A man in the Western Australian town of Shark Bay, 850 kilometers north of Perth, is on a mission to change people's perceptions of a feared sea predator.

Shark enthusiast Leon Deschamp, released video footage of his friends stroking wild sharks while the creatures were feeding on the carcass of a dead whale. Deschamp, also known as the "shark whisperer", said the widely feared marine predator has a gentle side.

Leon Deschamp, Shark Enthusiast, said, "They're probably the most misunderstood animal on the face of the planet."

Deschamp hopes that by showing his footage of Shark Bay, home to more than 40 shark species, the area could become a rival tourist attraction with dolphins at nearby Monkey Mia.

Leon Deschamp said, "It was a fantastic experience and really in a town that for 30 years has existed their entire economy on the patting of dolphins I just thought perhaps Shark Bay could go in a new direction for 2010."

Some critics have charged that Deschamp is irresponsible by encouraging the public to put their lives at risk. Deschamp was even nominated for an award as "the most stupid person on the planet." But the negative publicity doesn't seem to bother Deschamp, who described the nomination as "a humbling gesture".

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