Securing the future of threatened angel sharks

The Angel Shark Project (ASP) represents 12 organisations positioned across the last known hotspots of three Critically Endangered angel shark species(Squatina squatina, S. oculata and S. aculeata). By bringing together the collective expertise across seven countries in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, we have made a significant impact on angel shark conservation and legal protection, using robust science and a community-based approach.

The angel shark family is one of the most threatened shark and ray families globally. These flat-bodied sharks are particularly susceptible to fishing and habitat loss due to their preference for coastal waters and elements of their life history e.g. slow growth rates and low fecundity. With estimated declines of >80% in the last 45 years, the three angel shark species found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea - Squatina squatina, S. oculata and S. aculeata - are all classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Key activities for 2026 include:

Policy adoption & advocacy: Support and accelerate the formal adoption and implementation of the Angel Shark Recovery Plan (Canary Islands) and National Action Plan (Greece) through technical advice, inter-ministerial coordination, and targeted political and public advocacy.
Area-based conservation: Identify, analyse, and secure protection for Critical Angel Shark Areas (CASAs) by integrating shark-specific measures into at least one Marine Protected Area (MPA) in each region.
Spatial science & planning: Conduct GIS analyses of CASAs, ISRAs, and MPAs to inform concrete proposals for new or expanded protected areas and stronger management measures.
Stakeholder engagement: Work closely with governments, fishers, local communities, divers, and NGOs to build support, align interests, and improve compliance (including safe-handling practices).
Communication & capacity building: Deliver outreach materials, signage, media campaigns, and knowledge-sharing tools to raise awareness and enable long-term replication across the Angel Shark Conservation Network.
Project coordination & learning: Manage, monitor, and adapt project delivery through structured reporting, evaluation, and knowledge exchange across partners and countries.