The importance of Las Teresitas beach for the society of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its economy is well known. However, few know that these waters harbor a small living ecological treasure: the angelshark, a flat shark with an unmistakable appearance and discreet behavior, which has found one of its last refuges in the world here.
Critically Endangered Species
Thanks to the quality of the sand and the shelter of its waters, Las Teresitas offers exceptional conditions for this species, which has suffered a drastic global decline due to human activities. Bycatch, habitat destruction, and marine pollution have pushed the angelshark to the brink of extinction. Today, it is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
Its ecological role is essential: it acts as a regulator of benthic ecosystems, maintaining the balance of fish and crustaceans that inhabit the ocean floor. Its disappearance could trigger a cascade effect that severely alters ocean biodiversity.
The hope is that on our coast, this species has found a chance to survive. Recent studies indicate that Las Teresitas is one of the largest known breeding areas in the world for the angelshark. Although juvenile specimens are not observed every year, the trend is clear: this beach is becoming a natural sanctuary where the species can successfully reproduce and increase its chances of global recovery.
From the Santa Cruz Sustainable Foundation and the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the aim is to raise awareness of the angelshark, to know it, respect it, and protect it as it deserves. It poses no danger to people. On the contrary, we must learn to coexist with it. Therefore, the Foundation recommends entering the water by shuffling feet during the early and late hours of the day. This way, we warn of our presence and give it time to move to deeper areas.
Knowing it is the first step to conserving it. The future of the angelshark also depends on us.
