Why Sharks Matter

"Providing a wealth of information about a vitally important group of animals, this topical and accessible book will attract a broad audience."

"David Shiffman shines in this enjoyable, illuminating, and important book. One of David's strengths is communicating with generosity, accuracy, insight, wit, and heart, and here he has succeeded in producing a book that presents sound principles of shark science and conservation (and more) and, at the same time, is highly readable."

"Why Sharks Matter is a smart, engaging, and persuasive book that is perfect for readers who have a serious interest in marine conservation. With one third of all sharks and rays currently facing extinction due to overfishing, this timely volume is poised to make a positive and authentic impact."

"Follow David Shiffman's humorous and educational journey into the underwater world of sharks. A dedicated scientist and a masterful storyteller, he advocates for the conservation of these misunderstood predators at the same time as he dispels many longstanding shark myths."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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

"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."

"A fun, engaging and informative read."

"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."

"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.'"

"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."

"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."

"A humorous and pleasant read, packed with lots of facts and stories."