SEAFARERS have been asked to keep a eye out for an endangered shark species in Cardigan Bay.

As part of an ongoing study to keep track of Angelshark numbers in the region, residents have been asked to report any sightings of the rare beast.

An Angelshark is a large, flat-bodied sharks which can reach 2.4m in length.

Also known as monkfish or angel fish, they are sometimes mistaken for a ray or mis-recorded as Anglerfish.

Angelsharks feed on a range of fish, crustaceans and molluscs and have an important role in maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem.

They were once widespread throughout the North-east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea but following decades of decline, they disappeared from many regions.

Accidental captures of Angelsharks in Wales show that they are still present here in low numbers.

Information from spotters will help Natural Resources Wales to better understand the ecology of Angelsharks in the waters around Wales.

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “It’s National Marine Week so we’re asking people if they have heard about our Angelshark project.

“Please report any sightings. This will help us discover how many Angelsharks use Welsh waters and where they are found.

“You can report where you have spotted an Angelshark at https://angelsharknetwork.com/#maps”

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