A group of Californian Environmentalists has requested the federal and state governments to consider white sharks off the West Coast of the U. S. in the category of endangered species.

It has been reported that a trio of environmental groups has filed a petition with National Marine Fisheries Service, formally requesting them to include them in the list. They have highlighted that the marine creature is at high risk, majorly from gillnets, which are used to catch other fishes.

The petition includes findings of 2011 studies, which emphasize that there is a major decline in the population of great white shark. Currently, in total, 350 adult and sub-adult white sharks exist. The number is far less than that researchers expected.

Federal biologists have affirmed that they will be giving a thorough look at the petition reports and will then be concluding whether the mammal should be included in endangered species list or threatened species.

Further, after the decision is out, then public will be allowed to give their comments on the decision and even will take into consideration the finances that will be required for the protection of the species.

The environmentalists have also decided that they will be also be bringing the issue in front of California’s Endangered Species Act.