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5 Reasons Sharks are Good for the Planet

5 Reasons Sharks are Good for the Planet

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on January 4, 2016

If there’s one questions 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 of these finned fellows in your immediate vicinity, everyone should be aware of 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 in increase in select groups of more harmful marine species. One example is the cownose ray, found in the northwest Atlantic. Fewer sharks led to an increase 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 in an effort 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 things like 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 the places they can be seen. The Bahamas, South Africa, the Galapagos Islands — all are enjoying a newfound source of ecotourism, which is 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 releasing into the atmosphere.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro