Here’s some surprising good news from the Welsh coast: the situation for endangered angelsharks might not be as dire as previously thought. Scientists are rethinking earlier estimates of their decline, thanks in part to new ways of tracking these elusive creatures.
A new study, published in People & Nature by experts from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and Welsh fishing groups, suggests that the sharp drop in angelshark numbers estimated since the 1960s might be exaggerated. Previous studies calculated a roughly 70% decline based on how often fishers encountered them.
However, the new research points out that changes in fishing practices and locations mean fishing efforts now overlap less with where angelsharks live. Plus, there’s less overall angling happening. So, fewer accidental catches might not mean fewer sharks; it might just mean traditional monitoring methods are missing them.
“Identifying how changes to fishing practices over the last 51 years have impacted our ability to monitor them indicates that there may be more angelsharks swimming off the Welsh coast than we previously thought – we’re just having a harder time spotting them,” says Francesca Mason, lead author and ZSL researcher.
This is good news if fewer sharks are being accidentally caught, but it creates a new challenge: how do we get an accurate count of these flat, bottom-dwelling sharks? Scientists need new approaches to truly understand how the population is doing.
Angelshark camouflaged on Welsh seabedAn angelshark rests on the sandy seabed in Cardigan Bay, Wales, blending into its surroundings.
Angelsharks are unique looking. They’re critically endangered globally and have a flat, diamond shape, unlike the sleek sharks most people picture. They are masters of camouflage, with light brown, speckled skin that helps them disappear against the sandy seafloor, which is their preferred habitat. They often bury themselves in the sand, waiting patiently to ambush unsuspecting prey swimming by.
Because they’re so difficult to spot visually, scientists have historically relied heavily on reports from fishers who accidentally catch them. But with fishing methods changing, this data source is becoming less reliable for tracking population trends.
This is where technology steps in. Scientists are exploring methods like analyzing water samples for environmental DNA, or eDNA. Think of it like forensic science for marine life. As animals swim, they shed tiny bits of skin, scales, waste, and other genetic material into the water. By collecting a water sample and analyzing the DNA within it, scientists can determine which species have been in the area recently, even if they didn’t see the animal itself.
Angelshark buried in sand on seafloorA speckled angelshark buries itself slightly under the seafloor sand, ready to ambush prey in Welsh waters.
“With their excellent camouflage, one of the hardest challenges we face studying angelsharks is simply finding them,” says Jake Davies, a technical specialist for Project SIARC (a conservation project) at ZSL and NRW. “eDNA allows us to study species without having to spot them.”
Using eDNA analysis in areas like Cardigan Bay and Carmarthen Bay has confirmed the presence of angelsharks, along with other native sharks, skates, and rays, even in choppy waters where traditional visual surveys are difficult. This molecular detective work provides a clearer picture of marine life presence.
Beyond technology, the project also highlights the crucial role of collaboration. Charter fishers like Charlie Bartlett share valuable information and photos of any angelsharks they encounter with the Angel Shark Project: Wales. This local knowledge from people who are out on the water regularly is incredibly important for conservation efforts.
“With their large, flat fins, angelsharks are unlike any other shark we see here,” says Bartlett. Sharing his encounters helps researchers and also inspires interest in Wales’ fishing history and the local marine environment.
Combining the expertise of fishers with cutting-edge science and technology like eDNA analysis is proving effective for learning more about critically endangered species. This collaborative approach offers hope for the future of angelsharks off the Welsh coast and demonstrates how bringing different perspectives together strengthens conservation efforts.
