As apex predators, sharks play an important role in the ecosystem by maintaining the species below them in the food chain and serving as an indicator for ocean health. They help remove the weak and the sick as well as keeping the balance with competitors helping to ensure species diversity.

Why are sharks important to humans?

Alongside other predators, sharks play important roles in helping to maintain the delicately balanced ecosystems that keep our oceans healthy. Their feeding can affect prey population numbers, but also prey distribution as they select a habitat to avoid being eaten.

What would happen without sharks?

Sharks are necessary for keeping the populations of their prey healthy. ... Sharks are considered a 'keystone' species. This means that if they are removed from the food chain, the whole structure could collapse. Without sharks regulating the ecosystem underwater, vital habitats would undergo serious damage.