Rare angel shark freed after surprise rescue in La Línea
Ayuntamiento and lifeguards team up to return endangered species to the sea
A rare and critically endangered angel shark has been given a second chance at life after being rescued and released back into the waters off La Línea de la Concepción, Cádiz.The shark had become caught up in fishing gear but was spotted in time for staff from the Beaches Department from the Ayuntamiento de La Línea to step in. Working alongside local rescue and lifeguard company Forgeser, the team carefully returned it to the sea.
Councillor for Beaches Rafael León praised their quick response and pointed out that “many of these rescues are only possible thanks to members of the public getting in touch.”
Angel sharks, part of the Squatina family, are among the most threatened sharks in the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as critically endangered, with populations having dropped by more than 80% due to overfishing. That is why this successful reintroduction is such a big win for marine conservation.
They are unusual-looking creatures, with flat bodies and wide fins that make them resemble stingrays. They tend to rest on sandy or muddy seabeds, camouflaged as they wait to pounce on passing prey, using their powerful mouths to suck in food.
Despite their potential size, up to 2.5 metres long and around 80 kilos, angel sharks aren’t generally aggressive towards humans. They prefer to stay hidden, although they might give a warning bite if they feel threatened.
Once far more common, these secretive sharks are now a rare sight in Spanish waters. For wildlife lovers and conservationists, every rescued and released individual represents another small step toward protecting the species’ fragile future.
You might also be interested in: The beaches in Spain where you are likely to spot a shark
Image: wikicommons
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