Scientists are working on a project to reintroduce the angel shark, a species believed to have disappeared from the French Riviera since the mid-20th century. The species is listed as critically endangered in the Mediterranean and Europe on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
A shark that somewhat resembles a ray, Squatina — the scientific name of the angel shark — may have even inspired the name of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), according to Nice-Matin.
The species earned its nickname thanks to its large pectoral fins, which spread out like wings on either side of its body, giving it the appearance of an angel.
Disappeared from the Riviera
Since the mid-20th century, the angel shark has seemingly vanished from the Côte d’Azur, likely due to bottom trawling. It lives on the seabed, burying itself in sand and mud to ambush prey.
A professional diver from the Port of Nice testified that he hadn’t seen one in 30 years. The only preserved specimens rest in jars of formaldehyde at the Natural History Museum — young individuals donated by a fisherman in 1820.
A rare sighting was reported off the coast of Corsica in 2020.
“A dream come true”
In Nice, researchers are now seriously considering reintroducing the species to the Bay of Angels.
“It’s a dream we all share — to see this shark return and give the Bay of Angels back its true meaning,” said Aurore Asso, freediving champion and deputy for the coast, sea, marine protected area, and ecology at the City of Nice, in an interview with the local daily.
Source: midilibre
