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Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA)

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Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA)

Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) are “discrete, tri-dimensional portions of habitat, important for one or more shark species, that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation”.

ISRA

Why Important Shark and Ray Areas?

Chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras – hereafter referred to as ‘sharks’) are facing a global extinction crisis. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is now estimated that over one-third of sharks are threatened with extinction. Over the last century, fisheries have had a massive cumulative impact on sharks and this threat has been compounded by habitat loss and climate change. Threat levels are highest in coastal habitats where 75% of threatened species occur. This makes sharks one of the most threatened taxon in the marine environment, second only to Amphibians at the global scale.

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Sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus

Bluespotted Lagoon Ray
Taeniura lymma

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What are ISRA?

ISRA are not MPAs. The identification of ISRA is an evidence-driven, purely biocentric process based on the application of ad hoc scientific criteria supported by the best available science.

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NEWS

Stay updated on ISRA developments from around the world

Participants of the ISRA workshop in Fiji. | © Dr. Rima Jabado

Important Shark and Ray Areas delineated in the New Zealand and Pacific Islands region: Protecting Sharks and Rays in Pacific Islands waters

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PRESS RELEASE - Important Shark and Ray Areas delineated in the New Zealand and Pacific Islands region Protecting Sharks and Rays in Pacific Islands waters
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© Luke Gordon

Protecting Sharks and Rays in Pacific Islands waters

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In August this year, shark and ray experts from across the Pacific Islands region and New Zealand met to review over 350 potential Areas of Interest across Oceania.
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© Hannes Klostermann / Ocean Image Bank

Protecting sharks and rays in Pacific waters

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A recent assessment using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species indicated that more than one-third of sharks, rays, and chimaeras are threatened with extinction.
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© Bart Lukasik / Ocean Image Bank

122 Important Shark and Ray Areas identified in Asia

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A regional workshop was held in January of this year in Bali, Indonesia, and brought together a team of 33 scientists including 23 experts from throughout the region along with 208 of contributors.
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