Captures of the rare smoothback angel shark Squatina oculata (Squatinidae) from the Tunisian coast (central Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

The authors report the captures of 3 specimens of common angel shark Squatina oculata Bonaparte, 1840 from the northern coast of Tunisia in the central Mediterranean Sea. They were 3 adult males which measured 905, 1350 and 1400 mm, respectively, and their eviscerated weight was 4.3, 8.5 and 10.8 kg respectively. Combined with other captures made in the Tunisian waters and throughout the central Mediterranean Sea. The establishment of a viable population of the species in the capture area remains a suitable hypothesis which cannot be totally ruled out. However, further reords are needed. Together with other squatinid species present in the same region, a management plan should be integrated in Tunisian fisheries. This management should be conducted with the contribution of local fishermen to preserve the species of a possible and definitive exctinction.