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These stunning pictures show a real life 'mermaid' swimming with whales.

Hannah Fraser, who goes by the name Hannah Mermaid, swam with pilot and humpback whales in the South Pacific Ocean while Emmy award-winning cinematographer, Shawn Heinrichs filmed.

The pair are aiming to raise awareness for the plight of the marine mammals at the hands of whalers.

The duo also created a feature film titled Betrayal to highlight their conservation message.

Hannah, 37, has been fascinated by mermaids since she was a tot and created her first mermaid tail when she was nine.

She said: "Being in the ocean is where I feel the most free and expressive. You can feel the connection and abundance of life around you as they move with the same currents, work symbiotically to survive, and adapt to suit their environment.

"Most sea animals are curious and interested in the humans that enter their world with respect."

As well as working as a "mermaid for hire" she also makes and sells her own tails.

The real life mermaid added: "In 2002 I created my second mermaid tail, a fully functional tail much faster than my childhood one. The unusual construction was a plastic boomerang, two coat hangers, flippers and a lot of duct tape inside wetsuit material."

Hannah can hold her breath for up to two minutes and swim to depths of 45 feet.

Watch Hannah wearing her mermaid tail in this fascinating video clip below.