Importance of sharks in ocean ecosystem

Abstract

Sharks have an important and major role in maintaining the ocean ecosystem and also serving as an indicator of the ocean health. They control the populations of prey species by eliminating the weak and sick animals ensuring the species diversity. Sharks are one of the most important groups of predators of the planet and having over a broad distribution of habitats in every ocean. Sharks play a function of keystone predators and they are important for maintenance and stability of food chain. Shark populations are at threat and have been declining due to overfishing, anthropogenic activities and demand for shark fins. Sharks play an important role in the conservation of coral reefs that facilitates the raising of awareness and financial support for conservation. The large apex predatory sharks that frequent multiple coastal and pelagic ecosystems are at continued risk from exploitation by pelagic longline fisheries and will require important jurisdictional management strategies.