NewsAnimalsFeeding sharks junk food takes a toll on their healthA diet of poor-quality scraps is changing the behavior and physiology of blacktip reef sharks Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) on the island of Mo'orea receive food scraps from tourists, but it may not be great for their long-term health.Johann MourierBy Jake Buehler11 seconds agoIn general, sharks have a reputation as swimming garbage cans that unflinchingly dine on whatever they can fit in their jaws. But in French Polynesia, blacktip reef sharks that frequent places where tourists toss them low-quality scraps are taking a hit to their metabolic and reproductive health, researchers report December 24 in Animal Conservation.Around the world, snorkeling or diving tourists who want to see sharks in their natural habitat may lure them with food. A particularly popular location for shark feeding is Moorea, a small island near Tahiti.On the sand bank shallows, tourists in boats and kayaks congregate to see the sharks and stingrays, tossing them everything from frozen squid to human food scraps.