The shark is a vital part of its ocean ecosystem, as they regulate the natural balance of populations of smaller prey marine animals. A loss of sharks can severely affect the populations of fish and other marine life. And when humans protect seals, a type of prey of sharks, they are taking away a source of food for these animals and then consequently sharks are forced to come closer to shore in search of food. This in turn then increases the rate of accidental bitings.
Which actually brings me to my next point! Sharks, like humans, are naturally curious animals but they do not have hands with which to investigate things so they use their mouths, this is what we refer to as “shark attacks”. Generally when a human is bitten by a shark, it is not an “attack”, they are just investigating and will more than likely spit you back out because frankly, you do not taste very good. Humans are not a natural source of food for sharks, they just want to know what you are but, unfortunately, they use their multiple rows of super sharp teeth and powerful jaws to figure it out. Also, you have to remember, you are in their home. They have a right to want to know what you are and to defend themselves. You’re unnaturally in their habitat so can you really be surprised when you get bitten?
Please realize that sharks need to be protected!! If you want to help save the sharks please learn more about them and help others learn that they are not the voracious, indiscriminate predators that the media has portrayed them as. The media has a history of perpetuating a nasty FALSE reputation for sharks and this needs to change. Also, support laws protecting sharks and their ocean homes, support shark research and conservation via donating money or by volunteering! And, obviously, do not use shark products such as shark soup, shark leather or jewelry.
Julia’s Ocean Devotion 