Conservationist Leon Deschamps hopes images of him patting tiger sharks while they tear chunks off the dead whale he is sitting on will help dispel the ocean predators’ image as bloodthirsty man eaters.

“Tiger sharks are not aggressive,” Mr Deschamps said, “And I thought the most effective way to demonstrate that would be by throwing ourselves into the middle of a feeding frenzy.

They were sedate in their movements and far from aggressive, despite it being a time when they are supposed to be at their most ferocious. I think they enjoyed the experience.”

The sharks may have enjoyed the experience, but Australian officials did not.

…a Department of Environment and Conservation spokesman warned that touching whales was illegal and people were encouraged not to interfere with sharks because of the risk of attack.

“This is highly irresponsible and dangerous behaviour and puts people’s lives at risk,” the spokesman said.

Deschamps claims the region’s tourism officials have been frustrated with his efforts to promote the area’s rich shark population, fearing it will negatively affect tourism.

[Via: PerthNow]