Monaco is campaigning for the inclusion of the Angelshark, Squatina squatina, in annexes I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), at its 12th Conference of Parties, to be held in Manila, from 23rd until 28th October 2017.

The Angelshark family (Squatinidae) has been identified as the second most threatened family of sharks and rays worldwide, in particular the S. squatina, which is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 2006.

The main threats to this species are bycatch in coastal fisheries, unrestricted recreational angling, targeted collection and habitat destruction.

By establishing concrete and concerted actions in cooperation with all the Angelshark range States, Monaco looks to ensure the protection of this species all over its geographical distribution by:

- improving the overall profile of angel sharks;
- contributing to the IUCN Red List re-assessments; and
- identifying new collaborations opportunities to increase conservation action.

Deliverables Objective is to prevent the extinction of the S. Squatina.

Schedule for Monaco's proposal on Angelshark

- October 2017: Squatina to be included in Annex I and II of CMS
- 2018/2019: Squatina to be included in Annex of Shark MOU under CMS
- 2020: Concrete and concerted action in favor Squatina, as well as the first results to be presented at the 14th Conference of the Parties of CMS.