Alistair D.M. Dove Ph.D. is a broadly trained marine biologist and currently Vice President of Science and Education at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, USA, where he oversees international research programs on whale sharks, manta rays, coral reefs, sharks and dolphins. Alistair graduated from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia with a B.Sc. Honours first class in 1995 and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Parasitology in 1999, for which he was awarded a University Medal and Dean’s List commendation. His early research focus was on parasites and diseases in freshwater and marine environments, but after a period studying diseases of lobsters, he began focusing on the biology and ecology of whale sharks after moving to Georgia Aquarium in 2006. Simon J. Pierce Ph.D. is a co-founder and Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where he leads the global whale shark research and conservation program. Simon is also a Co-Chair for the Sub-Equatorial Africa region within the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, a Science Advisor to the Wildbook for Whale Sharks global database, and a founding board member of the Sawfish Conservation Society. Simon holds a BSc in Ecology from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, and a BSc (Hons, 1st Class) and doctoral degree in marine biology from The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Simon began working with whale sharks in Mozambique in 2005, and now leads or collaborates on conservation biology and population ecology research programs across the world.
One of life's greatest joys is being eye-to-eye with the world's largest fish - the awe inspiring and ever mysterious whale shark. In this comprehensive and extensively referenced volume, Dove and Pierce have brought together the world's leading scientists to review this shark's fascinating biology and its elusive ecology. More than a collection of scientific facts, it is roadmap for the conservation actions needed to ensure humanity continues to benefit from this utterly extraordinary species . Whether you are an inquisitive citizen scientist or a trained expert, you will find awe aplenty within its pages. -- Dr. George Leonard. Chief Scientist, Ocean Conservancy Al Dove and Simon Pierce showcase the magnificent whale shark like never before! Within the pages of Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation this enigmatic creature is revealed scientifically with an easy-to-understand style. Of special interest is the attention given to the range of threats facing whale sharks and the vital need for conservation. Open the pages of this book and be transported into the mysterious world of whale sharks! -- Brian Skerry, award-winning Photographer at National Geographic Magazine and Fellow at National Geographic Society