If you're a diver in Tenerife, you might be lucky enough to cross paths with one of the ocean’s most mysterious and endangered inhabitants — the angel shark (Squatina squatina). These flat, camouflaged predators lie on the sandy seabed, blending into their surroundings and waiting to ambush prey. But despite their stealth, angel sharks face serious threats — and on our shores, conservation efforts are working hard to secure their future. Thankfully, there’s a well‑organized effort to protect them here. The Angel Shark Project: Canary Islands (ASP:CI) brings together scientists, divers, fishers, and citizen scientists to gather critical data and push for stronger protections. In 2019, angel sharks in Canary Island waters received full protection under Spanish law. sharktrust.org It is now illegal to kill, capture, disturb, or trade these sharks. Any actions harming their habitat or disrupting their breeding areas are strictly prohibited. We know how to show you angel sharks in an ecological and responsible way, with minimal disturbance to their natural behavior. Angel sharks are true masters of camouflage, which makes every encounter special. It’s very important not to disturb them — that’s why we follow the rule: “Watch, but don’t touch.
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