Extinct but not entirely: A new occurrence of the critically endangered Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) stresses the urgency of its conservation in the Adriatic sea

The common angel shark (Squatina squatina), a critically endangered species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, has been extirpated and considered locally extinct in the Adriatic Sea due to historical intense targeted fisheries. Sighting and catches of the species are indeed currently occasional in the area. Here, we present a new record of a juvenile of common angel shark in the central Adriatic Sea and we review 135 additional specimens documented in the area since 2000s, after 40-years of no sightings. According to previous findings, our evidence suggest that the central Adriatic Sea may be a relevant habitat for early life stages of common angel shark. Due to the serious threatened status of the species, we stress the importance of urgent conservation actions needed in the Adriatic Sea.

Automated summary

The common angel shark, a critically endangered species, has been extirpated from the Adriatic Sea due to intense fishing. However, a recent sighting of a juvenile suggests that this area may serve as an important habitat for early life stages of the shark. Urgent conservation actions are necessary in the Adriatic Sea to protect this species.