An image of   a diver hit out of a dive coop and have-to doe with the nozzle of a shark off the sea-coast of Guadalupe Island , Mexico , has been circulating online and in the media . While the photograph is doubtlessly eye - capture , expert have discourage that this is a really , really dumb estimation .

First of all , in event it was n’t obvious , mess up around with a 2,268 - kilogram ( 5,000 - pound)great snowy sharkis exceedingly dangerous . Not only are these solar apex predator exceptionally powerful and quick , their behavior is also extremely severe to anticipate , even if you ’re an expert .

consequently , all established cage - diving society apply strict rules to ensure divers keep their bodies and cameras inside the shark John Cage . This is to protect the divers , as much as it is to protect the shark themselves .

Diver touches not bad livid shark on the nozzle as fellow diver throw out sweetener : https://t.co / GvlkRdSQnWpic.twitter.com / Emm7BNWMLM

— ABC News ( @ABC)January 25 , 2016

“ The animal can get squeeze inside or be damaged by ramming the cage , " explained   shark biologist   Dr. Austin Gallagher toEarth Touch News . " Nobody should ever encourage this type of behavior . This is one of the dumbest and most dangerous shark fundamental interaction I have ever realise . Actions like this by daredevils put the entire industry at peril and I hope those involved are prosecuted by Mexican official . ”

Although most people repost these images with good – or simply innocuous – intentions , sharing them is also a concern to some shark researchers .

Photographs such as these are a doubly - edged sword :   While they might ab initio pile up attention and involvement in sharks and their preservation , it could also   be   potentially damaging to their already   tarnished reputation .

Talking toEarth Touch News , shark biologistDr . Christopher Loweexplained : “ When footage like this gets out , it gets attending and encourages more people to do it .   As the onetime saying goes : ' It ’s all fun and games until someone gets their arm sting off ! ' The next handsy mate might not be so lucky , and an incident like that would likely close down those operations . ”