> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://psychophilosophy.gitbook.io/crypto-whale-sharks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://psychophilosophy.gitbook.io/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/overview.md).
# OVERVIEW
The whale shark is at the heart of the project as a symbol of balance in natural ecosystems.
ππ³π¦ Whale sharks are a keystone species, playing a vital role in indirectly influencing other species in the marine ecosystem ππ. Their control of small plankton π¦ and fish π populations affects larger predatory species and affects overall biodiversity π‘π¬π’.
Even in death β οΈ the whale shark's influence is massive, acting like a shipwreck :pirate\_flag: of a valuable vessel carrying treasure :gem:. The whale shark carcass attracts a diverse range of species, creating a feast that enriches surrounding waters and supports new life π¦π¦π¦.
Similarly, the CWS platform uses smart contracts and systems to form a cohesive ecosystem mirroring the natural marine ecosystem. These are reffered to as islets & habitats ππ΄π.
Our ποΈ islets & habitats :tropical\_fish: provide a variety of utilities for users that creates a π resilient system inspired by the marine ecosystem.
[Read the Visual Paper](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/overview/details.md)
ππ³π¦ CWS Project TL;DR:
* The CWS ecosystem is inspired by marine ecosystem with whale sharks as keystone species.
* Smart contracts and systems used to form cohesive system of tokens, LP tokens, and non-token smart contracts called The [CWS Islets](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/islets-vaults.md) or [Habitats](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/habitats.md).
* [Whale Shark NFT](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-721.md) token maintains balance and diversity of ecosystem, providing access to specific areas and acquiring the [Plankton token](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-20.md).
* The [Plankton token](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-20.md) is foundation of ecosystem, generating reflections in the form of [wBTC](https://wbtc.network/) for token holders & generating liquidity.
* The [Shipwreck Reef](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/islets-vaults.md#the-shipwreck-reef) is an islet contract that distributes ETH from NFT royalties to various parties including [Whale Shark NFT](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-721.md) token holders.
* The [Pirates Booty Bay](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/islets-vaults.md#the-pirates-booty-bay) is an NFT instant stream contract that incentivizes holding [Whale Shark NFT](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-721.md) and creates price floor for CWS NFTs in ETH, PLNKTON and LPs.
* The [Mangrove Lagoon](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/islets-vaults.md#the-mangrove-lagoon) is a NFT vested streaming smart contract that distributes tokens to [Whale Shark NFT](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-721.md) holders over time.
* The [Wilderness Islets](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/islets-vaults/the-wilderness-islets.md) (aka Deep Sea Vaults) are third party services that we use to incentivize liquidity and where [Whale Shark NFT](/crypto-whale-sharks/the-cws-ecosystem/erc-721.md) go to filter feed plankton.
ππ Continue reading to dive into :person\_swimming:β΅ The CWS Ecosystemπ π¬π¦
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