Rare angel shark spotted off Welsh coast

One of the world's rarest species of shark has been spotted off the coast of Cardigan Bay in Wales.

The angel shark is critically endangered and conservationists have described the sight as "rare and exciting".

It was recorded by underwater cameras that were being used to study a group of bottlenose dolphins.

The last time this species was seen off the Welsh coast was in 2021 and dives are planned for later this year to see if there are more in the area.

Angel sharks - also known as a flat shark - are usually found in coastal areas in the east Atlantic and Mediterranean seas and Wales is thought to be a key habitat.

They spend a lot of their time camouflaged with the seabed where they wait for a fishy feast.

But according the IUCN red list, the angel shark is critically endangered.

It's partly because they are slow growing and are slow at reproducing too.

But it's also because fishing techniques like bottom trawling not only disturb their habitat, but can also catch the sharks or injure them while they lie in wait for their prey.

Sarah Perry, a marine conservation and research manager with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, said:

"These findings highlight the urgent need to protect these fragile habitats from damaging activities like bottom trawling."