In this episode, Vinisha and Shannen discuss the importance and value sharks bring to their ecosystems and overall in nature. Although sharks have a rather violent and vicious portrayal in the media, these apex predators play essential roles in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. Many consider sharks to the “doctors of the ocean” due to their role in feeding off the weakest individuals of the prey, which results in the improvement of the genetic health of the ocean! These marine animals also have close ties to many different economies throughout the human tourists they attract throughout different parts of the globe. Their prized shark meat and oil should not be overlooked as they are heavily desired in the human economy, which raises ethical issues in the unsustainable practices done to obtain these goods. This episode further looks into how humans have and continue to affect shark populations through various types of activities. The shark fin trade, bycatch, and overfishing all threaten the survival of the Shark species in the 21st century. Make sure to listen until the end of the podcast to learn more on how you can help to resolve this problem through different sustainable methods. To learn more about sharks’ role in the environment and what you can do to help, refer to these sources: 

https://usa.oceana.org/blog/bycatch-spotlight-one-biggest-issues-facing-sharks-today 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissacristinamarquez/2019/03/26/why-sharks-matter/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/save-sharks-swimming-them-180952302/ 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/onward/2013/03/01/100-million-sharks-killed-every-year-study-shows-on-eve-of-international-conference-on-shark-protection/ 

https://www.allure.com/story/squalane-vs-squalene-skin-care-difference