Uncovering Angel Sharks
The First Underwater Footage of an Angel Shark off the UK Coast
Around the UK coast, there are over 35 different elasmobranch species, which encompasses sharks, skates, and rays - many of which are either endangered or critically endangered.
One species, in particular, high up on the list to see and record underwater is the angel shark (Squatina squatina). Angel sharks have always been present around the UK coast, but their range around the UK and the wider Eastern Atlantic has significantly decreased over the recent decades. Today, they are considered critically endangered.
What Makes Angel Sharks Special
When you think about a shark, the image of angel sharks doesn’t typically come to mind. They don’t have the traditional torpedo shape of other sharks, nor do they swim mid-water.Â
Instead, angel sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks who spend most of their time on the seafloor, hidden below sand or mud. As a species, angel sharks are perfectly adapted to this life. They have a flat body, large pectoral wings, and patterned skin to camouflage against the sediment.Â
Angel sharks are also patient, waiting for long periods using their openings known as spiracles to pump water over their gills as they wait for unsuspecting prey to swim above. Then, they use their uniquely formed jaw to capture prey that allows for a swift strike, which pulls the fish into its mouth.Â
Finding an Angel SharkÂ
We headed to a spot in Cardigan Bay, only slightly different than the others we frequented during August of 2021. We descended to the bottom, hoping to spot some rays, especially thornback rays (Raja clavata). While thornback rays are the most common species of ray found at Cardigan Bay, they are always tricky to see and not as common as they once were.
Shortly into the dive, a shape appeared within the sand, which I recognised from time spent in the Canary Islands. As I moved closer, the figure became more apparent. I couldn’t believe it; an angel shark was lying camouflaged in the sand.Â
To make what was already an incredible encounter more exciting was that it was a juvenile, only 30 centimetres long. As a diver and underwater videographer, this species was at the top of the filming list, and there I was!
However, the thought of seeing a rare and incredibly well-camouflaged species that was so difficult to capture was overwhelming. Plus, there hadn’t been any footage of angel sharks in UK waters until this point. Â
In excitement, my breathing rate doubled. However, it was essential to remain calm and focused on getting the shots I had dreamed about taking. So, after calling my dive buddy back and getting the camera set up, I began to film.
From there, the exciting sequence came together of swimming and burying. Later that evening, we returned and found the angel shark again. That’s when we captured the most exciting and golden shots occurred of the angel shark, ambushing prey with its lightning-fast strike.
Significance of the Angel Shark Encounter
It was incredible to be the first to capture underwater footage of an angel shark off the UK, especially off the Welsh coast. I will never forget this experience. I sat on the seafloor off the coast where I’ve spent most of my diving, watching a species that’s listed globally as critically endangered and know very little about.Â
The encounter also has significant importance for angel sharks off the Welsh coast. The individual was a pup measuring 30 centimetres long with white marking on the dorsal fin edges, which showed the shark was born this year. This provided further evidence of a breeding population of angel sharks off the coast.Â
My incredible encounter is also an important indication for the species. Wales may be host one of the last angel shark populations in the northernmost part of their range. Hopefully, the dive wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I will be able to spend more time underwater with this remarkable and evolutionary distinct species.Â
After releasing the footage on social media, it went global and was shared across social media, radio, and news. The footage was also recently featured along with an interview as part of Steve Backshall’s ‘Shark British Isles’ on Sky Nature.
Understanding Angel Sharks in Wales
Angel Shark Project: Wales was launched in 2018 and is led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
The project aims to better understand and safeguard angel sharks in Wales with fishers and coastal communities. Angel sharks have always been off the Welsh coast. However, we previously knew little about their distribution and how often they’ve been seen.
Filming Angel Sharks off the Welsh Coast
Filming an angel shark underwater in the UK may have been one of my biggest challenges, but the overall ambition of revealing more about sharks found beneath the waves of the Welsh continues. Over the years. I have encountered various species and witnessed some exciting behaviours. But the people’s reaction to learning about the diversity of sharks found in these waters is most surprising.Â
It’s my personal goal to raise awareness and increase people’s knowledge about the diversity and importance of sharks. I aim to do this by filming the area’s many species and sharing footage online.
Want to see what else Jake Davies has been up to? Check out another one of his Ocean Pulse articles where he shows us what else we can find in the UK’s temperate waters.
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