Latest News           Services           Circuits           Contact Us           Archives           Subscribe           Search


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR WHALES, DOLPHINS AND PORPOISES: A WORLD HANDBOOK FOR CETACEAN HABITAT CONSERVATION

LONDON, UK, December 1, 2004 --/WORLD-WIRE/--
What does it mean to 'save the whales' if you don't save their habitat - the special places in the sea where they mate, raise their calves, feed, rest and play?

This month, WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs.org) and Earthscan (London) announce the publication of Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, researched and written by WDCS Senior Research Fellow Erich Hoyt.

Worldwide in coverage, the 520-page book reveals the inside story on more than 500 existing and planned marine protected areas (MPAs), national parks and sanctuaries. It is designed to be a key resource for scientists, research institutions, students, wildlife conservation agencies, MPA managers, and anyone who cares about cetaceans and the special places where they live.

The book is also a 'call to action' for more than 200 areas detailed in the book which are proposed for expansion and greater protection and need attention now. The high seas, outside national marine boundaries, in particular, require urgent action in order to conserve species' critical habitat and ecosystems.

Another use of the book: Since most of the world's MPAs promote whale and dolphin watching and responsible marine ecotourism, the book is also being used by keen cetacean watchers to find some of the best places to watch the 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises in more than 100 countries around the world.

The book includes a special colour section of cetacean illustrations and photographs, 30 maps and figures, 9 case studies, more than 50 tables and boxes, references and index.

Published 15 November 2004 in the UK and January 2005 in the USA in simultaneous hardcover and paperback editions, books will be available to be shipped 4 November 2004 and may be ordered at discount through www.cetaceanhabitat.org, www.phinz.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk or through the publisher at www.earthscan.co.uk.

Along with the book, WDCS has produced a stunning A1 and A0 poster map showing the more than 500 cetacean parks and sanctuaries worldwide, with illustrations by Pieter Folkens. Check www.cetaceanhabitat.org and www.phinz.com for more information about ordering a copy of this special map, proceeds from which will help support WDCS's vital research and conservation efforts. For a limited time, WDCS, through www.phinz.com, plans to give away free folded copies of the A1-size poster with all purchases of the book.

CONTACT:
Steve Isaac
ph: +44 (0)1249 449542 steve.isaac@wdcs.org

Erich Hoyt
ph: +44 (0)1620 893 644
erich.hoyt@mac.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Advance Comments on Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises:

"The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans - a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers."
- Prof. Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize; author The Diversity of Life, The Future of Life, On Human Nature, Consilience

"Multiple strategies are needed to reverse the decline of whales and dolphins, and one of these is creating protected areas for them. Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the layperson, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist."
- Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Deputy chairman, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and, founder, Tethys Research Institute, Italy

This definitive handbook launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. This is the first book to bridge the disciplines of marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean conservation. The early chapters of the book outline the principles for creating the best possible MPAs for cetaceans, stemming from the identification of critical habitat using ecosystem-based management and networks of reserves and through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders - local community, NGOs, researchers, the fishing and tourism industries, along with government planners and wildlife managers.

The extensive fifth chapter covers all of the 18 marine regions around the world. Included are marine region maps and tables with brief profiles of the more than 500 proposed and existing MPAs with cetacean habitat, nine detailed case studies, checklists for creating and implementing MPAs, and much more.

Erich Hoyt is Senior Research Fellow with WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Co-Director of the Far East Russia Orca Project. He is author of 14 books and more than 350 papers, reports and articles.

Citation: Hoyt, E. 2005. Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation. Earthscan, London. 512pp. ISBN: 1844070638 (hardback) and 1844070646 (paperback).

  • For those interested in reviewing the book or writing articles about it for any of your own publications, please contact Steve Isaac for a review copy: steve.isaac@wdcs.org

  • For further information on the book, including a table of contents, visit: http://www.cetaceanhabitat.org/

  • Erich Hoyt is also available for interviews or to write a feature story on the subject. Contact: erich.hoyt@mac.com

    Paperback Price: £24.95 (UK) / $39.95 (US)

    There is currently a 15% reduction on the cover price of the book (£21.25, UK) if the book is purchased through www.phinz.com. The book comes with a free A1 poster.
  • Copyright © 2006, World-Wire. All rights reserved.
    Issuers of news releases and not World-Wire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

    World-Wire is a resource provided by Environment News Service
    To Unsubscribe or Change Account Settings: Click here