'Save the angel shark' plan launched by Natural Resources Wales

Angel sharks caught off the Wales coast in the 1960s and 1970s

Environmentalists are collecting DNA data and working with the fishing community to stop one of the world's rarest sharks vanishing from Wales.

A five-year plan has been put in place to save the angel shark after the species became critically endangered.

Natural Resources Wales wants to better understand and safeguard the sharks.

The Angel shark is not dangerous to humans, and have previously been seen in the Bristol Channel and Cardigan Bay.

The sharks are not dangerous to humans

Joanna Barker, of Zoological Society of London, said: "The launch of this action plan is a vital step to safeguard the future of angel sharks in Wales.

"This species has significant scientific and cultural importance to Wales and is listed as the fifth most evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered shark in the world, representing a distinct branch of the tree of life."

Ben Wray, marine ecologist at Natural Resources Wales, said: "It's hugely exciting that we still have an angel shark population here in Wales.

"What's vital now is that we build on what we've learned so far and improve our understanding further to make sure that this rare shark is safeguarded - both now and in the future."

Project co-ordinator Jake Davies said: "Priority actions can start next month.

"This will include a systematic environmental DNA study in North Cardigan Bay to understand angel shark presence throughout the year, continued work with the fishing community and inspiring coastal communities in Wales with the Angels of Wales eBook."