species names and better communications among observers of sharks 

 throughout the world. 



b. Proposed "Guide to Sharks of the World" 



This book should be produced in a loose-leaf three-hole notebook 

 format similar to some Naval Oceanographic Office publications. This 

 would allow future revision, the participation of a number of appropriate 

 specialists as authors, addition of new observations, and immediate pro- 

 duction of sections on well-known sharks, with the eventual addition of 

 information on species which are presently under study. This concept is 

 being successfully used by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organ- 

 ization in its production of species identification sheets for fishery 

 workers and fishermen in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (Fischer, 1973). 



A short introductory chapter including diagrams and a glossary would 

 instruct the reader in the use of the book. A second chapter similar to 

 that of Gilbert (1963a) and Baldridge (1974) , should be devoted to advice 

 for persons in the water who may encounter sharks. A simple, brief index 

 would direct the user to the appropriate subsection of species accounts. 

 Each species account would follow a uniform format consisting of 1-2 pages, 

 and include the author and date of issue. 



A typical account would include the following information: 



1) English common names (if one exists) . 



2) Proper scientific name (further information can be sought in 

 the companion catalogue; see below). 



3) Accurate line drawings of a side view of the whole shark, 

 vertical view of head, representative teeth or tooth sets, 

 and any other significant characteristics. 



4) Diagnostic external characters. 



5) Statement of dental formula and significant vertebral counts. 



6) General distribution map. 



7) Natural history notes including size range, size at maturity, 

 food habits, depth range, and whether oceanic, inshore, or 

 deep-water. 



8) Significant behavioral information including possible 

 agonistic display, territoriality, and implication in human 

 attack. (If a species is known to be relatively harmless, 

 this can be stated in such a manner that caution is still 

 preserved) . 



9) Any important economic significance. 



10) Short list of references for wider information. 



An appendix would advise the reader on a uniform procedure by which to 

 record written and photographic information in the event that the guide 

 does not allow positive identification of a possible rare species, or in 

 the event that a significant behavioral or ecological observation is made. 

 Sample forms to be sent to the Shark Data Bank (described in Ecology 

 section below) should be included. 



