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Whale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered Species

Decades of commercial whaling nearly decimated a variety of species of this charismatic megafauna. Modern international conventions—starting in the mid-twentieth century—banned most commercial whaling, with the exception of indigenous whale hunting. But Japan, Iceland, and Norway rejected the moratorium and continue to slaughter whales. Science writer Karen Roman Young interviews experts in the field to explore whale biology, habitat, and behavior. She discusses threats to whale populations, including global warming, commercial shipping and fishing, water pollution and noise pollution. She discusses the technologies of cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) research, of rescuing stranded, beached, and entangled whales, and whale sanctuaries and other conservation efforts. This deeply researched, well-balanced book offers a broad, thorough, and inspiring look at Earth's largest mammal.