Angel Shark Filmed in Welsh Waters Amid Conservation Concerns

What's Happening?

A critically endangered angel shark was filmed in Cardigan Bay, Wales, marking the first sighting since 2021. The footage was captured by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales as part of a biodiversity monitoring project. Angel sharks are listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss and commercial fishing practices like bottom trawling. The sighting comes at a crucial time as discussions are underway in the UK government regarding a ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas. Despite existing protections, many areas remain vulnerable to destructive activities.

Why It's Important?

The sighting of the angel shark highlights the urgent need for stronger conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity. Bottom trawling poses a significant threat to species like the angel shark, which are slow to reproduce and adapted to life near the ocean floor. The UK parliament's environmental audit committee has recommended a full ban on bottom trawling within marine protected areas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protection to prevent the extinction of vulnerable species. Public participation in government consultations on this issue is crucial for driving policy changes.