New additions to the global ISRA eAtlas reveal major migration corridors, nursery grounds, and aggregation sites across Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific waters.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ISRA-Region-4_North-American-Caribbean-and-Atlantic_compendium-scaled-e1790057551431.webp18102560Alexandra Moratahttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngAlexandra Morata2026-09-24 20:00:352026-09-25 06:15:17259 important shark, ray, and chimaera habitats mapped across North America and the Caribbean
The Important Shark and Ray Areas project has identified thousands of critical habitats for some of the world’s most threatened fishes. Now saving these sites is up to us.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Story-1.avif6261000Alexandra Moratahttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngAlexandra Morata2026-09-21 08:06:132026-09-25 08:17:36To Save Sharks and Rays, Protect These Places
While India has expanded legal protections for sharks and rays, key breeding, nursery, and feeding habitats remain vulnerable.A new study has identified 11 Important Shark and Ray Areas in the Indian waters and found that many fall outside existing marine protected areas.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/14c20-1024px-scalloped-hammerhead-shark-sphyrna-lewini-226845659_orig.jpeg5761024ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-07-20 00:00:002026-09-24 06:36:37Important shark, ray habitats in India are still unprotected
What does it take to assess the extinction risk of an entire class of cartilaginous fishes? A new paper reflects on three decades of work coordinated through the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group to develop global IUCN Red List assessments for sharks, rays, and chimaeras
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/conservation-biology-2026-insights-from-three-decades-of-iucn-red-list-assessments_orig.png800609ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-07-01 00:00:002026-09-24 06:36:53Insights from three decades of IUCN Red List assessments catalyzing shark, ray, and chimaera conservation
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/critic-1_orig.png6191100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-05-29 00:00:002026-09-24 06:37:38Critical habitats for sharks and rays in Asia remain largely unprotected
A global database documenting the location of critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras has recently expanded to include Australia, with years of extensive research by Charles Darwin University (CDU) contributing to this crucial digital record.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/story-1_orig.png300450ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-03-13 00:00:002026-09-24 06:37:47Australia mapped into global sharks and rays database
In this latest article from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) regional compendium for Australia and the Southeast Indian Ocean was discussed.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/image001_orig.jpg6801024ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-02-17 00:00:002026-09-24 06:37:54Mapping the path to protecting the world’s threatened sharks and rays – Important Shark and Ray Areas identified in Australian waters
158 Important Shark and Ray Areas Identified Across Australia and the Southeast Indian OceanNew scientific map highlights critical habitats for threatened and endemic species.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/isra-region-08-australia-and-southeast-indian-ocean-compendium.png566800ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-02-11 00:00:002026-09-24 06:38:01Australia and the Southeast Indian Ocean: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
The Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project was featured in this new article from Green Matters. It provides a summary on across nine regions, IUCN located 816 areas where at least one threatened species of sharks and rays hosts key activities.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/story-2_orig.png6191100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-02-06 00:00:002026-09-24 06:35:15New Ocean Map Pinpoints 800+ High-Priority Areas Crucial for Shark and Rays Protection
In this article from Mongabay, a publication from the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project was featured. It highlights how almost half of the Western Indian Ocean’s shark and ray populations are considered threatened with extinction, as populations decline.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/white-shark-balazs-fodor-ocean-image-bank_orig.jpg7331100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-02-06 00:00:002026-09-24 06:38:09Critical shark and ray habitats in Western Indian Ocean largely unprotected: Study
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/basking-shark-larsvon-ritter-zahony-ocean-image-bank_orig.jpg7331100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-02-03 00:00:002026-09-24 06:38:16New global map shows where sharks and rays most need protection
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/isra-workshop-announcements-carribean-pacific2_orig.png7121100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-01-19 00:00:002026-09-24 06:38:22Here’s how to help identify Important Shark and Ray Areas in North America!
A landmark global report maps over 750 vital shark and ray habitats, revealing migration routes, breeding and feeding grounds across 70% of the ocean, giving governments powerful new science to guide conservation and climate-resilient ocean management.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/mobula-rays-nick-polanszky-ocean-image-bank_orig.jpg7331100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-01-15 00:00:002026-09-24 06:40:49Scientists unveil global network of Important Sharks and Ray Areas
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ocean-1_orig.png800566ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-01-14 07:09:252026-09-24 07:01:45New Global Report Identifies Critical Habitats for Migratory Sharks and Rays
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/onlyon-1_orig.png800640ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2026-01-12 00:00:002026-09-24 06:42:21Only One Percent of Important Shark and Ray Areas in the Western Indian Ocean Are Fully Protected From Fishing Pressure
Read here a new story featuring IUCN SSC SSG Chair, Rima Jabado, and about the Global Status of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras in this article by Science News Explores.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1440-sharks-in-danger-feat_orig.jpg6191100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-10-02 00:00:002026-09-24 06:44:58Save the Sharks to Save the Ocean
We welcome you to explore further information about the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group’s (SSG) work and results in 2024–2025.It is available online on the SSC SSG’s portal
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/press-release-important-shark-and-ray-areas-in-european-atlantic_orig.jpg800566ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-09-23 07:40:262026-09-24 07:02:28124 Important Shark and Ray Areas Identified Across the European Atlantic
In response to these challenges, the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project convened its ninth regional workshop in Den Haag, the Netherlands, from 17–21 May 2025. Over five days, over 180 preliminary Areas of Interest proposals submitted by 214 experts working across northern Europe and Macaronesia, using the latest scientific data on life-history, reproduction, migration, and feeding patterns. After careful evaluation and independent review, 124 ISRAs, 30 Areas of Interest, and 5 candidate ISRAs were identified, ranging from shallow coastal reproductive areas to deep offshore aggregation or feeding sites. All results are now freely accessible on the ISRA e-Atlas (www.sharkrayareas.org).
