Hannah Fraser, an underwater model and activist, has danced with tiger sharks without any protection to raise awareness against the Australian shark cull.
Fraser had already swum with sharks before, but this time the professional mermaid wanted to be in the center of shark-infested waters in the Bahamas. So it was clearly one of the most dangerous challenges with the ocean's predator.
The talented underwater performer teamed up with cinematographer and photographer Shawn Heinrichs to oppose not only the Australian shark cull but also the global slaughter of sharks.
"It's easy to connect with the happy dolphin. This is not easy, but it is necessary. I've been in serious prep. Emotionally, physically, mentally, but there's still that human fear," explains Hannah Fraser.
The team behind the underwater shoot proved that sharks could seek affection from humans. We are not only a food source; we can also be friends. Fraser is trying to stop the Western Australian government's proposal to continue the shark cull for the next three years. A petition is now available online.
"Great White sharks are suspected to be responsible for many fatal shark bites, yet not a single great white was caught in the drum lines while tiger sharks make up 95% of the sharks that were caught when they have no history of fatal bites since 1929," the petition tells.
Every time Hannah Fraser jumped into the water, she had to be body painted for two and a half hours, avoiding bright colors and tones.
"This is not a for a publicity stunt. If we can inspire other people around the globe to find that connection point with animals like these, then it's all worth it," she concludes.