Stewart Island shark tourism company operating without permit

Stewart Island shark tourism company operating without permit

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, alarming reports are emerging from the Stewart Island shark tourism industry.

Shark cage operators take people diving in Foveaux Strait to go swimming with the sharks.

But the local paua divers think the cage operators are attracting more sharks to the area and increasing the risk and endangering the lives of the paua divers.

Just as alarming is the confusion about the way 'permits to operate' are being issued by the Department of Conservation and it seems the Government is turning a blind eye.

The cage operators are so frustrated, they're operating without permits.

So what's going on in the deep-south? Story decided to take the plunge.

Watch the video for the full Story report.