Anger over pair who filmed themselves 'surfing' whale shark

Footage shows two men attempting to ride the protected creature, standing on its back as it follows their boat

A youtube video shows a man 'surfing' on the back of a whale shark (Youtube)

A video showing two men 'surfing' on the back of a whale shark has provoked outrage online.

The footage shows two men standing on the back of the whale shark while being pulled along by a rope attached to a boat. They apparently taunt the whale shark as it continues to follow the boat.

It is unclear where the film was taken.

A tweet from the London-based marine wildlife charity Marine Conservation called the incident "unacceptable".

Whale sharks are a protected species. They are found in warm tropical waters and can grow up to 12 metres in length. They feed on plankton and small fish.

The film shows a man attempting to 'surf' on the back of a whale shark [Youtube] (Youtube)

Whale sharks are docile creatures and it is not uncommon for swimmers to be able to ride on their backs.

The men's antics have nonetheless been sharply criticised online.