Eclipsed by the terrestrial sphere in more ways than one, marine spaces remain poorly understood despite the huge pressures they face. In this issue, we feature two very different, but not mutually exclusive, approaches to conservation
in the marine realm. We bring together a collection of articles that explore contemporary scientific and conservation concerns. Demian Willette elaborates the role of science in conservation, specifically molecular tools such as DNA analysis. In their project in the Philippines, DNA sequences are used to delineate stocks and identify new species of sardines. Drawing on research conducted on 42 coastal communities spread across the Indo Pacific,Joshua Cinner opines that although there may not be a silver bullet solution for the world’s fishery problems, given the right set of conditions, local communities can indeed manage their resources in a sustainable manner. We also highlight Barbara Block’s research on marine predators. In conversation with Janaki Lenin, Block unravels the mysteries surrounding the movements of sharks and tuna, and the projects that enable a better understanding of their conservation. Through a series of a breathtaking images, Tasneem Khan and Umeed Mistry explore the problems and prospects for sharks and the complexity
surrounding these iconic predators. And finally, Rohan Arthur tells us the story of the fish that may have saved reefs in the Lakshadweep Islands.
Issue Editor: Kartik Shanker