Rare, endangered Angelsharks found dead at Port Vincent beach

A critically endangered species of shark has washed up on the Yorke Peninsula sparking fears of “cataclysmic” long term impacts on the ecosystem.

Two rare angelsharks were discovered washed up on the Yorke Peninsula over the past two weeks in another sign of what experts say poses a “cataclysmic” threat for the ecosystem that could leave “decades-long” impacts.

Angelshark, otherwise known as monkfish, is a critically endangered species of shark that lives on the sea floor, camouflaging itself in the depths.

Sea floor species have been the most impacted by a toxic algae bloom in the state’s waters, as was revealed by a new monitoring journal from not-for-profit organisation OzFish which is tracking and identifying the 1500+ reports of dead marine life in SA.

Two rare angelsharks were discovered washed up on the Yorke Peninsula over the past two weeks. Picture: Lochie Cameron

Lochie Cameron, who studied marine biology, said he had never seen a dead angelshark washed up, which was concerning. Picture: Lochie Cameron

The algae, which was first found in the Fleurieu Peninsula in March, was identified as a species called Karenia mikimotoi, and more recently it has been found killing marine life on the Yorke Peninsula.

Lochie Cameron, who studied marine biology, said he had never seen a dead angelshark washed up on the beach, which was concerning.

He said though the two specimens he found — one on May 8 and another a week before on May 2 — were only small at about 30cm long, it shows things are “getting worse” in the St Vincent Gulf.

“It’s cataclysmic,” Mr Cameron said.

A significant toxic algae bloom is impacting the waters around the state. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve walked these beaches my whole life and I have never seen an angelshark on the beach before.

“They are a species that live deep on the sea floor … this just shows (the algae bloom) is hitting everything in the water column.”

Mr Cameron said he isn’t an expert but was concerned the algae bloom would stick around until the state had “large storms and solid rain” — which doesn’t look to be any time soon.

He said the algae would likely stick around in the coming months, only prolonging its damage to the marine ecosystem.

“The effects of this aren’t just going to go away in the next couple months when the algae goes,” he said.

“I think we’re looking at a decades-long impact on the marine ecosystem in the St Vincent Gulf.”

Mr Cameron said the impact would not only be seen under the surface, but in the many businesses in the fishing industry that may have to close for risk of contaminated products.

Fishers in the Fleurieu Peninsula also raised concerns last week that the algae may impact the whale breeding season — which is expected to formally begin in the coming weeks — and encourage more sharks to southern waters.

Rod Ness, who has had to cancel some of his fishing charters out of Victor Harbor due to the algae, said a dead whale would bring “every white pointer in the district” into some of SA’s popular surfing beaches.

Since the toxic algae bloom was first reported, there has been an increase in shark sightings both in the water, and dead on beaches.

A 2.7m great white was found washed up on Henley Beach on May 5, shocking beachgoers — though its cause of death is still unknown.

PIRSA has been contacted for comment regarding the deaths of angelsharks on the Yorke Peninsula, and what caused the Henley Beach white shark death.

Originally published as Rare, endangered Angelsharks found dead at Port Vincent beach