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A SEA OF TROUBLES by J.J. McCoy

A SEA OF TROUBLES

By

Pub Date: May 1st, 1975
Publisher: Seabury

Despite the early overview of different kinds and sources of ocean pollution, McCoy soon settles down to a chapter by chapter conservationist report on individual animals--porpoises, whales, seals, sea otters, sea cows, turtles, polar bears, fish (especially salmon) and birds--with emphasis on their prospects for survival and on the human practices that make the difference (American tuna netting which inadvertently but carelessly traps porpoises too, Japanese plunder of both porpoises and whales, inhumane slaughter of fur seals, and the international disputes over salmon fishing fights). McCoy mentions that a particular species is part of ""the web of life"" but doesn't show how; thus the interlocking magnitude of the sea's problems is never really evident. As for solutions, he hints at economic sanctions (boycott tuna) and urges international cooperation. No shocker, but a sound, serviceable checklist.