Why Sharks Matter?

Sharks’ Crucial Role for Our Ocean

by Ara, AMD-B’s 2020 Divemaster Internship

Sharks are among the planet’s most enigmatic, ecologically significant, imperilled, and misunderstood creatures. Their reputation as predators of the deep has earned them a status more frequently feared than revered by humans. However, the reality is that sharks do not pose a significant threat to humans; instead, humans pose a substantial threat to sharks.

Though the question ‘why do sharks matter?’ has no simple answer, this doesn’t mean it isn’t a critical question. Understanding the shark’s crucial role is vital for our oceans’ health. Sharks play essential roles in helping to maintain the delicately balanced ecosystems that keep our oceans healthy.

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Sharks Matter!

One of the critical reasons why sharks matter is their contribution to preserving biodiversity. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the intricate web of life in the ocean. Their presence helps maintain the food chain balance, as they keep prey populations in check and prevent overgrazing of certain species.

Moreover, sharks remove weak and diseased individuals through opportunistic feeding, reducing disease incidence by maintaining low densities of prey populations. Sharks also play an essential role as facultative scavengers consuming dead carcasses, which can promote stability in food webs.

Furthermore, Sharks migration provides nutrient cycling and nutrient flux among coastal and oceanic ecosystems via nutrient excretion. Researchers estimate the sharks migration brings nitrogen daily onto the nutrient-limited reef, which dramatically helps keep the ecosystem healthy.

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Sharks also play a significant role in ecotourism and contribute to local economies. Many coastal communities rely on shark-related activities such as shark diving. These activities not only generate income but also raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation. Shark tourism allows people to witness these magnificent creatures up close, fostering appreciation and understanding. In turn, it creates a demand for their protection and conservation. By protecting shark populations, we can ensure the sustainability of these ecotourism ventures and the economic benefits they bring.

Sharks are not just fearsome creatures lurking in the ocean’s depths; they are vital to the health and balance of marine ecosystems. It is time to shift our perception of sharks and work towards their conservation and coexistence. Through education, awareness, and responsible practices, we can ensure these majestic creatures’ survival and safeguard our oceans’ health for generations.

Shark Attack

Shark Diving in Indonesia

Looking for some shark-y Indonesia diving? AMD-B ‘Beyond Bali’ Dive Travel Consultants would be delighted to put together the best possible arrangements to enable you to visit one – or all! – of the below Indonesian dive destinations! You can contact them on Tours@AquaMarineDiving.com.

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Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Bali

Catsharks in Komodo: Night-diving will increase your chances of encountering them as they’re nocturnal hunters.

Carpet aka Wobbegong sharks: There are multiple Raja Ampat dive sites where you can encounter Wobbegongs. You’ll see them lying on the bottom (including in caves) – hence the name ‘carpet’ – and are pretty cool with ambushing their prey. Also expect to see Grey and Black-tip reef sharks.

Reef sharks at Mimpang/Tepekong, Bali: You can see them out in the open, and sleeping in caves and under table corals. They’re very timid so please don’t harass them.

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West Papua, South Lombok, and Alor

Whalesharks in Cendrawasih Bay & Triton Bay, West Papua: You can visit either location whether you’re on a liveaboard or on a Day Trip from a resort. At most dive destinations, Whaleshark sightings are considered rare however these Whalesharks appear to be resident. However, you do need to know where and when to visit.

Hammerhead sharks at ‘The Magnet’, South Lombok: You’ll need gloves and a reef hook! Hammerhead season here is July to October; the currents can be VERY challenging however it’s worth it – “schools of hammerheads” should be on your bucketlist!
Hammerheads are also seen in the Banda Sea on their seasonal, migratory routes.

Thresher sharks in Alor: This one is like hitting a jackpot! There are multiple, seasonal records of schooling Thresher sharks in Alor but remember that sadly these days they are endangered and pretty rare.
A non-profit foundation registered under the Indonesian government has been established to pass on to the local populations that these creatures are at a high risk of extinction. Want to come and try your luck?

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Note: The majority of the dive sites where these big pelagics are usually encountered can have quite challenging currents. We suggest you get an Advanced certification (dive to greater depths) and – perhaps more importantly – your Drift Dive specialty before proceeding on your Indonesia Shark Diving Adventure.