New book: "Enigmas de la ciencia: el calamar gigante" ["Enigmas of science: the giant squid"] by Angel Guerra, Angel Gonzalez, Francisco Rocha, Joaquin Gracia and Luis Larina (2006, 313 pp, 88 Figures; distributed by CEPESMA, Aula del Mar, Luarca, Spain, auldelmar@cepesma.com).

This new book, in Spanish, describes the extant species of Architeuthis, their distribution, occurrence in Asturian (Spanish) waters and their life cycle. It also touches on the legend of the kraken, public perception of giant squid through their appearance in museums, books and films, and other large squid species. Finally it offers some future perspectives including the role of such charismatic megafauna in inspiring efforts to conserve the marine environment. A recent article on the launch of the book appeared in the Faro de Vigo newspaper.

Recent journal special issues:

Environmental effects on cephalopod life history and fisheries (G.J. Pierce, J.M. Portela, J.-P. Robin, eds) Aquatic Living Resources (2005) 18 (4), 325-400.

Trends and Assessment of Cephalopod Fisheries - Proceedings of the CEPHSTOCK Cephalopod Assessment Workshop (A.G. Payne, D, J. Agnew, G.J. Pierce, eds) Fisheries Research (2006) 78 (1), 1-106.

The cuttle Sepia officinalis (N. Koueta, J.P. Andrade, S. v. Boletzky, eds) Vie et Milieu - Life & Environment (2006) 56 (2)