The Pilchard: Biology and Exploitation discusses various concerns in the global pilchard industry. The book is comprised of 23 chapters that are organized into five parts. The text first introduces the biology of pilchard, its geographical distribution, and its zoological classification. Parts II to IV tackle the various issues in pilchard industries in different regions, namely, England, California, South Africa, and West Africa. The coverage of the book includes catching, processing, demand, and profitability. The book will be of great use to individuals involved in the pilchard industries. Researchers of fisheries science will also benefit from the book.

People are drawn to the harbours and boats of Scotland whether they have a seafaring background or not. Why do boats take on different shapes as you follow the complex shorelines of islands and mainland? And why do the sails they carry appear to be so many shapes and sizes? Then there are rowing craft or power-driven vessels which can also be considered 'classics', whether they were built for work or leisure. As he traces the iconic forms of a selection of the boats of Scotland, Ian Stephen outlines the purposes of craft, past and present, to help gain a true understanding of this vital part of our culture. Sea conditions likely to be met and coastal geography are other factors behind the designs of a wide variety of craft. Stories go with boats. The vessels are not seen as bare artefacts without their own soul but more like living things.