Hundreds of different shark species roam our oceans and play different important roles in the ecosystem. Forty species of sharks swim in Hawaiian waters alone. Sharks are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the oceanic food chain. This also means that they have a direct impact on the ecology of our oceans. Some species of shark – like the blacktip reef shark and the tiger shark – feed on the sick or injured fish of a reef system, creating resilient populations of fish and other marine life. This balanced system supports fishing, tourism and other economic activities in our ocean that help marine communities thrive. Without sharks, marine ecosystems will change, threatening both livelihoods and the natural environment.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:21:00 +0000
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