The first edition of the widely praised Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises , published in 2005, led to numerous new marine protected area proposals and a number of notable conservation successes around the world. In this completely revised and expanded second edition, new developments in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Pacific are described, as well as future directions for High Seas protection. New sections show how to design and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) in an ever noisier ocean subject to climate change, increased shipping and hydrocarbon exploration. The process of protected area creation for cetaceans has been accelerated and more than 200 exciting new places are detailed in this edition. This book provides a route map for MPA managers, as well as countries, to meet the ambitious targets for highly protected MPA networks by 2012 and 2020. Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is a key conservation tool and a springboard for worldwide change in human attitudes toward the world ocean where all life originated and where the majority of life on Earth still lives. Erich Hoyt's handbook is an admirable, timely and highly welcome contribution....This will no doubt become the 'bible' of cetacean habitat conservation efforts. --Michael Stachowitsch, reviewing in Marine Ecology A truly impressive piece of work...easy to browse, authoritative...the definitive reference of the current extent of cetacean ecosystems-based management [and] wider marine management issues. --Ben Wilson review in Environmental Conservation "Hoyt cuts a clear path through the labyrinth of legislation...to create a comprehensive resource for all involved in marine conservation. It facilitates the sharing of ideas, reveals the glaring gaps and is a call to action...an invaluable contribution." -- Anna Levin, BBC Wildlife , "Best New Reads" "The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans - a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers." -- Prof. Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize; author The Diversity of Life, On Human Nature, Consilience "Excellent and definitive book...For the lay reader it is a revealing and readable account of the considerable progress of our conservation experts and of the huge task still ahead. A massive achievement marking a milestone in marine protection." -- Rachel Saward "Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the lay person, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist." -- Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara "In this richly updated and comprehensive volume, Erich Hoyt combines a sense of urgency about the need for action with a clear message of hope. Protecting areas in the sea to give marine mammals a better chance for survival benefits all life on Earth, including humans. As never before, the connections are clear. Never again will there be a better time to act for the sake of cetaceans - and primates, too." -- Sylvia A. Earle, oceanographer, National Geographic explorer-in-residence, Mission Blue founder "Erich Hoyt's book provides comprehensive and irreplaceable insight into marine protected areas dedicated to marine mammals -- these animais that are so close and dear to us. It shows us how to harmonize mankind and the sea more effectively to enable human development and nature preservation to progress side by side at a similar pace." -- H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco "Essential reading as the protected area system around the world rapidly expands. Planning and managing for the wellbeing of marine mammals is essential for all protected area managers." -- Carl Gustaf Lundin, Head, IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme "The world's oceans face numerous threats and there is strong scientific consensus that marine protected areas are a key solution. This book is a valuable contribution to understanding the successes, opportunities and challenges we face as we strive to conserve the oceans, the creatures that live in them and the important role they play in supporting human health, food and economies." - David Suzuki Erich Hoyt is Senior Research Fellow with WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and heads its Global Critical Habitat/MPA Programme. Author of 18 books and more than 500 articles, reports and book chapters, he co-directs the Far East Russia Orca Project and the Russian Cetacean Habitat Project. He is currently a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Cetacean Specialist Group and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). He lives with his family in North Berwick, Scotland.