Did you know that sharks are a critical component to keep coral reefs healthy? The simple version follows: Smaller fish graze on algae growing on the coral...larger fish keep the smaller fish in balance, and sharks keep the larger fish in check. When shark populations deminish, the larger fish grow in populations, eating too many of the smaller fish, and thus algae grows more rapidly on the coral, smothering them. ...the balance of nature is delicate...complex, and wonderful...