ANGELSHARK ACTION PLAN FOR THE CANARY ISLANDS Expand The Angelshark was once common in the Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea, but their range has drastically declined during the past century due to intensified fishing. Although there have been increased reports from Cardigan Bay (Wales) and occasional reports from across the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands is the only known location where they can be regularly encountered. We need to take action to ensure this population is protected.In 2016 we teamed up with the Angel Shark Project (a collaboration between Zoological Society of London, University of Las Palmas Gran Canaria, and Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig), the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, and Submon. Together we developed the Angelshark Action Plan for the Canary Islands (Barker et al., 2016) which outlines goals and objectives to meet the vision that Angelsharks in the Canary Islands are abundant and protected in their unique stronghold.This plan now forms the backbone of conservation action for this species around the Canary Islands.► Angelshark Action Plan for the Canary Islands (pdf): ENGLISH | SPANISH
EASTERN ATLANTIC & MEDITERRANEAN ANGEL SHARK CONSERVATION STRATEGY Expand There are three species of angel shark in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean: Angelshark (Squatina squatina) Sawback Angelshark (S. aculeata) Smoothback Angelshark (S. oculata) All three are Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Most information is known about the ecology, distribution, and decline of the Angelshark, with much less known about Sawback and Smoothback Angelsharks.The Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Angel Shark Conservation Strategy (Gordon et al., 2017) was developed as a framework for improved protection of these three Critically Endangered species. It serves as a catalyst for action and strives to bring regional experts together to deliver the Strategy goals. The main aims are to: Improve the overall profile of angel sharks Increase the number of sightings reported Generate a better understanding of current distribution Contribute to IUCN Red List reassessments, and Identify new collaboration opportunities to increase conservation action. The vision of this Conservation Strategy is that: Angel sharks in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean are restored to robust populations and safeguarded throughout their range.We’re now actively pursuing the goals of this Strategy, particularly through implementation in the Mediterranean.► Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean Angelshark Conservation Strategy (pdf): ENGLISH | FRENCH | SPANISH
REGIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN Expand The Mediterranean is a risky place to be a shark. At least 50% of rays and 54% of sharks in this region face an elevated risk of extinction, including the three species of angel sharks. While measures do exist for the management of these species under the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), not all are implemented. We’re working to improve the protection of angel sharks in the Mediterranean. To achieve this goal, next steps will include: Enhancing the understanding of species distribution Quantifying incidental catch, and enforcing existing management measures. These steps will be guided by the development and delivery of a Mediterranean Action Plan with input from regional experts. This action plan will aid to: Increase the profile of angel sharks in the Mediterranean Classify threats faced Foster collaboration between stakeholders, and Facilitate the implementation and adoption of legislation. Do you have any information about angel sharks in the Mediterranean? If so, please get in touch.
ANGEL SHARK CONSERVATION NETWORK (ASCN) Expand The Angel Shark Conservation Network (ASCN) was established to enable individuals and organisations working to protect angel sharks to stay connected. The success of the Conservation Strategy and Regional Action Plans is down to those working together towards the common Visions. Quarterly email bulletins provide updates on conservation activities from members. All interested parties are invited to join the ASCN and help to deliver the objectives laid out in each document. ► To join the ASCN, submit angel shark sightings and download extra resources, visit www.angelsharknetwork.com
GLOBAL Expand To date, we’ve focused on the three Critically Endangered angel sharks in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. With so many members of the angel shark family threatened, we’re working to build better profiles for all species and increase sightings records. We’ll soon be developing a global ID guide to feature all described angel sharks.