09-06-2025
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.
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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.
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"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.
