NEWS
Critical shark and ray habitats in Western Indian Ocean largely unprotected: Study
Almost half of the Western Indian Ocean’s shark and ray populations are considered threatened with extinction, as populations decline.
The Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) project has mapped out 125 areas across the Western Indian Ocean that are critical for the survival of many species.
Yet only 7.1% of these ISRAs fall within existing marine protected areas, and just 1.2% are in fully protected areas where fishing is prohibited.
Researchers identified challenges related to fishing pressure as the most significant threat to sharks and rays in the region.
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