Angel shark (Squatina squatina)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 13257029

The Canary Islands is the last known refuge of the Critically Endangered angel shark, but little is known about the population. The Zoological Society of London(ZSL) and the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) are working together to raise awareness of the species in the Canary Islands and gather public sightings of angel sharks in coastal waters.

Public sightings of angel sharks, and other marine species, will be reported through our newly developed online POSEIDON tool. The data will provide vital information on ecological and behavioural characteristics of the population, including:

• Abundance and distribution
• Critical angel shark habitat
• Feeding areas 
• Nursery grounds

Our initial focus is to increase awareness of the importance of the Canary Islands for angel shark conservation within the diving community. They will be the first to use the POSEIDON reporting tool and provide information on angel shark encounters during dives. 

We will use the information gathered through the POSEIDON tool to advise the local government on the conservation and management of the angel shark population in Canary Island waters .