Dubai, United Arab Emirates. January 14, 2026. A landmark report released today by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group with support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Climate Action and Nuclear Safety and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) identifies more than 750 Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) worldwide, providing the clearest picture to date of the habitats essential for the survival of threatened migratory sharks and rays.

Drawing on the expertise of over 1,330 scientists from over 100 countries, the Ocean Travellers Report synthesizes decades of research to map reproductive sites, migratory corridors, feeding grounds, and aggregation hotspots across 70% of the global ocean, including coastal waters, island chains, continental shelves, offshore seamounts, and areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

Click here to download the Media Release or here to view the Ocean Travellers Report