Sardine
About this book
The sardine is a paradoxical fish. Seemingly insignificant, its exploitation has made fortunes for some and, when stocks have collapsed, caused hardship for many. Its status has shifted from utilitarian food to a gourmet's delight. Trevor Day – diver, fish-watcher and marine conservationist – travels across four continents to meet the sardine in its natural environment, and he traces the fish's journey from minuscule egg to item on the dinner plate. Sardine interweaves the story of the fish with the rise and fall of fishing industries. The sardine is a barometer for the health of oceans, with lessons for us all about our stewardship of the seas.
Day takes a scientifically and culturally wide-ranging look at the cluster of fish species called sardines, their relationship with other marine creatures and, in turn, with us. Elite predators feast on sardines, yet these silvery slivers are fast-breeding and opportunistic enough to survive their hunters. Whether swimming free as a shoaling fish at the mercy of predators, or tightly packed in tins – an image used frequently as a metaphor for overcrowding – sardines represent conformity and vulnerability. The biography that emerges will beguile readers fascinated with marine life, as well as anyone who has eaten this familiar yet under-appreciated fish.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Front Cover
- Half Title
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Contents
- Introduction
- 1 A Hunted Fish
- 2 A Quicksilver Fish in a Strange World
- 3 Fortunes Won
- 4 To Eat a Sardine
- 5 Fortunes Lost
- 6 Cultural Sardines
- 7 Prospect
- Timeline
- References
- Select Bibliography
- Associations and Websites
- Acknowledgements
- Photo Acknowledgements
- Index