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/isra-region-02-european-atlantic-compendium-pdf-cover_orig.jpg595842Alexandra Moratahttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngAlexandra Morata2025-09-22 06:52:122026-09-24 06:56:40European Atlantic: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Atlantis Dubai announces the selection of seven local and international conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution Programme 2025-26 cycle, including the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. From June 2024 to May 2025, for every green meeting event and marine animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis Dubai contributed a portion of earnings, resulting in a $123,000 (USD) fund, which aims to support projects that help protect the ocean and our environment. Since the programme was launched in 2021, the initiative has now raised over half a million dollars ($509,000) and supported 30 projects.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dsc00813-1_orig.png7331100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-09-17 00:00:002026-09-24 07:00:29Atlantis Dubai Announces Over Half A Million Dollars Of Funding Since The Inception Of Atlantis Atlas Project In Support Of Conservation And Sustainability
259 important shark, ray, and chimaera habitats mapped across North America and the Caribbean
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Press, Publication releaseNew additions to the global ISRA eAtlas reveal major migration corridors, nursery grounds, and aggregation sites across Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific waters.
To Save Sharks and Rays, Protect These Places
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsThe Important Shark and Ray Areas project has identified thousands of critical habitats for some of the world’s most threatened fishes. Now saving these sites is up to us.
Important shark, ray habitats in India are still unprotected
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsWhile India has expanded legal protections for sharks and rays, key breeding, nursery, and feeding habitats remain vulnerable.A new study has identified 11 Important Shark and Ray Areas in the Indian waters and found that many fall outside existing marine protected areas.
Insights from three decades of IUCN Red List assessments catalyzing shark, ray, and chimaera conservation
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, News, Publication releaseWhat does it take to assess the extinction risk of an entire class of cartilaginous fishes? A new paper reflects on three decades of work coordinated through the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group to develop global IUCN Red List assessments for sharks, rays, and chimaeras
Critical habitats for sharks and rays in Asia remain largely unprotected
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseThe Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) team have published a new paper focused on the Asia region.
Australia mapped into global sharks and rays database
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsA global database documenting the location of critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras has recently expanded to include Australia, with years of extensive research by Charles Darwin University (CDU) contributing to this crucial digital record.
Mapping the path to protecting the world’s threatened sharks and rays – Important Shark and Ray Areas identified in Australian waters
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsIn this latest article from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) regional compendium for Australia and the Southeast Indian Ocean was discussed.
Australia and the Southeast Indian Ocean: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication release158 Important Shark and Ray Areas Identified Across Australia and the Southeast Indian OceanNew scientific map highlights critical habitats for threatened and endemic species.
New Ocean Map Pinpoints 800+ High-Priority Areas Crucial for Shark and Rays Protection
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseThe Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project was featured in this new article from Green Matters. It provides a summary on across nine regions, IUCN located 816 areas where at least one threatened species of sharks and rays hosts key activities.
Critical shark and ray habitats in Western Indian Ocean largely unprotected: Study
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsIn this article from Mongabay, a publication from the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project was featured. It highlights how almost half of the Western Indian Ocean’s shark and ray populations are considered threatened with extinction, as populations decline.
New global map shows where sharks and rays most need protection
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsRead the latest update on the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project.
Here’s how to help identify Important Shark and Ray Areas in North America!
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsThe Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project is coming to North America!
Scientists unveil global network of Important Sharks and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsA landmark global report maps over 750 vital shark and ray habitats, revealing migration routes, breeding and feeding grounds across 70% of the ocean, giving governments powerful new science to guide conservation and climate-resilient ocean management.
New Global Report Identifies Critical Habitats for Migratory Sharks and Rays
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Press, Publication releaseIUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group unveils the first-ever coordinated global map of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for CMS-listed sharks and rays
Only One Percent of Important Shark and Ray Areas in the Western Indian Ocean Are Fully Protected From Fishing Pressure
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseSave the Sharks to Save the Ocean
NewsRead here a new story featuring IUCN SSC SSG Chair, Rima Jabado, and about the Global Status of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras in this article by Science News Explores.
2024–2025 IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group Annual Report
NewsWe welcome you to explore further information about the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group’s (SSG) work and results in 2024–2025.It is available online on the SSC SSG’s portal
124 Important Shark and Ray Areas Identified Across the European Atlantic
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, PressMajor step forward for threatened species conservation in Northern Europe.
European Atlantic: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsIn response to these challenges, the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project convened its ninth regional workshop in Den Haag, the Netherlands, from 17–21 May 2025. Over five days, over 180 preliminary Areas of Interest proposals submitted by 214 experts working across northern Europe and Macaronesia, using the latest scientific data on life-history, reproduction, migration, and feeding patterns. After careful evaluation and independent review, 124 ISRAs, 30 Areas of Interest, and 5 candidate ISRAs were identified, ranging from shallow coastal reproductive areas to deep offshore aggregation or feeding sites. All results are now freely accessible on the ISRA e-Atlas (www.sharkrayareas.org).
Atlantis Dubai Announces Over Half A Million Dollars Of Funding Since The Inception Of Atlantis Atlas Project In Support Of Conservation And Sustainability
News, PressAtlantis Dubai announces the selection of seven local and international conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution Programme 2025-26 cycle, including the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. From June 2024 to May 2025, for every green meeting event and marine animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis Dubai contributed a portion of earnings, resulting in a $123,000 (USD) fund, which aims to support projects that help protect the ocean and our environment. Since the programme was launched in 2021, the initiative has now raised over half a million dollars ($509,000) and supported 30 projects.