The Circle of Life: The Role of Sharks in the Complexity of the Oceans

We All Have a Role in the Circle of Life

Everyone in the world has a role to play in the circle of life. Every footprint, every idea, and every action have an impact on life on the planet and all its inhabitants. The same is true in the oceans: every creature in this vast kingdom, ruled by water, plays an important role.

On this World Oceans Day, we want to talk about the role of some majestic, stealthy, and striking species that roam the seven seas — and even rivers in some cases — sparking mystery and interest in their ecology: sharks.

Top of the Chain: Predators with a Purpose

Sharks are predators that sit at the top of the food chain. This means they feed on other organisms like fish and marine mammals. Other sharks feed on smaller organisms such as phytoplankton, tiny algae that float in the sea.

This feeding behavior, which may sound terrifying to some, actually plays an essential role in maintaining the balance and health of ocean ecosystems (Image 1).

Natural Balance and Vulnerability

Sharks help control the population growth of other organisms, allowing balance to be maintained at all levels of the food chain. But don’t be fooled — they are not indestructible. Sharks also have natural predators that regulate their numbers. In the natural process of life, they too serve as prey for other animals, such as orcas — and, though less naturally, for humans.

The Ocean’s Clean-Up Crew

Another role sharks play is helping to keep marine ecosystems clean. They do this by feeding on sick or dying fish, preventing diseases from spreading to healthy organisms.

Nutrient Transport: An Invisible Contribution

One important role that previously went unnoticed but is now more recognized is the nutrient cycling sharks provide through their feces. Yes, you read that right — shark poop contains nutrients that, once released into the water, become part of the marine ecosystem. These nutrients nourish algae, marine plants like kelp, coral, and phytoplankton, allowing them to grow.

It’s an endless cycle where everything is connected.

Not Monsters: Essential Ecosystem Players

Now do you see why sharks are so important? They are not monstrous creatures as movies portray them — they are essential players with a significant role in marine ecosystems.

A Delicate Balance Under Threat

But in reality, life in the ocean isn’t all rosy. Several factors are contributing to the decline of shark populations and other marine species, disrupting the fragile balance of marine ecosystems.

Among them is climate change, which has become more intense in recent years and is affecting ecosystems in ways we still don’t fully understand. Pollution also impacts marine organisms, causing the death of many individuals. But the leading cause of declining shark populations is overfishing, driven by the shark fin trade, which is highly valued in the Asian market, and in some countries, by the consumption of shark meat.

You Decide: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution

Remember when I said at the beginning that every action has an effect on life? Well, the actions I mentioned earlier have negative consequences — but they can also be transformed into positive ones.

We always have the power to choose. If we are part of the problem, we can also be part of the solution — by being more mindful of what we consume and how we choose to support the conservation of these incredible animals.

In these ever-changing times, it’s time to reflect and choose how we want to make an impact.