The great white shark is the world''s largest predatory fish
NZ shark tourism plan could pose risk to divers
13 June 2008There are fears that a new shark tourism venture being planned for New Zealand''s Foveaux Strait could heighten the dangers faced by people diving in the region.
Two men from Dunedin are planning to operate tours that will allow tourists to go cage-diving near Stewart Island, in an area where seals, and consequently great white sharks, are abundant, reports Radio New Zealand.
Tourists will be given oxygen lines or diving equipment to breathe underwater and will be protected by a cage that has been specially constructed to ensure safety.
However, the concerns that have been expressed related not to the safety of the tourists but the professional divers working for companies fishing for paua, a species of edible sea snail, in the area.
The Paua Industry Council said the dive excursions could lead to the sharks associating boats and divers with food, as fish oil is thrown into the water to attract sharks to the cages.
John Montgomery, director of Auckland University''s Leigh Marine Laboratory, said these are legitimate concerns, as great white sharks have been known to associate boats with being fed.
Despite this fact, the diving tours are set to begin soon, with a dip in the water with a great white set to cost around $500 (£190) per person per day.
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