Résumé
The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an important decline in shark, ray and chimaera populations. It is home to some of the most threatened families of sharks and rays, including angel sharks. Three species are present in the basin (Squatina squatina, Squatina oculata and Squatina aculeata) and all of them are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Squatina squatina was commonly thought to be extinct from the Northwestern Mediterranean basin, but in Corsica Island where the individuals are still reported. To fill the knowledge gaps regarding the distribution and seasonal dynamics of angel sharks in Corsica, we carried out a local-ecological-knowledge (LEK) survey with professional fishers accidently catching angel sharks and analysed long-term series of MEDITS and small-scale-fisheries (SSF) data. The study confirmed the year-round residency of Squatina squatina and the occasional presence of Squatina aculeata in Corsica. LEK data suggests that Squatina oculata is also captured, but additional proof is required to certify its occurrence in Corsica. The distribution of S. squatina bycatch suggest that the species is present from the Désert de l’Agriate to the Bonifacio Strait Nature Reserve and is particularly abundant on the east coast of the island. SSF and LEK data indicate that nursery areas could be also present on the eastern part of the island, but a field-based study is required to confirm this information. Overall, this study identified a new stronghold for the Angelshark (Squatina squatina) and provides first insights of the spatio-temporal dynamics in the coastal waters of Corsica. Moreover, Corsica may also be an important hotspot for the Sawback Angelshark (Squatina aculeata).