IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group
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Conservation Strategies: ​Angel Sharks

Angel sharks were once widespread throughout Europe’s seas, but are now extinct from much of their former range.  In particular, the Angel Shark (Squatina squatina) historically ranged from Scandinavia down to north-western Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas and the Canary Islands. Over the past several decades, overfishing and high bycatch of this species has severely depleted and fragmented these populations, leading to this species being listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2006. Today, the Canary Islands is the only place where the Critically Endangered Angel Shark is regularly sighted. However, here too they are under threat and urgent action is required to protect them in their last remaining stronghold. Two other species of angel shark, the Sawback Angelshark (S. aculeata) and the Smoothback Angelshark (S. oculata), are also found in European waters and are also listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We have reached a critical point for angel shark conservation in Europe and urgently need to secure the future of angel sharks across their natural range. 
Picture
Angelshark (Squatina squatina) in the Canary Islands. Photo Credit: Tony Gilbert

Publications

Please visit our list of publication linked to the Angel Shark Conservation Strategy to download the documents...
Angel Shark Publications

Press Release

JUNE 23, 2016 | ANGELSHARKS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS – THE LAST HOPE FOR THIS CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SHARK

  • Home
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Sponsors
    • Communication >
      • Visual Identity and Brand Guide
      • Communication Strategy
    • Documents
    • Membership | TOR
    • FAQ
  • Members
    • Who We Are >
      • Our Team
      • Our Members
      • Our History
    • Where We Work >
      • North America
      • Central America and the Caribbean
      • South America
      • Northern Europe
      • Mediterranean
      • Africa
      • Indian Ocean
      • ​Asia
      • Oceania
    • What We Do >
      • Aquarium Working Group
      • Assess Working Group
      • Bycatch Working Group
      • Communication Working Group
      • Deepwater Chondrichthyans Working Group
      • Future Leaders Working Group
      • Human Dimensions Working Group
      • Integrative Taxonomy Working Group
      • Marine Historical Ecology Working Group
  • Resources
    • Shark News >
      • Shark News | Submission Guidelines
    • Shark News Legacy
    • Publications >
      • Status Reports
      • Fisheries Management
      • Conservation Strategies
      • Migratory Species
      • SSG Statements
      • Identification Guide
      • Trade
      • Other
    • Scientific References
    • Conservation Strategies >
      • Conservation Strategies: Sawfish
      • Conservation Strategies: Devil and Manta Rays
      • Conservation Strategies: Angel Sharks
    • Policy Planning >
      • CITES >
        • CITES 17th CoP
      • The Convention on Migratory Species and Sharks
      • The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU)
      • The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Sharks
      • RFMOs
      • IPOA-Sharks
    • Workshops >
      • IUCN SSC SSG Workshops
      • Red List News
    • Press
    • Links
    • Media Resources
  • News
  • Contact
  • Donate