8ft ambush shark 'more common' than thought on Welsh coast
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An enigmatic species of shark known to be favour Welsh waters could be more abundant than previous suspected, scientists believe. The Angel shark, a large flat species resembling a stingray, is unique because it has evolved very differently to other types of shark.
Previously only reliably spotted around the Canary Islands, catch evidence from Welsh fishermen has shown that Cardigan Bay is also a stronghold for this elusive and vulnerable species.
The Welsh population had thought to be shrinking dramatically as a result of habitat damage and bycatch fishing, with one study indicating a 70% decline since 1970. A major conservation project was launched in the hope of saving a species that lingers on the sea floor, half-buried in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim near them. They can grow up to 2.4m (8ft) long.
However a new study, 'People & Nature', from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) suggests previous Angel shark counts were wide of the mark. Its authors believes changes to commercial fishing practices have seen fewer angel sharks caught.
As the speckled, caramel-coloured sharks are masters of camouflage, finding them on the sea floor is virtually impossible. Instead, evidence from boat captains is the only reliable way the population can be assessed. It's now thought fishermen are catching fewer not because numbers are dwindling but because they are targeting different waters and using species-specific nets.
To reach its conclusions, the ZSL-led study harnessed the expertise of Welsh fishing organisations. Co-author was Charlie Bartlett, a charter fisherman from Gwynedd, who said: 'I've spent over 50 years working along the Welsh coast, and over the years I've come to know these waters inside out.
'With their large, flat fins, Angel sharks are unlike any other shark we see here - and over the years I've been fortunate to encounter the species a number of times.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
(Image: Charlie Barlett)
In the 40 years to 2020, some 1,642 Angel sharks were reported in Welsh coastal waters. A particular safe haven is in an area south of the Llŷn Peninsula. While they pose very little risk to humans, they have been known to bite when provoked.
Literature analysis going back two centuries revealed they have a long maritime heritage in Wales. No fewer than 16 different names were uncovered, including Monkfish, Banjofish, Bafoon, Shovelnose and Devilfish.
Its traditional Welsh name is Maelgi (Monkfish). The species has been adopted as the flagship species for marine conservation in Wales.
Working with the Welsh Fishermen's Association (Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr) and Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, scientists interviewed 27 fishers about their operations between 1968 and 2019. It became clear modern practices involve fewer interactions with Angel sharks, leading to fewer sightings.
(Image: Jake Davies/JD Scuba/Project SIARC)
Lead author Francesca Mason, a ZSL researcher at the Institute of Zoology's Ocean Predator Lab, said: 'There may be more Angel sharks swimming off the Welsh coast than we previously thought – we're just having a harder time spotting them.
'While this is a good sign if less Angel sharks are being caught accidentally, it also means we now need new ways to monitor them to build a more accurate picture of how these sharks are doing.'
Instead of relying on chance sightings, scientists are now pinning their hopes on a novel technique involving environmental DNA (eDNA). This can build up in the shark's surroundings through the shedding of dead skin cells or blood loss from a wound.
Already eDNA is being measured for Angel Shark Project: Wales, part of the wider work of Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities).
(Image: Jake Davies/JD Scuba/Project SIARC)
Jake Davies, technical specialist for Project SIARC, said: 'With their excellent camouflage, one of the hardest challenges we face studying Angel sharks is simply finding them. eDNA allows us to study species without having to spot them.
'By studying eDNA in Cardigan and Carmarthen Bays, we've confirmed the presence of a range of native sharks, skates and rays - including Angel sharks - in these more turbulent waters where other monitoring methods aren't as effective.
'Fishers today may be less likely to come across Angel sharks than they were 50 years ago, but through combining this technique with local knowledge, we can continue building a stronger picture of their status and distribution along the Welsh coast.'
