Understanding the Predators of the Deep.

1. Dive into the World of
Sharks: Exploring Their
Ecology, Conservation, and
Importance
Contents

2. Contents
Sharks and their Ecology
Threats Facing Shark Populations and
Conservation Importance
Global Impact of Preserving Sharks
Dispelling Misconceptions and Myths
Responsible Practices for Shark
Encounters and Eco-Tourism
Species and their Functions
References

3. Sharks and their Ecology
Understanding the Predators of the Deep
Sharks are a cartilaginous species of fish with an ancient lineage within the marine ecosystem.
These cold-blooded elasmobranchs have sharp teeth and sleek bodies, inhabiting various aquatic
environments. From whale sharks, to Great Whites, these creatures have evolved and adapted to
survive specific ecological niches. Because of this, they play a very distinctive and vital role within
marine ecosystems (Heupel et al., 2019). They are known for their unique physiological features
such as their ability to migrate vast distances, as well as their highly developed senses (Dulvy et
al., 2014) . Because they are apex predators, they help regulate trophic levels, maintaining a
healthy balance in marine food webs and stability of the marine ecosystem (Estes et al., 2011) .

5. Threats Facing Shark Populations and
Conservation Importance

6. Global Impact of Preserving Sharks
Maintains balance of marine ecosystem, preventing tropic cascades
and promoting biodiversity
(B., Davis, B., Kettemer, L., et al. 2013)
Promotes carbon sequestration by sustaining marine habitats
(Gallagher, A. J., Vianna, G. M., Papastamatiou, Y. P., et al. 2015)
Regulates prey populations, preventing uneven distributions and
enhancing resilience (Estes, J. A., Terborgh, J., Brashares, J. S., et al. 2011).
Ensures sustainable fisheries, supporting food security
(Clarke, S. C., McAllister, M. K., Milner-Gulland, E. J., et al. 2006).
Contributes to nutrient cycling, disease regulation and
ecosystem productivity
Clarke, S. C., McAllister, M. K., Milner-Gulland, E. J., et al. (2006)

7. Dispelling Misconceptions and Myths
Demystifying these wonderful creatures

8. Responsible Practices for Shark
Encounters and Eco-Tourism
Know better, do better

9. References
• Heupel, M. R., Simpfendorfer, C. A., & Fitzpatrick, R. (2019). Large‐Scale movement and reef fidelity of grey reef sharks.
PLoS ONE, 14(4), e0213995.
• Dulvy, N. K., Fowler, S. L., Musick, J. A., Cavanagh, R. D., Kyne, P. M., Harrison, L. R., ... & Simpfendorfer, C. A. (2014).
Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s sharks and rays. eLife, 3, e00590.
• Estes, J. A., Terborgh, J., Brashares, J. S., Power, M. E., Berger, J., Bond, W. J., ... & Wardle, D. A. (2011). Trophic
downgrading of planet Earth. Science, 333(6040), 301-306.
• Heupel, M. R., Simpfendorfer, C. A., & Fitzpatrick, R. (2019). Large‐Scale movement and reef fidelity of grey reef sharks.
PLoS ONE, 14(4), e0213995.
• Dulvy, N. K., Fowler, S. L., Musick, J. A., Cavanagh, R. D., Kyne, P. M., Harrison, L. R., ... & Simpfendorfer, C. A. (2014).
Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s sharks and rays. eLife, 3, e00590.
• Estes, J. A., Terborgh, J., Brashares, J. S., Power, M. E., Berger, J., Bond, W. J., ... & Wardle, D. A. (2011). Trophic
downgrading of planet Earth. Science, 333(6040), 301-306.

10. References
• Ben G Thomas. (2018 July 26). Shark Conservation . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI2VIjuYqGk
• TEDxTalks. (2015 July 14). Saving Sharks- a model for saving the world| Chris Fischer| TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue.
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rSyfRZGbhI
• Worm, B., Davis, B., Kettemer, L., et al. (2013). Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding options for sharks.
Nature, 494(7437), 285-288.
• Gallagher, A. J., Vianna, G. M., Papastamatiou, Y. P., et al. (2015). Shark-diving tourism as a form of nonconsumptive
shark exploitation. Current Issues in Tourism, 18(10), 797-812.
• Estes, J. A., Terborgh, J., Brashares, J. S., et al. (2011). Trophic downgrading of planet Earth. Science, 333(6040), 301-306
• Clarke, S. C., McAllister, M. K., Milner-Gulland, E. J., et al. (2006). Global estimates of shark catches using trade records
from commercial markets. Ecology Letters, 9(10), 1115-1126.
• Ben G Thomas. (2020 August 13). Shark Misconceptions. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmOSE1mr1b4