Sydney, Oct 21 A new Australian research suggests that the presence of sharks in oceans draws more tourists than scaring them away.

WWF Australia spokesman Nick Heath said a recent study by James Cook University revealed that tourists were often more willing to dive in shark infested waters.

However, he was quick to point out that the population of sharks was declining rapidly.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Heath as saying: "We must do more to protect these top predators from disappearing on our watch, if not for the benefit of the environment, then at least for the benefit of the back pocket.

"A guaranteed shark sighting is worth its weight in gold to the tourism industry."

The study also found that hammerhead sharks were the most popular among divers, followed by whale sharks and tiger sharks. (ANI)