The Angel shark work was supported by the On the Edge conservation charity, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the Welsh Government's Nature Networks Fund. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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Wales Online
13 hours ago
- Wales Online
8ft ambush shark 'more common' than thought on Welsh coast
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An enigmatic species of shark known to be favour Welsh waters could be more abundant than previous suspected, scientists believe. The Angel shark, a large flat species resembling a stingray, is unique because it has evolved very differently to other types of shark. Previously only reliably spotted around the Canary Islands, catch evidence from Welsh fishermen has shown that Cardigan Bay is also a stronghold for this elusive and vulnerable species. The Welsh population had thought to be shrinking dramatically as a result of habitat damage and bycatch fishing, with one study indicating a 70% decline since 1970. A major conservation project was launched in the hope of saving a species that lingers on the sea floor, half-buried in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim near them. They can grow up to 2.4m (8ft) long. However a new study, 'People & Nature', from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) suggests previous Angel shark counts were wide of the mark. Its authors believes changes to commercial fishing practices have seen fewer angel sharks caught. As the speckled, caramel-coloured sharks are masters of camouflage, finding them on the sea floor is virtually impossible. Instead, evidence from boat captains is the only reliable way the population can be assessed. It's now thought fishermen are catching fewer not because numbers are dwindling but because they are targeting different waters and using species-specific nets. To reach its conclusions, the ZSL-led study harnessed the expertise of Welsh fishing organisations. Co-author was Charlie Bartlett, a charter fisherman from Gwynedd, who said: 'I've spent over 50 years working along the Welsh coast, and over the years I've come to know these waters inside out. 'With their large, flat fins, Angel sharks are unlike any other shark we see here - and over the years I've been fortunate to encounter the species a number of times.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Charlie Barlett) In the 40 years to 2020, some 1,642 Angel sharks were reported in Welsh coastal waters. A particular safe haven is in an area south of the Llŷn Peninsula. While they pose very little risk to humans, they have been known to bite when provoked. Literature analysis going back two centuries revealed they have a long maritime heritage in Wales. No fewer than 16 different names were uncovered, including Monkfish, Banjofish, Bafoon, Shovelnose and Devilfish. Its traditional Welsh name is Maelgi (Monkfish). The species has been adopted as the flagship species for marine conservation in Wales. Working with the Welsh Fishermen's Association (Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr) and Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, scientists interviewed 27 fishers about their operations between 1968 and 2019. It became clear modern practices involve fewer interactions with Angel sharks, leading to fewer sightings. (Image: Jake Davies/JD Scuba/Project SIARC) Lead author Francesca Mason, a ZSL researcher at the Institute of Zoology's Ocean Predator Lab, said: 'There may be more Angel sharks swimming off the Welsh coast than we previously thought – we're just having a harder time spotting them. 'While this is a good sign if less Angel sharks are being caught accidentally, it also means we now need new ways to monitor them to build a more accurate picture of how these sharks are doing.' Instead of relying on chance sightings, scientists are now pinning their hopes on a novel technique involving environmental DNA (eDNA). This can build up in the shark's surroundings through the shedding of dead skin cells or blood loss from a wound. Already eDNA is being measured for Angel Shark Project: Wales, part of the wider work of Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities). (Image: Jake Davies/JD Scuba/Project SIARC) Jake Davies, technical specialist for Project SIARC, said: 'With their excellent camouflage, one of the hardest challenges we face studying Angel sharks is simply finding them. eDNA allows us to study species without having to spot them. 'By studying eDNA in Cardigan and Carmarthen Bays, we've confirmed the presence of a range of native sharks, skates and rays - including Angel sharks - in these more turbulent waters where other monitoring methods aren't as effective. 'Fishers today may be less likely to come across Angel sharks than they were 50 years ago, but through combining this technique with local knowledge, we can continue building a stronger picture of their status and distribution along the Welsh coast.' The Angel shark work was supported by the On the Edge conservation charity, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the Welsh Government's Nature Networks Fund. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's on in your area
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Wales Online
8ft shark found in Wales could be 'more common' than first thought
