Even when a shark can live in an artificial habitat scientists learn little about the shark's distribution, migration, schooling and foraging behavior in the open sea. Whale sharks have few natural predators and they are not actively fished by any Western nation, although their fins are highly valued in the Eastern Market. Unfortunately, in much of the developing world, including India and Indonesia, whale sharks are slaughtered for their meat. As the world's population increases and food shortages become more of a problem, it is expected that third-world fishing nations will not ignore whale sharks as sources of protein. Longline fisheries catch huge numbers of sharks, and most are left to rot in the sea.
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. You can take an important step by adopting a shark. You can also support other conservation organizations that work to protect all marine life. Refuse to buy products made from a shark. For example, avoid restaurants that serve mako shark or shark fin soup, and write to companies that manufacture shark fin soup and express your disapproval.