The Shark-Watcher's Handbook: A Guide to Sharks and Where to See Them Book

Not all nature lovers waffle on about twitching with Bill Oddie in a bird sanctuary. The Shark Watcher's Handbook caters for those with whose tastes lean toward the more extreme end of the wildlife-spotting spectrum, providing a thorough guide to the places, practicalities and politics of the sport. From its origins as an exclusive pursuit of monied daredevils in the 60s and 70s, to its ubiquitous presence in today's tourist industry, shark watching has become a world-wide phenomenon. This guide will prove indispensable if you're getting onboard, whether you're planning on delving into the chilly waters off the Isle of Man or spending several weeks in a floating hotel off the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Providing sound advice for every stage of a shark-spotting trip, from planning and preparation to safety in the water, The Shark Watcher's Handbook includes a complete shark-identification chart, a directory of sites, basic site maps and is bursting with stunning full-colour underwater photographs. This really deserves its "handbook" epithet, covering literally everything you need to know and transcending its field-guide status by touching on the ethical, political and environmental issues surrounding the sport. If Mark Carwardine and Ken Watterson assure us that, statistically, "there is a greater chance of winning the national lottery than of being eaten by a shark", it's clear that they have an ulterior motive: to dispel the great Jaws myth and engender a "sense of the colossal and barbaric injustice being inflicted on sharks today". Whether you tackle it in one big bite or take little nips out of it now and again, The Shark Watcher's Handbook is certain to satisfy any appetite--you might even call it a great write. The only criticism? It isn't waterproof. Fin. --Paul EisingerRead More