Acclaimed author and artist Richard Ellis tells the story of our continued assault on life in the sea and weighs the chances for its recovery. Through his own drawings, he introduces us to the many forms of sea life that humans have fished, hunted, and collected over the centuries, from charismatic whales and dolphins to the lowly menhaden, from sea turtles to cod, tuna, and coral. He brings to life the natural history of the various species, the threats they face, and the losses they have suffered. Although killing has occurred on a huge scale, with extinction all too often the result, Ellis also finds instances of hope and resilience, of species that have begun to make remarkable comebacks when given the opportunity.