Sharks: Conservation, Governance and Management Conservation, governance and management Earthscan Oceans Series

The key aim of this book is to explore 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.

The book explores 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.

Part 1: Introduction 1. Approaches to Conservation and Governance of Marine Species 2. The State of Scientific Knowledge. 3. The Existing Global Legal Regimes Part 2: Governance Challenges 4. The Science-Law Disconnect 5. The Challenges for International Governance 6. Human Perceptions and Attitudes Part 3: Role of Actors and Stakeholders 7. Collaborations for Conservation 8. The Role of the Tourism Industry 9. NGOs and Specialist Groups Part 4: Economic Risks and Rewards 10. Economic Perspectives 11. Iconic Species: Great White Sharks, Basking Sharks and Whale Sharks 12. Species at the Intersection Part 5: Tools and Techniques for Conservation and Governance 13. Species Listing 14. The Role of Sanctuaries 15. Fisheries Management and Regulations Part 6: Synergies and Solutions 16. The Way Forward

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.