8ft shark found in Wales could be 'more common' than first thought The Angel shark is an enigmatic species with a unique evolutionary history and is known to be present in Welsh waters. New research suggests they may be more common than previously thought. Angel sharks are very hard to spot (Image: Zoological Society of London ) Scientists have suggested that the Angel shark, an enigmatic species that favours Welsh waters, may be more widespread than previously believed. Characterised by its large flat body, similar to a stingray, the Angel shark has evolved distinctly from other sharks. The species was predominantly seen around the Canary Islands, but recent catches by Welsh fishermen indicate Cardigan Bay as another habitat stronghold for the elusive and vulnerable creature. Conservationists had feared a severe decline in the Welsh Angel shark population, citing habitat destruction and accidental capture in fisheries, with research pointing to a 70% reduction since 1970. As a result, a significant conservation effort was set in motion to protect these bottom-dwellers, known for lying in wait under sand and mud to ambush prey. The sharks can reach lengths of up to 2.4m. However, a new entry in the journal "People and Nature" by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), could mean past population estimates of Angel sharks were inaccurate. The study suggests possible changes in fishing practices, such as reductions in Angel shark bycatch, due to adjustments in commercial fishing operations, reports North Wales Live. Since Angel sharks, with their dappled, caramel colouring, are adept at hiding on the seabed, visual surveys are hardly feasible. Consequently, information from skippers provides the most dependable method for assessing their numbers. Current theories propose that diminished captures could be attributable to fishing efforts being directed elsewhere or the use of nets designed to exclude specific species. Article continues below An Angel shark half buried in sand waiting to pounce (Image: Michael Sealey/NRW ) According to a study led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which tapped into Welsh fishing organisations' knowledge, some startling findings on Angel sharks have emerged. Co-author Charlie Bartlett, a charter fisherman hailing from Gwynedd, shared his experience: "I've spent over 50 years working along the Welsh coast, and over the years I've come to know these waters inside out." He further noted the uniqueness of the species encountered in those waters: "With their large, flat fins, Angel sharks are unlike any other shark we see here - and over the years I've been fortunate to encounter the species a number of times." Local attention has also been captured with reports that 1,642 Angel sharks have graced the waters off the Welsh coast over four decades up to 2020, finding a particular sanctuary south of the Llŷn Peninsula. Although posing minimal threat to humans, it's worth noting that they can bite if threatened. Historical literature review stretching back 200 years indicated that Angel sharks have been part of Wales's maritime culture for a very long time, having been known by at least 16 different monikers like Monkfish, Banjofish, Bafoon, Shovelnose, and Devilfish. Maelgi, another term for Monkfish, is its traditional Welsh name, and the creature itself has been chosen as the symbol of marine conservation efforts in Wales. The research collaboration with entities like the Welsh Fishermen's Association (Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr) and Angling Cymru Sea Anglers involved discussions with 27 fishers about their fishing practices from 1968 to 2019. These talks revealed that contemporary fishing methods lead to lesser interaction with and consequently fewer sightings of Angel sharks. Researcher Francesca Mason stated: "There may be more Angel sharks swimming off the Welsh coast than we previously thought – we're just having a harder time spotting them. A fisherman with an Angel shark caught near Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, in the 1980s (Image: Charlie Barlett ) "While this is a good sign if less Angel sharks are being caught accidentally, it also means we now need new ways to monitor them to build a more accurate picture of how these sharks are doing." Due to the difficulties of relying on chance sightings, researchers are now turning to an innovative technique involving environmental DNA (eDNA). The technique detects DNA from skin cells or blood that sharks shed into their surroundings. As part of Project SIARC, researchers are utilising this novel method in the Angel Shark Project in Wales. Technical specialist Jake Davies stated: "With their excellent camouflage, one of the hardest challenges we face studying Angel sharks is simply finding them. eDNA allows us to study species without having to spot them. Article continues below "By studying eDNA in Cardigan and Carmarthen Bays, we've confirmed the presence of a range of native sharks, skates and rays - including Angel sharks - in these more turbulent waters where other monitoring methods aren't as effective. "Fishers today may be less likely to come across Angel sharks than they were 50 years ago, but through combining this technique with local knowledge, we can continue building a stronger picture of their status and distribution along the Welsh coast." The project on Angel sharks has been backed by the charity On the Edge, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the Nature Networks Fund administered by the Welsh Government.
