Casting Over Yonder

The First Book of Mammals. Written and illustrated by Margaret Williamson. 1957.

From catch records to personal anecdotes to conservation. Fisherman are a bedrock source.

Here's an example: the coelacanth was discovered to be quite alive after consulting with east African fishermen, who had been catching them for quite a bit. With their help, an ROV was able to find them in the wild.

A personal example: I recently interviewed fishermen at a local pier to gather information on sixgill sharks around Tacoma, and learned of a group of poachers that have been illegally harvesting them at the pier (they are protected in Washington State). I was able to get more information and provide it to the proper authorities. And i also know when the sixgill sharks now appear around Tacoma.

Heinrich Harder (1858-1935)

Bonnethead Shark