WHY SHARKS MATTER
IF YOU TAKE OUT A TOP-ORDER PREDATOR, YOU HAVE A POPULATION EXPLOSION FOR OTHER SPECIES
1. The Extinction of Sharks Would Impact the Environment and the Economy Globally
Ecosystems are finely tuned systems that are based on many species. The top predators are critical in keeping ecosystems in balance; the ocean needs apex predators.
It is estimated that even if all commercial fishing were to cease, many of the large sharks may not recover within 50 years, if ever. As apex predators, sharks are not equipped to withstand predation themselves and are highly vulnerable to exploitation.
2. Sharks Keep Our Ocean Healthy and Strong
Sharks stop diseases from spreading by preying on the sick and dying. They keep populations strong and vibrant by taking out the weak and slow. Sharks are the major driving force behind natural selection in the ocean realm.
3. Other Fish Need Sharks
Fish stocks that we like to catch, and that all of us count on for food, need sharks as well. The food chain requires all links intact.