Riyadh: The world marks Shark Awareness Day on July 14 each year to highlight the species’ ecological importance and vital role in maintaining marine balance, as sharks feed on weak and sick fish, helping prevent the spread of disease among other species.

According to Saudi Press Agency, on the occasion, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture renews its call to promote responsible environmental behavior and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting marine species, especially endangered ones such as sharks. Its endeavor aims to highlight their vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and preventing biological imbalances caused by overfishing or depletion.

The Environmental Department director at the ministry’s Eastern Region Branch, Eng. Akram Al-Marhoon, indicated that sharks sit at the top of the marine food chain, so a decline or extinction of shark populations would impact the entire marine food web. “Sharks serve as the first line of defense for seagrass beds against overgrazing by dugongs, sea turtles, and other herbivores. As sharks patrol seagrass meadows, grazing animals tend to avoid those areas, promoting balanced grazing across the habitat,” he said.

The manager of Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building at the ministry’s Eastern Region Branch, Muneer Al-Sakhin, stated that sharks face several threats impacting their sustainability, including overfishing, bycatch, and pollution. He also noted that the majority of shark species are either endangered or at risk of extinction, with some reports indicating that nearly one-third of all shark species are threatened.