Using Local Ecological Knowledge of Fishers to Identify the Presence and Habitats of Angelsharks in Albanian Waters

Abstract

Abstract The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for shark and ray extinctions and is home to the following three angelshark species: sawback angelshark Squatina aculeata, smoothback angelshark Squatina oculata, and common angelshark Squatina squatina. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in four coastal regions of Albania, Shëngjin (Lezhë), Vlorë, Himarë (Sarandë) and Durrës, with the aim of collecting historical and current data on angelshark catches in the Albanian seas (Adriatic and Ionian Seas). Although the occurrence of common angelshark was reported by Croatian fishermen in the Adriatic Sea, we included the other two species in our study. The number of observations was minimal, although this is the first study of angelshark species sightings in Albania. It will establish a baseline study that will allow further work on the conservation of these regionally extinct and highly endangered species.