Angel sharks are among the most threatened shark species worldwide, with all three Mediterranean species listed as Critically Endangered due to severe population declines caused by fisheries, habitat degradation, and limited protection. Their fragmented distribution across the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts that extend beyond national boundaries.
The project "Angel Shark Project: Coordinated Action for the Protection of Angel Sharks Across Their Range" was implemented to strengthen collaboration among researchers, conservation organisations, governments, and local stakeholders working to conserve angel sharks throughout their remaining range. Building on existing regional initiatives, the project aimed to harmonise monitoring methodologies, improve data collection and sharing, identify and protect critical habitats, reduce fisheries-related mortality, and promote the implementation of evidence-based conservation policies.
Through international cooperation and coordinated conservation actions across multiple countries, the project contributed to improving scientific knowledge, strengthening regional conservation networks, and supporting the long-term recovery of angel shark populations in the Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic.
