- Angel sharks are frequently caught as bycatch in fishing operations targeting other species, such as bottom trawling and longlines.
- Their large pectoral fins and distinctive appearance can make them vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear.
- Bycatch can lead to injury or death, reducing angel shark populations.
2. Habitat destruction and degradation:
- Angel sharks rely on specific habitats, including sandy and muddy seafloors near coastal areas and continental shelves.
- Habitat degradation and loss occur due to human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and bottom trawling.
- These activities disrupt the angel sharks' natural habitats, reducing their breeding and feeding opportunities.
3. Overfishing:
- Some angel shark species are directly targeted for their meat, fins, and liver oil.
- Unsustainable fishing practices can lead to population depletion, as angel sharks have slow growth rates and low reproductive rates.
4. Illegal trade:
- Angel sharks are sometimes caught illegally and traded for aquariums or the curio trade.
- Demand for live specimens can contribute to overfishing and further endanger wild populations.
5. Natural factors:
- While not the primary cause of endangerment, natural factors such as fluctuations in food availability and competition from other species can also affect angel shark populations.
6. Limited knowledge and conservation efforts:
- Angel shark populations are not well-studied, leading to limited understanding of their distribution, abundance, and specific threats.
- Insufficient conservation efforts and inadequate regulations for the protection of angel sharks contribute to their continued endangerment.
Addressing these threats through stricter fisheries regulations, habitat protections, bycatch reduction measures, and increasing awareness and conservation efforts is crucial for the long-term survival of angel shark species.