Restoring the Pacific Angelshark population in Peru: increasing research, management and policy

The Pacific angelshark, Squatina californica, is categorized as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to a population decline of over 30% in the last 3 generations. In Peru, this species was the 6th most fished shark from 1996 to 2001. However, from 2001 to 2015 its capture declined by 97% and spite of this it still does not have any management measures. This reduction is worrisome as there is a global concern about the extinction risk of all species of angel sharks. This project will collect important biological and fisheries information to contribute to the development of management strategies to allow for the sustainable use of this species in Peru.