Thursday, June 26, 2025
JUNE 26 - WORLD ANGELOCARCHARIA DAY CYPRUS
HOSTS ONE OF THE RAREEST AND ENDANGERED TREASURES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
June 26 has been designated as World Angel Shark Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for the conservation of one of the most endangered shark genera in the world. Angel sharks (Squatina spp.) are not only unique marine species, but also completely misunderstood. Their flat bodies often lead them to be confused with rays, but they are actually sharks , with a unique shape.
All three species of angelshark found in the Mediterranean have been recorded in Cyprus: the angelshark or rina (Squatina squatina) , the matorina (Squatina oculata) and the acanthorina (Squatina aculeata) . All three of these species are strictly protected by European legislation , while their Mediterranean populations have been assessed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the population decline estimated at 80% while local extinctions have been observed in some areas of the Mediterranean.
Angel sharks are extremely important to marine ecosystems. As top predators in ecosystems, they keep food webs in balance, while their presence is an indicator of the health of the marine environment. Their loss, respectively, signals serious dysfunctions in the ecosystem.
Their protection is directly dependent on human action. When angelsharks are caught in fishing gear, they must be released immediately and reported to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) under the terms of fishing permits. Their possession, landing or sale is not permitted.
Our knowledge of angel sharks in Cyprus has increased significantly in recent years through organized collective actions, Citizen Science data and the National Fisheries Data Collection Program implemented by the DFMR and co-funded by the European Union. iSea , Enalia Physis , Marine and Environmental Research (MER) lab and the DFMR are working to map the distribution of the species in Cyprus and identify important areas for their reproduction and feeding. Understanding the geographical distribution is the first and decisive step for their effective protection. It is important to note that although angel shark records are limited, according to recent scientific data the coastal areas of Cyprus offer suitable living conditions for angelsharks.
With coordinated action, information and strengthening of protection measures, Cyprus can become an important refuge for angel sharks in the Mediterranean.
