Košarica
Objavljeni brojevi Broj izdanja: Natura Croatica, Vol. 35 No.1

A new record of the critically endangered Smoothback angelshark Squatina oculata from Algerian waters (GFCM-GSA 04): biological data and implications for management

Autori: Bensaâd-Bendjedid, Lamia; Zaidi, Raouf; Boutabia, Lamia; Rouidi, Samir; Telailia, Salah

Autori i afilijacije

  • Bensaâd-Bendjedid, Lamia National Center for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture, CNRDPA, Bou-Ismaïl, Tipaza, Algeria
  • Zaidi, Raouf Laboratory of Agriculture and Ecosystem Functioning, Department of Agronomy Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, El Tarf, Algeria
  • Boutabia, Lamia Laboratory of Agriculture and Ecosystem Functioning, Department of Agronomy Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, El Tarf, Algeria
  • Rouidi, Samir National Center for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture, CNRDPA, Bou-Ismaïl, Tipaza, Algeria
  • Telailia, Salah Laboratory of Agriculture and Ecosystem Functioning, Department of Agronomy Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, El Tarf, Algeria

The Smoothback angelshark Squatina oculata is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It has been extirpated from much of its historical range, resulting in a significantly reduced and fragmented current distribution across the Mediterranean. New occurrence records, combined with biological data, are crucial to guide effective conservation measures in the basin. Here, we report the bycatch of a Smoothback angelshark off El Kala waters, at the extreme eastern boundary of Algeria (GFCM-GSA 4), in June 2025. The specimen was identified as a subadult female, measuring 857 mm in total length and weighing 5606.5 g. For the first time in this subarea, morphometric characteristics of an angel shark species were documented, complemented by the integration of Local Ecological Knowledge from fishermen. The possible establishment of a viable S. oculata population in the fishing grounds remains an optimistic hypothesis that cannot be excluded. This rare record from Algerian waters provides valuable insights to help fill knowledge gaps on the species in the southwestern Mediterranean and underscores the urgent need for targeted monitoring and conservation actions in the region.

Sažetak

The Smoothback angelshark Squatina oculata is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It has been extirpated from much of its historical range, resulting in a significantly reduced and fragmented current distribution across the Mediterranean. New occurrence records, combined with biological data, are crucial to guide effective conservation measures in the basin. Here, we report the bycatch of a Smoothback angelshark off El Kala waters, at the extreme eastern boundary of Algeria (GFCM-GSA 4), in June 2025. The specimen was identified as a subadult female, measuring 857 mm in total length and weighing 5606.5 g. For the first time in this subarea, morphometric characteristics of an angel shark species were documented, complemented by the integration of Local Ecological Knowledge from fishermen. The possible establishment of a viable S. oculata population in the fishing grounds remains an optimistic hypothesis that cannot be excluded. This rare record from Algerian waters provides valuable insights to help fill knowledge gaps on the species in the southwestern Mediterranean and underscores the urgent need for targeted monitoring and conservation actions in the region.

Ključne riječi

Angel sharks; morphometric characteristics; Local Ecological Knowledge; Algeria; GFCM-GSA 4; conservation

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