January 19, 2024
WRITTEN BY | Madeleine Pierce
SOURCE | Dive Magazine
The Marine Megafauna Foundation’s dedicated research has been instrumental in identifying key habitats in the Western Indian Ocean that have been newly designated Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The research, which has taken place across Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Qatar, Oman, and Mayotte has been recognised as crucial for showcasing biodiversity hotspots for various species of shark, ray, and chimaera.
The new ISRAs will be pivotal tools in guiding the development and implementation of area-based conservation strategies – including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – marking a major step forward in marine conservation research.
ISRA is an initiative by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which plays a critical role in the worldwide conservation of sharks and rays. The areas are identified based on their ecological significance as key habitats such as breeding grounds, feeding areas, or migration routes. Highlighting the essential zones helps to guide further conservation efforts, such as the implementation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Read the article here.
