The Unnatural History of the Sea

Science News,  Sept 1, 2007  

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THE UNNATURAL HISTORY OF THE SEA CALLUM ROBERTS

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The modern fishing industry has reached a level of unprecedented efficiency. Overfishing, however, is not new; it began in 11th-century Europe. Roberts, a professor of marine conservation in England, recounts the history of fishing, beginning with merchant explorers of the 18th century who found in the Atlantic waters an unimaginable abundance of fish. These men soon fanned out to the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. Roberts describes the explosion of the whaling industry, the exploitation of seals, and the development of trawling techniques. Many marine animals have become virtually extinct in European waters, forcing modern fishers to travel to other locations and exploit those waters as well. Roberts ends with suggestions on how to combat the devastating effects of overfishing. Island Press, 2007, 435 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $28.00.

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