Tralee Bay names as Important Shark and Ray Area for rare species

Tralee Bay has been designated an Important Shark and Ray Area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Their shark specialist group named it ‘The Bay of Angels’, after identifying the area as a critical habitat for angelsharks.

This recognition follows video footage of angelsharks captured by researchers at Munster Technological University.

The angelshark is one of Europe’s rarest shark species, with a flat body and unique shape that inspires its name.

Remote underwater cameras have been used to capture footage in the Tralee bay for the past two years as part of an ongoing research initiative by MTU and the Angel Shark Project.

This discovery builds on previous findings in Tralee Bay, including the first-ever satellite tagging of angelsharks in Irish waters last year.

Wildlife biologist at MTU Kerry, Louise Overy said the recognition of Tralee Bay is an important step towards protecting the endangered species.