If there’s one question scuba divers get asked a lot, it has to be, “Aren’t you afraid of sharks?” Now, you can answer that question with these five reasons sharks are good for the planet. Whether you’re a diehard shark super fan or would rather not see any finned fellows in your immediate vicinity, everyone should know this predator’s importance to a healthy ocean.
Sharks are vital to the ocean food chain
They weed out sick or injured animals, keeping the overall population healthy. As shark populations have decreased, there has been an increase in select groups of more harmful marine species. One example is the cownose ray, found in the northwest Atlantic. Fewer sharks led to a rise in the cownose ray population and, in turn, a depletion of bay scallops. The expanding cownose ray populations veritably wiped out North Carolina’s bay scallop fishing industry. Now, they are targeted by hunters to reclaim the scallop beds.
Sharks can improve your health
These wondrous fish have naturally occurring anticoagulant and antibacterial properties. Scientists are studying a shark liver enzyme called squalamine, a natural antiviral, as part of research into treatments for cystic fibrosis, dengue fever, and hepatitis C.
Sharks can boost tourism
Shark diving is a growing industry. More people are opening their minds and hearts to these predatory marvels and traveling to where they can be seen. The Bahamas, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands — are all enjoying a newfound source of ecotourism, a great boon to the local economies.
Sharks encourage a new way of thinking
Engineers study sharks for ways to move more efficiently in the water. By mimicking their skin, they can create everything from a sleeker swimsuit to barnacle-proof ship hulls and even bacteria-resistant surfaces in hospitals.
Sharks can even help the atmosphere
By eating dead fish that collect on the seafloor, scavenger sharks help move carbon through the ocean rather than having it accumulate and release it into the atmosphere.
