Porto Alegre, Brazil – Shoppers at the Porto Alegre Public Market often hear clerks recommend peixe anjo for its mild flavor and boneless fillets. The product moves quickly at 30 to 37 reais per kilo. Few realize the fish on display belongs to three angelshark species protected under Brazilian law. Recent reporting shows the trade continues even after an import ban took effect. ([1])
Market Sales Continue Without Interruption
At least four stalls in the traditional market offered the same item during visits in mid-September. Clerks described strong demand and highlighted the fish as a practical choice for everyday meals. The attractive pricing and simple preparation keep it popular among local buyers who seek affordable seafood options. The practice places consumers in an awkward position. They purchase what appears to be a standard market product, yet the underlying species faces severe population declines. No signage or labeling distinguishes the item from other fish on the counter. This gap leaves regular shoppers unaware of the conservation status attached to their purchase.
Three Species Face Strict Protections
Brazilian regulations prohibit fishing for Squatina guggenheim, S. occulta, and S. argentina. These angelsharks rank among the most threatened shark species worldwide. Domestic capture has been off limits for years, shifting any legal supply to imports from neighboring nations. The three species share similar traits that make them vulnerable. They live on the seafloor, grow slowly, and produce few offspring. Once numbers drop, recovery takes decades. Enforcement of the fishing ban inside Brazil has not extended fully to the import channel that still feeds domestic markets.
Import Volumes and Entry Points Documented
Federal Revenue Service records obtained through public information requests show 242.6 metric tons of angelshark meat entered Brazil from January 2021 through September 10, 2026. The shipments included 48 metric tons of S. guggenheim and 194.6 metric tons of S. argentina. Most originated in Argentina and cleared customs at São Borja and Uruguaiana in Rio Grande do Sul, plus Dionísio Cerqueira in Santa Catarina. Once inside the country, the imported meat blended with other products at distribution points. This mixing complicates efforts to trace individual batches back to their source. The documented volumes indicate that the import route remained active well after domestic fishing restrictions were in place.
Practical Effects on Buyers and Species
Local demand at public markets sustains the flow of product despite the regulatory framework. Families and restaurants continue to receive the fish under a familiar name that masks its protected status. The price point makes it competitive with other white-fleshed options, reinforcing steady sales. Stakeholders include market vendors who rely on consistent supply, coastal communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems, and regulators tasked with closing enforcement gaps. The timeline of imports through 2026 shows that policy changes have not yet halted cross-border movement. Observers note that clearer labeling and stronger port oversight could alter the current pattern without disrupting legitimate seafood trade.
