The ‘Big Five’ refers to the five most amazing African animals that safari-goers most hope to see – the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard.

Although originally coined by hunters, the term now is a major tourism hook for the continent.

Marine Research Scientist Mark Meekan, told Jamie Burnett on Weekends WA was missing tourism gold, with out very own ‘Big Marine Five’.

“Think about it we’ve got whale sharks, and that industry is already very well developed. But we’ve also got manta rays… which are so elegant they’re poetry in motion really,” Mr Meekan said.

“We’ve got tiger sharks, and they’re a top order predator every bit as fearsome as a lion. But you can actually snorkel with those at Ningaloo.”

And the humpback whale and turtles are the other two.

Click PLAY to hear more about the incredible Marine wildlife and tourism opportunities in WA.