffman is aiming to educate this generation and inspire them to help make the difference that will see shark populations rebuild....As such, this is a book as much about people as it is about sharks.
—Colin A. Simpfendorfer, Current Biology

A humorous and pleasant read, packed with lots of facts and stories.
—The Marine Biologist

David Shiffman explains charmingly, and using many personal anecdotes, why sharks matter....[Why Sharks Matter] makes the reader fall in love with these fantastic animals.
—Community Ecology

San Francisco Chronicle

Shiffman says he wants 'to teach you why sharks are remarkable and awe-inspiring animals, why we're better off with sharks than we are without them, and what you can do to help protect the alarming and increasing number of sharks of conservation concern.' He succeeds on all counts.

Forbes

Whether this book makes you pause and reflect on your perception of sharks, or teaches you some new facts about these predators, Shiffman hopes he has shed light on human side of shark conservation through this work.

Biological Conservation

A fun, engaging and informative read.

The Revelator

[Shiffman] delivers the book he was born to write.

Scuba Diving

Join award-winning marine biologist Dr. David Shiffman in an approachable, humorous and adventure-packed narrative about sharks—the mysterious guardians of the ocean. You'll learn why we should overcome our misconceptions regarding these creatures, delve deep into Shiffman's own experiences with sharks, and explore decades of scientific research and policymaking related to shark conservation.

New Scientist

Shiffman is quick to celebrate those who advance the interests of sharks, profiling a diverse group of dedicated scientists (itself laudable in a field dominated by white men). His bluntness and specificity is refreshing in the face of so much advocacy that just sets its sights at 'raising awareness.'

Divernet

Written by a US shark-conservation expert with a solid academic background...[Shiffman] question[s] the easy assumptions we divers sometimes make for emotional reasons about protecting sharks, rather than being guided by the science.

New York Times - Molly Young

The argument of Shiffman's book is that we should do a better job of protecting sharks, and his method is to dip analysis and policy recommendations in a sugar coating of cool facts. For Shiffman, our inability to conceptualize relative risk is both an ecological and aesthetic tragedy, undermining conservation efforts while preventing us from exulting in the glory of sharks—with their dermal denticles, their total lack of bones and their ability to hear an injured fish from a mile away.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178690147
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	05/24/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

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