Why does this
matter to me?
With sharks being killed faster than they are able to reproduce, their population is in a sharp decline. This is a threat to the stability of the marine ecosystem. Sharks are the apex predator, or the top predator, in the ocean. With their presence being removed the marine food web will spiral out of order. Sharks help remove the sick and weak fish, encouraging biodiversity. If there is a catastrophic marine event, the more biodiversity fish have, the better chance they have for survival. One sub-species may not survive the event, but another would, continuing the fish population on for future generations.
We can also learn so much from them medically and design wise. Researchers have been puzzled for years over why sharks don't get as sick as other species of fish. Shark tissue appears to have both antibacterial and anticoagulant properties. Scientists are studying these sharks in hopes of finding medicines or even a cure for medical conditions like cystic fibrosis and other viruses. Shark also inspire a lot of designs for boats and other watercraft. People have been practicing biomimicry- imitating natures design to solve human problems. Copying sharks can lead into many new inventions and ideas, and it already has. Some researchers are trying to make an artificial shark skin to reduce drag and increase speed in the water. An Australian company called BioPower Systems has designed a device resembling a sharks tail to capture wave energy and convert it into power.