First published 2011
Mark Kurlansky shows young readers how the ocean's most popular fish face extinction. The author of "Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World" explains how tuna, salmon, cod, and swordfish could disappear within five decades. He traces the connections between biology, economics, politics, and climate that threaten marine life. Industrial fishing practices drag nets across ocean floors, creating underwater deserts. Scientists clash with fishermen over regulations and quotas. Without these fish, oceans will fill with jellyfish and turn orange from algae blooms. Seabirds will vanish first, followed by reptiles and mammals. Kurlansky gives kids concrete actions they can take. They can research where fish sticks originate, guide parents toward sustainable choices, and ask restaurants about line-caught fish. Simple rules help: use less plastic and avoid endangered species like bluefin tuna. A full-color graphic novel runs through each chapter, creating a fictional story that supports the main text.
Genres: science, animals, young-adult, environment, non-fiction, activism
Vibes: informative, thought-provoking, urgent
Tropes: call-to-action, educational
192 pages · Paperback · New York: Workman Publishing Company