Sharks are often shown as scary creatures in movies, but they are actually very important for the health of our oceans. Instead of being afraid of them, we should understand how they help keep the ocean balanced. Sadly, many sharks are in danger because of human activities. Let’s learn why sharks are so important and what might happen if they disappear.
People often think sharks are dangerous, but they are usually more scared of us than we are of them. Every year, humans hunt about 100 million sharks, which means around 11,000 sharks are lost every hour! This is causing many types of sharks to become endangered.
If sharks were to disappear, it would be very bad for the ocean. Sharks help control the number of smaller fish. These smaller fish eat even tinier fish that munch on algae. Without sharks, the smaller fish would eat too many algae-eating fish, causing algae to grow too much. This could block sunlight from reaching the ocean floor.
Coral reefs need sunlight to survive because they use it to make oxygen. Without sharks, too much algae could cover the reefs, blocking the sunlight. This would harm the coral and the many sea creatures that live there.
Sharks help keep fish populations healthy by eating weak or sick fish. This is like nature’s way of making sure only the strong and healthy fish survive, which keeps diseases from spreading. Without sharks, weaker fish might become too common, making future generations less healthy.
Sharks are part of a big food chain. Some marine animals even rely on the waste sharks produce because it’s rich in nutrients like nitrogen. If sharks disappear, these animals might not survive either.
Sharks are important for humans too. Many people rely on fish for food and jobs. A healthy ocean with sharks helps keep fish populations stable, which is good for everyone who depends on the sea.
We need to understand how important sharks are to our oceans. We can help by using fewer shark products and telling others about why sharks need protection. Since 1970, the number of oceanic sharks has dropped by 71%, and there are fewer than $3,500 great white sharks left in the world.
Let’s work together to save sharks and keep our oceans healthy. We can make a difference!
Shark Food Chain Role Play: Gather a group of friends or family members and create a simple role-play activity to understand the food chain. Assign roles such as “shark,” “smaller fish,” “tiny fish,” and “algae.” Act out what happens when the shark is present and when it is not. Discuss how the absence of sharks affects the balance of the ocean ecosystem. What changes did you notice in the food chain when the shark was missing?
Algae Observation Experiment: With the help of an adult, set up a small aquarium or a clear container with water and a few rocks. Add a small amount of algae (available at pet stores) and observe how it grows over a week. Discuss what might happen if there were no fish to eat the algae. How does this relate to the role of sharks in controlling fish populations that eat algae-eating fish?
Shark Fact Hunt: Go on a fact-finding mission about sharks. Use books or the internet to find three interesting facts about how sharks help the ocean. Share these facts with your class or family. How do these facts change your view of sharks? Why is it important to protect them?
