But not Richard Fitzpatrick. The marine biologist literally risks life and limb to fit electronic tags to the endangered creatures to learn more about them.

He catches the sharks by lassooing them by the tail and slipping a transmitter on to their dorsal fin. But that’s not enough excitement for Australian Richard – just for fun he then likes to  grab hold of the 18ft creature’s fin and hitch an exhilarating ride into the depths.

He said: “It’s all about exploring the unknown. The team are aware of the dangers and we take a doctor out with us. 

We are always geared up for the worst case scenario

Marine biologist Richard Fitzpatrick

“We are always geared up for the worst case scenario.

“You are always frightened. The day you are complacent is the day something could happen.”