Hammerhead sharks are among the most recognizable and fascinating families of sharks for both scientists and the general public. They include 11 different species that are unique in terms of morphology, sensory biology, behaviours, and life-history traits that distinguish them from other sharks. However, many of these species possess life-history characteristics that limit their capacity to recover from excessive fishing pressure, while habitat degradation and other human impacts further increase their vulnerability.  These features have contributed to drastically limit their chances to recover from excessive capture and degradation of their habitats and significantly increase their vulnerability.
Despite their ecological and economic importance, information needed to support effective management and conservation has often been fragmented or lacking. This book brings together current scientific knowledge on the biology and ecology of all 11 living hammerhead shark species, while also examining their socioeconomic and cultural importance across the world. The 16 chapters by more than 55 expert authors from around the globe provide insights into their vulnerability to global threats, examine conservation challenges, and explore different approaches for improving their conservation status, while showcasing breakthrough research and case studies of hammerhead sharks in different parts of the world.
Hammerhead Sharks takes a holistic approach that integrates biology, ecology, fisheries, conservation and management with socioeconomic and cultural knowledge, enabling decision-making that recognises both the vulnerability of hammerhead sharks and the needs and values of society.