Angelsharks, belonging to the family Squatinidae, are distinctive flat-bodied sharks that resemble rays and are primarily found in temperate and tropical coastal waters. These bottom-dwelling predators are highly valued for their meat, which is consumed fresh or dried in various cuisines, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia. The main countries known for harvesting angelsharks, especially those not elsewhere included (NEI) in official catch statistics, are Spain, Portugal, and some North African nations such as Morocco. In these regions, angelsharks are often caught as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries targeting other demersal species. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to significant declines in angelshark populations, prompting strict regulations and conservation efforts in some countries, notably Spain and the Canary Islands, where the species is now protected. Nonetheless, unregulated or underreported fishing continues in certain areas, making the NEI category important for monitoring global angelshark exploitation.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.