Book excerpt: "This book is the only comprehensive guide to 25 shark, skate, and ratfish species known to inhabit Alaska waters. Notes on identifying characteristics and life history are accompanied by color photos and drawings of nine shark, fifteen skate, and one ratfish species. Maps show ranges, and keys are provided to identify each species as well as skate egg cases. Printed on water-resistant paper for heavy use in the field, the guide is valuable to scientists, fishery managers, naturalists, science educators, ocean adventure cruisers, divers, fishermen, seafood processors, and anyone fascinated by the world's marine life"--Book jacket.