Nineteen juvenile alitan sharks have been released into the waters off Mallorca as part of an ongoing conservation programme aimed at protecting the endangered species. The release, which took place in March, is part of the Petits Taurons – Acció Stellaris project, led by Mallorca Preservation in collaboration with the Fundación Palma Aquarium.
The young sharks, all born and raised in captivity at the Fundación Palma Aquarium, represent the latest step in a programme that began in 2021. Officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen wild populations of the alitan, also known as the spotted catshark, while raising public awareness about marine conservation. “Thanks to the collaboration of all involved parties, we continue working to strengthen their populations and bring marine conservation closer to citizens,” the organisation said.
The alitan is classified as an endangered species in the Balearic Fish Red Book. Accidental capture during fishing operations is the primary threat to its survival, prompting efforts to combine captive breeding with scientific research and careful release into the wild. Conservationists hope these measures will improve survival rates for the species in its natural Mediterranean habitat.
Since the programme began, a total of 316 alitans have been reintroduced into the sea. Project organisers said the initiative aims to reverse decades of population decline caused largely by fishing activities, highlighting the importance of local and regional collaboration in protecting marine life.
Special thanks were extended to local partners, including the diving centre Mar Balear Mallorca and Port Adriano, who helped facilitate the release. Conservationists said the recovery of the alitan is an important step in maintaining biodiversity along the Balearic coasts and preserving one of the region’s characteristic shark species.