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
8ft ambush shark 'more common' than thought on Welsh coast
An enigmatic species of shark known to be favour Welsh waters could be more abundant than previous suspected, scientists believe. The Angel shark, a large flat species resembling a stingray, is unique because it has evolved very differently to other types of shark. Previously only reliably spotted around the Canary Islands, catch evidence from Welsh fishermen has shown that Cardigan Bay is also a stronghold for this elusive and vulnerable species. The Welsh population had thought to be shrinking dramatically as a result of habitat damage and bycatch fishing, with one study indicating a 70% decline since 1970. A major conservation project was launched in the hope of saving a species that lingers on the sea floor, half-buried in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim near them. They can grow up to 2.4m (8ft) long. However a new study, 'People & Nature', from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) suggests previous Angel shark counts were wide of the mark. Its authors believes changes to commercial fishing practices have seen fewer angel sharks caught. As the speckled, caramel-coloured sharks are masters of camouflage, finding them on the sea floor is virtually impossible. Instead, evidence from boat captains is the only reliable way the population can be assessed. It's now thought fishermen are catching fewer not because numbers are dwindling but because they are targeting different waters and using species-specific nets. To reach its conclusions, the ZSL-led study harnessed the expertise of Welsh fishing organisations. Co-author was Charlie Bartlett, a charter fisherman from Gwynedd, who said: 'I've spent over 50 years working along the Welsh coast, and over the years I've come to know these waters inside out. 'With their large, flat fins, Angel sharks are unlike any other shark we see here - and over the years I've been fortunate to encounter the species a number of times.' In the 40 years to 2020, some 1,642 Angel sharks were reported in Welsh coastal waters. A particular safe haven is in an area south of the Llŷn Peninsula. While they pose very little risk to humans, they have been known to bite when provoked. Literature analysis going back two centuries revealed they have a long maritime heritage in Wales. No fewer than 16 different names were uncovered, including Monkfish, Banjofish, Bafoon, Shovelnose and Devilfish. Its traditional Welsh name is Maelgi (Monkfish). The species has been adopted as the flagship species for marine conservation in Wales. Working with the Welsh Fishermen's Association (Cymdeithas Pysgotwyr) and Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, scientists interviewed 27 fishers about their operations between 1968 and 2019. It became clear modern practices involve fewer interactions with Angel sharks, leading to fewer sightings. Lead author Francesca Mason, a ZSL researcher at the Institute of Zoology's Ocean Predator Lab, said: 'There may be more Angel sharks swimming off the Welsh coast than we previously thought – we're just having a harder time spotting them. 'While this is a good sign if less Angel sharks are being caught accidentally, it also means we now need new ways to monitor them to build a more accurate picture of how these sharks are doing.' Instead of relying on chance sightings, scientists are now pinning their hopes on a novel technique involving environmental DNA (eDNA). This can build up in the shark's surroundings through the shedding of dead skin cells or blood loss from a wound. Already eDNA is being measured for Angel Shark Project: Wales, part of the wider work of Project SIARC (Sharks Inspiring Action and Research with Communities). Jake Davies, technical specialist for Project SIARC, said: 'With their excellent camouflage, one of the hardest challenges we face studying Angel sharks is simply finding them. eDNA allows us to study species without having to spot them. 'By studying eDNA in Cardigan and Carmarthen Bays, we've confirmed the presence of a range of native sharks, skates and rays - including Angel sharks - in these more turbulent waters where other monitoring methods aren't as effective. 'Fishers today may be less likely to come across Angel sharks than they were 50 years ago, but through combining this technique with local knowledge, we can continue building a stronger picture of their status and distribution along the Welsh coast.' The Angel shark work was supported by the On the Edge conservation charity, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and the Welsh Government's Nature Networks Fund.
