Sharks are the apex predators in the sea, that is they are at the top of the food chain. Apex predators prey upon healthy animals and thus ensure diversity and control populations. When apex predators are eliminated from any area an ecological imbalance results. Sharks are vital in maintaining the balance and therefore health of the worlds oceans which make up 4/5ths of the planets surface. An ecological imbalance for 4/5ths of the worlds surface is going to cause major problems for the remaining 1/5th. Why