Page 4 - Shark Brochure

The Importance

of Sharks

Sharks have been on this planet for between 400 and
450 million years, which is longer than even trees have
One can view sharks as the garbage disposals of the sea, existed on Earth! They have survived 5 mass extinctions
keeping populations of sea life in check by removing the ill on this planet, evolving into perfectly-adapted
and deceased. predators. Sharks have played a key role in shaping the
ocean ecosystem and maintaining the health of the sea.
“We need healthy oceans. It is, quite simply, the heart of our planet. What do sharks do exactly? These apex predators
When it dies, we all die.” -Jim Abernethy eliminate diseased, dead, and dying marine life, such as
fish, crustaceans, seals, porpoises, and even other
sharks. In this way, sharks maintain the equilibrium of
the ocean ecosystem. If sharks were to disappear, there
would be an overpopulation of unhealthy organisms,
spreading disease and overwhelming reefs and the
ocean’s natural resources. Our ability to utilize the
ocean as a source for food would diminish, and coral
reefs would be unable to produce oxygen, eliminating
our planet’s largest source of oxygen. As explained by
shark conservationist Jim Abernethy, “We need healthy
oceans. They are, quite simply, the heart of our planet.”
The consequences of the disappearance of sharks far
outweigh the profits from making a bowl of soup.
Even if you find sharks scary, it is crucial to Shark conservationist and photographer Shawn Heinrichs once said, “My belief is, that once we have
understand their role on this planet and the uncovered such an important truth, we have an obligation, no, a duty, to do something about it.” So what
importance of conserving their populations. Shark can we do to help save sharks? The best thing to do is to take action on shark conservation causes. Right
now there are several key pieces of legislation being considered to help stop shark finning and shut down the
advocate Ocean Ramsey emphasizes the point that fin trade. Sign petitions, reach out to policymakers, and attend hearings to let your voice be heard! You can
sharks are not monsters, but are apex predators, and find ways to get involved in these efforts at @voice4sharks on Instagram. Another key way to help make a
should be respected and appreciated as such. change is by not eating shark fin soup, or other shark products! The way you spend your dollars speaks
volumes, because without demand for shark fins, there will gradually be no supply of them either! You can
Sharks are beautiful creatures, and if you’re lucky enough
to see lots of them, that means that you’re in a healthy also help shark populations recover by ensuring that your seafood is sustainably sourced, as many
ocean. commercial fisheries decimate shark numbers via bycatch. Programs like Monterey Bay Aquarium’s
Seafood Watch are great resources to reference when checking the sustainability of what you’re eating.
Most importantly, share your voice for sharks! It can be difficult to save an animal that many people fear;
help others understand these creatures and their importance by speaking up for them and sharing with
others what you’ve come to learn about them. Every voice, every vote, every person counts in this
movement to save sharks!
You should be afraid if you are in the ocean and don’t see
sharks.
~Sylvia Earle
Brian Skerry