The Pacific Angel Shark is among the sadly many endangered shark species. Thanks to overfishing and habitat degradation, their population has decreased by more than 90% in recent years. Pacific Angel Sharks are renowned for their unique texture, making them commonplace in seafood restaurants, and a popular fish to hunt. The European Union has established restrictions on the fishing of Pacific Angel Sharks, but the act still isn't illegal. In the United States, however, there are no restrictions regarding the fishing of these creatures whatsoever. Angel Sharks are bottom-dwellers and are harmless to humans, although no creature should be hunted to extinction regardless of how threatening it is. Pacific Angel Sharks are in Critical condition, and if this issue continues to be ignored they will soon be another animal on the extinct species list. It isn't too late to act, if the Pacific Angel Shark becomes a protected species in the United States- even for only a few years - and a hefty fine is placed on anyone who hunts them, their numbers can recover. Especially during these times of environmental imbalance, it is more important than ever to maintain the balance of Earth's ecosystems. These creatures need to be protected - and I say this as a seafood lover - not only for ethical reasons but so our planet's environment will not degrade any further than we have already caused it to.

Photo copyright Michael Sealey