Conservation of two critically endangered Angelshark species in the newly created Marine Protected Area of Grand-Béréby (southwestern Ivory Coast)

Through marine biodiversity surveys and data collection at fishery landing sites preceding the creation of the Grand-Béréby Marine Protected Area (MPA), at least 18 species of elasmobranchs have been inventoried by ONG CEM. These include two species of Angelsharks (Squatina aculeata and Squatina oculate) classified as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List, which are still relatively common in the daily catches of Grand-Béréby local fishermen.

Hence, this project aims to conserve and protect Angelshark Populations and their habitats in the Grand-Béréby MPA by:

1. Monitoring the population of angelsharks along the Grand-Béréby coast through the recording of capture rates at landing sites or at sea;
2. Building coastal patrollers’ capacity for marine biodiversity monitoring and threat reduction;
3. Implementing community-based conservation through an IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) programme to ensure that the public, mainly fishermen, are aware of the critically endangered status of Angelsharks and are willing to protect and provide information about them.