This galley is dedicated to what is probably the most misunderstood animal on the planet. Although many times demonized, sharks are incredibly important in our ocean's ecosystems. As apex predators they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of marine food chains. By keeping populations of other marine animals under control, sharks prevent overgrazing of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are vital habitats for many other species. Sharks also help to remove sick and weak individuals from populations, reducing the spread of disease and ensuring that only the fittest survive. Beyond their ecological importance, sharks are also of significant economic and cultural value. They are a top attraction for ecotourism and recreational diving, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. However, many species of sharks are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss and the demand for their fins in the shark fin trade.
Far from the constructed myth which portray sharks as mindless killing machines, they are still wild animals and active predators that may pose a threat to us humans as well and should be treated with caution and respect. The probabilities to get attacked by a shark are exceptionally rare but nonetheless it's important that we make ourselves aware of the risks and find ways to mitigate them, so we can advance our knowledge on these magnificent animals and help to protect both us and them.