Angel sharks are a critically endangered species of shark that are typically found in the Mediterranean Sea. They are considered to be one of the rarest shark species. Recently, this shark has been spotted on a camera which was originally used to track a group of bottlenose dolphins off of Cardigan Bay.
Angel sharks, whose bodies are more flat and somewhat resemble wobbegong sharks, disguise themselves in the sediment underwater. Unfortunately, their method of disguising themselves in the sand to catch prey has been the cause of their decline in numbers. They are also often the victim of accidental fishing catches, as well as their habitat increasingly being destroyed or disturbed due to overfishing and pollution.
This angel shark sighting has stirred up marine conservation efforts, with the “UK beginning to discuss a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas.”
