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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
16 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
River Usk project tracks salmon migration barriers
Known as 'smolt' at this life stage, the juvenile fish migrate to the sea to mature and free movement between river and sea is vital for their life cycle. The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) River Usk Smolt Telemetry Project, established in 2021, track the fish's journey along the catchment area. The project tags up to 100 smolts annually with small acoustic transmitters. Around 55 static acoustic listening devices set up along the river document the fish's movements. The data reveals that as the smolts journey towards the sea in spring, they struggle to navigate man-made barriers like weirs, especially in low river flow conditions. These obstacles cause significant delays, exacerbated by low water levels during dry years. The study found that only 24 per cent of tagged smolts reached the sea in a dry season, compared to 67 per cent in a wet one. These numbers don't just reflect a decrease in successful migrations during dry seasons, but also a significant delay, with some smolts taking five weeks longer to leave the river. Aquaculture officer leading the project for NRW, Oliver Brown, said: "The project has evolved over the last couple of years and is giving us a good indication of what's happening to these fish at a critical point in their life cycle." The study's findings are instrumental in shaping improvements on the River Usk under the Four Rivers for LIFE project. The project is building a new smolt pass on the weir, creating a more accessible pathway for migrating smolts. Four Rivers for LIFE manager, Susie Kinghan, said: "The smolt tracking research has been of significant importance to us as a project. "The fish-pass work we are doing on the weir will help salmon and other species to move freely downstream, helping to increase their dangerously low numbers."
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Mysterious ‘alien-like' sea creature that can devour prey 3 TIMES its size is found on UK beach
'Sea mice' have sharp bristles that can cause irritation if they pierce the skin STUFF OF NIGHTMARES Mysterious 'alien-like' sea creature that can devour prey 3 TIMES its size is found on UK beach Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEACHGOERS are being warned to be on the lookout for a mysterious "alien-like" creature after one was discovered on a UK beach. "Sea mice" are marine worms with a furry appearance that are unlike anything else in the sea and can grow up to six inches long. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 'Sea mice' are active predators but are often washed ashore A dog walker found one of the strange critters recently on a beach in Wales. They are active predators, hunting small crabs and other worms on the seabed – but are often washed ashore. It comes after beachgoers were urged not to pick up cone snails' shells as their venom can cause instant paralysis or even death. While they are not typically harmful to humans, "sea mice", which get their scientific name from Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, have sharp bristles that can cause irritation if they pierce the skin. Simon Parker recently discovered one of the creatures on a Welsh beach prompting discussion on social media due to its curious appearance. Compared by many to a fossil and even an "alien", the sighting has left many admitting that they had never seen anything quite like it. Simon was left flabbergasted after discovering one of the six-inch long creatures at Pensarn Beach, Conwy, and turned to tech to determine exactly what it was. Uncertain of its identity and intrigued by its green-flashing fringe he used Google Lens to determine it was a sea mouse. "I found it at the water's edge just after low tide," he told Wales Online. "Unfortunately it didn't appear to be alive. The sea mouse was approximately five or six inches long with brightly coloured bristles down the sides." Sea mice are not a rare species but their sightings are infrequent, often being washed ashore during stormy weather or left behind by exceptionally low tides. Another of them was located in March on Oxwich beach in Swansea. Mum shares urgent warning for summer beach trips with kids as pal's left in hospital following massive allergic reaction The Wildlife Trusts say the sea mouse is "unlike anything else in the sea". Despite its potential to reach 20cm in length and 6cm in width this intriguing find is in fact a type of marine worm. Although it has a tendency to bury itself head-first in the sand this creature boasts a remarkable set of skills. Its spines typically have a deep red sheen, serving as a warning to potential predators. However when exposed to light, they flash blue, green, and gold, giving the worm a dazzling, iridescent appearance. This phenomenon, known as pseudo-birefringence, is the only known example of "photonic engineering" in nature, says the WT. The spines process light with nearly 100% efficiency – a necessity in the dimly-lit depths of the sea. Some researchers believe that this unique ability could lead to the development of new communication technologies. Beauty and the beast While this creature is technically a marine worm, it is believed that the name "sea mouse" originated from its resemblance to a bedraggled mouse when washed up on shore. Its Latin name, Aphrodita aculeata, is equally peculiar. While aculeata translates to "spiny" the genus name Aphrodita refers to the ancient Greek Goddess of Love – allegedly due to the worm's resemblance to female genitalia. The sea mouse is an active predator that feeds on small crabs and other worms and is capable of consuming prey over three times its own body length. Every now and then they can be seen wriggling across the sand – a sight that invariably unnerves beachgoers.
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business News Wales
Green Steel Hub Set to Share £44m of Innovation Funding
A Welsh project working to green steel is one of four new manufacturing hubs which will share £44 million in government funding. The Indigenous Green-steel for Net-zero Innovation, Technology and Enterprise (IGNITE) Hub aims to reshape steel design and use to deliver environmental and economic resilience for key areas of the economy including defence, transport, and energy. IGNITE is led by Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce at Swansea University and is funded by an £11 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of their flagship Sustainable Manufacturing Research Hubs programme. It is complemented by £11.9 million in partner funding. More than 30 partners, including steelmakers, scrap processors, Network Rail, Nissan and Rolls Royce, and government departments such as DESNZ, DEFRA and DBT, are involved in the hub. Its seven-year research programme is designed to transform steel-intensive manufacturing. Hub Director Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce said: 'Steel has never been more important to the UK; it's a key material in everyday life. If something's not made of steel, it's made using steel. 'The IGNITE Hub will give us the opportunity to work with industry, supporting the resilience of the UK's manufacturing sector on the road to net-zero. This groundbreaking project will benefit everyone who relies on and uses steel products.' Backed by £44 million through the EPSRC, the four new Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future will bring together world-class researchers with more than 180 industry and civic partners to drive practical, sustainable innovation across the UK. The four hubs have attracted a total of £38.8 million in direct and indirect contributions from partners. Each hub will focus on a different critical area of manufacturing, from creating net-zero supply chains and resilient production systems to transforming waste and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Their work aims to support businesses of all sizes, deliver impact in regional economies, and provide workers with new skills in areas like AI, sustainability, and engineering biology. The IGNITE Hub builds on the success of the SUSTAIN Future Manufacturing Research Hub. SUSTAIN is a £35 million, seven-year initiative supported by £10 million from EPSRC and co-funded by universities, trade bodies, research and technology organisations, and businesses. The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'It is great news that significant UK Government funding is coming to Wales to support this green steel manufacturing hub. Investing in research and innovation in sectors where there is huge potential for growth is vital for the Welsh economy and for the creation of new well-paid jobs.' UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said this project was the latest in a series of research and innovation investments which are helping to drive regional growth in Wales. Investments are creating jobs and training opportunities, supporting business and helping to ensure a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous place to live, it said.
