This paper is describing a new finding of Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1927) caught at the insular shelves off the Sazan Island at the depth of 120 m, which is the southernmost record for a sandbar shark in the Adriatic Sea. The individual had a partially healed umbilical scar and is considered as neonatal. Examined shark appeared in good body condition with showed no macroscopic signs of diseases or macroscopic parasites. Detailed morphometric measurements are compared with four neonate and juvenile specimens from the north and central Adriatic Sea and are provided in the paper. Despite it is not possible to establish a certain conclusion on whether our specimen was born in the studied area or elsewhere, presented finding provides the very first evidence that neonatal sandbar sharks can be found along the coast of Albania. Knowing the exact locations and movements of both neonates and juveniles is of high importance for the effective long-term in-situ conservation.
Abstract Historically, two angel shark species, common angel shark Squatina squatina and smoothback angel shark Squatina oculata, were common in the upper continental shelf of the eastern Adriatic Sea. Although both species are considered critically endangered in the Adriatic and the rest of the world, there are almost no data on the current status of populations, threat assessment and species-specific in-situ conservation. Common angel shark is still present in highly fragmented areas of the eastern Adriatic with extremely rare but consistent records, while smoothback angel shark is mostly considered regionally extinct in the Adriatic due to overfishing and overuse of non-selective fishing gear. There have been only 3 published records of common angel shark this century, the last two of which were reported by fishermen. This paper presents data on 34 new finds, including neonates, juveniles, subadults and adults recorded between January 2020 and August 2021 in the Zadar-Šibenik archipelago (central Adriatic) and one in Premantura (northern Adriatic). Two are original findings during the field expedition, 9 were reported directly by local fishermen, while 23 were reported through a detailed questionnaire. Additionally, plausible breeding and/or nursery grounds between Zadar and Šibenik are discussed with their importance for revitalization and long-term conservation in situ.
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