New Hope for the Critically Endangered Common Angel Shark <i>Squatina squatina</i> in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract Historically, two angel shark species, common Squatina squatina and smoothback oculata , were in the upper continental shelf of eastern Adriatic Sea. Although both species are considered critically endangered rest world, there almost no data on current status populations, threat assessment species-specific in-situ conservation. Common is still present highly fragmented areas with extremely rare but consistent records, while mostly regionally extinct due to overfishing overuse non-selective fishing gear. There have been only 3 published records this century, last which reported by fishermen. This paper presents 34 new finds, including neonates, juveniles, subadults adults recorded between January 2020 August 2021 Zadar-Šibenik archipelago (central Adriatic) one Premantura (northern Adriatic). Two original findings during field expedition, 9 directly local fishermen, 23 through a detailed questionnaire. Additionally, plausible breeding and/or nursery grounds Zadar Šibenik discussed their importance for revitalization long-term conservation situ.