Two angel sharks, which are listed as critically endangered, have recently been tagged in Tralee Bay, County Kerry by local fishermen and researchers from the Marine Institute. Working collaboratively aboard the MFV Lady K, fisherman Michael Peter Hennessy and licensed tagger Dr Ross O’Neill successfully tagged a male and female angel shark snagged in the bay.
Dr O’Neill emphasised the importance of this achievement, stating, “This is a watershed event for marine conservation in Ireland. The very rarity of the angel shark elevates the significance of this recent discovery and successful tagging in Tralee Bay.”
The tagging initiative will facilitate the tracking of these angel sharks, providing valuable data that will further efforts to protect this species from further deterioration, marking an important stride in preserving this endangered species.
Angel sharks are recognised instantly by their large pectoral fins that are winglike on either side of their bodies, resembling rays, and can be between 1.8m and 2.4m long depending on whether they are male or female. They typically live between 25 to 35 years.
Environmental NGOs in Ireland, amalgamated as Fair Seas, highlight their vulnerability due to their benthic nature. The angel sharks bury themselves in the sand, which can be disturbed by harmful fishing practices like seabed trawling. This destruction not only directly threatens the sharks, but also ruins their habitats, rendering their survival difficult in places they used to flourish.
Also known as “Devil’s Banjo”, the angel shark is slow to grow and has a long life span. Historically, catches of this species by both recreational and commercial fishers were common in the Tralee Bay area, but numbers have seen a steep drop since the 1960s said Dr O’Neill.
The tagged sharks were released near their capture site northwest of the Maharees, and they swam away robustly. The tags will record and send information about the fish’s preferred habitats and migration patterns for a year before they automatically detach.
Marine Institute CEO, Dr Rick Officer, shared his expectation for more fish to be tagged in the imminent months with the aid of the local fishing community.