Illegal Angelshark Meat Trade from Argentina to Brazil Exposed

Mongabay investigated the sale of angelshark meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil, which was supplied from Argentina. Although the Brazilian government prohibited the import of meat from endangered shark species in April 2026, the meat continued to be sold freely in the South of Brazil. The meat was sold in the Porto Alegre Public Market at prices ranging from 30 to 37 reais per kilo.

The trade involves three of the world’s most endangered shark species. Following the investigation, three public agencies stated they would suspend their purchase plans for the product. Compliance with the new regulations is complicated by the sale of various shark species under the generic name “cação.”