07 October 2023 , 08:00
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This is the stunning moment a great white shark weighing nearly one tonne 'screams' before launching itself out of the water.
The incredible series, taken off the coast of Guadalupe Island in Mexico, shows a cluster of bubbles coming out of the great white's mouth resembles a voiceless 'shout.' But a split second later, the shark is seen leaping from the water, showing off its formidable rows of teeth.
Other awe-inspiring photos include an inquisitive shark getting up close and personal with an underwater photographer, and a great white shark 'grinning' ominously. Another shows a sleek and powerful shark launching itself at a bait hook. The extraordinary shots were snapped by wildlife photographer David Fleetham who travels the world shooting sea creatures on film.
The extraordinary shots were snapped by wildlife photographer David Fleetham (Mediadrumimages/NPL/DavidFleetham)Some of Fleetham's previous photos have appeared on numerous publications covers across the globe, notably including LIFE magazine where his photo remains the only underwater shot to grace the front cover. "The bubbles in front of the shark's mouth are actually from the bait being snatched out of the water just as the shark was about to bite it," the acclaimed photographer explained. "Shark 'wranglers' are adept at the game of luring the sharks in close to the cage for photographers. The goal is to not feed the sharks. Once they are full, they will go away. A free meal is all the great whites are interested in and they merely put up with the divers and cages for the small snacks that are offered.
"They have no interest in the people blowing bubbles and gawking at them between the bars." Since the release of the 1975 Hollywood Blockbuster Jaws, the great white shark has suffered from a tarnished reputation.
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The photographer got up close and personal (Mediadrumimages/NPL/DavidFleetham)Although great whites have attacked humans, the statistics show there are only between five and 10 incidents per year across the whole planet and fatal attacks are vanishingly rare. Thousands of the predators are slaughtered by humans every year, mainly for their fins for 'shark fin soup'. Fleetham believes we must all take responsibility for protecting our planet's waters and the creatures that dwell within them.
"My career has blessed me with over 40 years of encounters in the world's oceans and shown me a beauty I've never seen equalled on land," he said. "The world population hit 7.5 billion in 2017 and the global population is expected to reach between 8.3 and 10.9 billion by 2050.
"Over half of this population live within 60 miles of a coastline. I count myself as a lucky few to have spent so much time underwater. A great majority of the planet unwittingly endanger the health of the oceans inhabitants that have sustained our lives up to this point.
"Although major oil tanker accidents get big headlines, these spills only account for about five per cent of the oil that affects are seas. The runoff from a single city of five-million contains as much oil as one large tanker spill. Along with the oil goes toxic chemicals, plastic debris and raw sewage. We all must spread the word and try to become as aware as possible of our impact on the oceans."