Sharks are renowned for their majestic beauty and power, and they’re also an essential part of the marine ecosystem. The next time you go on a shark tour, keep these impressive factors in mind as you admire the apex predators in their natural habitat.

What Makes Sharks Important?

1. Promote Better Health

Sharks primarily feed on weak and injured fish. They also scour the seafloor in search of carcasses and consume those, too. By eliminating the weakest members of the population, these creatures help healthy marine life survive and thrive. Reducing the number of sick fish also prevents the spread of disease and contributes to a healthier environment.

2. Boost Local Tourism

The sight of a shark in person can be intimidating and thrilling. Enthusiastic tourists and divers alike go on shark tours during their vacations to experience this unique sensation for themselves. Not only does this activity provide a fun adventure, but it also helps the local economy thrive. Shark-based tourism encourages people to visit areas populated by the creatures and drives interest in aquatic experiences, like snorkeling and cage diving.

3. Inspire Biomimicry Concepts

Biomimicry involves drawing on natural and biological processes to influence and create sustainable solutions for human problems. Shark skin is a significant contributor to this revolutionary concept. It’s coated in flat scales that are configured in a V-formation, a detail that you may notice during an encounter on a shark tour. Also known as dermal denticles, these teeth-like structures make it easier for sharks to swim quickly, efficiently, and silently. The unique texture inspired designers to create swimsuits with denticle-style fabric that boosts speed for Olympian swimmers.

If you’d like to witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, contact the team at Hawaii Shark Encounters in Haleiwa. These professionals offer safe shark tours where you can get up close and personal with the apex predators. No experience is necessary, and all excursions simply require a mask and snorkel. View a gallery of pictures from their past adventures online, or call (808) 351-9373 to book your reservation.