curious. swimming around me for a closer look before gliding away. this guide says they want to teach visitors to protect sharks. the shark is the perfect machine, the perfect predator, he says. it s inspiring, emotional and satisfying to interact with them. marine biologists say robust shark populations are necessary to maintain health coral reefs. in 2015 cuba placed restrictions on shark fishing. one of an increasing number of countries in the caribbean to realize sharks are not only important to the environment but a way to attract visitors. people in the caribbean used to commonly catch and kill sharks either for food because they were considered a nuisance, but warmer countries in this region are now taking steps to protect sharks. it s not just about conservation. shark tourism, visitors