Fish Conservation: A Guide to Understanding and Restoring Global Aquatic Biodiversity and Fishing Resources

摘要

This is an exciting book written in a clear easy reading style by Gene Helfman, who is an ecologist, ichthyologist, academician, scuba diver, commercial fisherman, world traveler and staunch advocate for biodiversity who has gone there, done that, noting specifics and problems affecting fish biodiversity. These attributes permitted him to discuss intelligently the pros and cons of local and present world biodiversity problems rather than simply writing a compilation of past studies about fishes. Fish Conservation is divided into five parts and 14 chapters: Pt 1) Introduction, 2) imperiled fishes, taxonomy, geography and vulnerability, 3) indirect causes of decline; habitats, water and introductions, 4) indirect causes of decline: fishes as commodities and 5) hard questions, sorting out answers. Helfman explores local, good and bad aspects of international fishes and fisheries, and their problems, albeit caused by freshwater or marine overfishing, hatchery and aquaculture attempts to rectify situations, etc. His comments about biodiversity problems don't waffle-they call a spade a spade-and go on to suggest how they can be rectified. The main theme of the volume is that if you disturb one species or part of the biodiversity, you disturb the entire biodiversity. All aspects of the system should be studied and reviewed. Legislate so that all aspects of the system are treated; don't just create a management plan for one species neglecting other aspects of the system. All, whether they be sport or commercial fishermen or the public, should change their thinking from selfish interests and concentrate on the whole ecosystem, for the results will benefit fish, fishermen, and the public.