We want to invite you to discover the twelfth issue of Shark News – the official IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group (SSG) magazine. Shark News provides a forum for the exchange of information on all aspects of shark, ray, and chimaera conservation matters for SSG members and the general interested audience.
In a recent article from Forbes the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project’s publication entitled ‘Shortfalls in the protection of Important Shark and Ray Areas undermine shark conservation efforts in the Central and South American Pacific’.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/story-1_orig.jpeg480720ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-09-09 00:00:002026-09-24 07:32:01Central And South American Pacific Sharks Face A Conservation Crisis
NEW PAPER ALERT | Read the latest publication from the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project in the journal iScience highlighting:
Important Areas are tools to support effective marine conservation planning;
1. Adding critical habitats to range maps enhances systematic conservation solutions;
2. Including critical habitats in solutions can cover a similar area but differ in cost; and
3. Considering Important Areas will enhance outcomes for threatened species protection
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/infographic-4-rwj-insta_orig.jpg800640ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-08-12 00:00:002026-09-24 07:50:31Important Shark and Ray Areas can inform conservation planning in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Read this article featured on The Revelator with an interview from IUCN SSC SSG chair Rima Jabado on the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras. This article discusses the importance of these animals, their conservation concern leading to the creation of this report, with notes on the process behind the scenes.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/grey-nurse-shark-john-turnbull-1920_orig.png6191100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-08-04 00:00:002026-09-24 07:57:02What Does It Take to Write a Global Conservation Report? A New Assessment of Sharks Offers Answers
We looked at how Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) can also support the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
Our findings? 1 in 5 ISRAs already qualify as KBAs.
These area-based management tools are complimentary and using them together can be powerful to ensure nations meet their 30×30 commitments under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/cover_orig.png800609ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-06-24 00:00:002026-09-24 07:59:08Applying the Key Biodiversity Area Standard to Important Sites for Sharks
Read here the story on the changes to the status of sharks and rays in the last 50 years since the movie ‘Jaws’ was released, featuring information from the Global status on sharks, rays, and chimaeras report.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/070125-br-savethesharks-feat_orig.png6191100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-06-20 00:00:002026-09-24 08:00:3850 years after ‘Jaws,’ sharks face their own terror
As the biodiversity crisis in our oceans continues to raise alarm, major progress to protect pivotal ocean species was achieved today at the UN Ocean Conference.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ministers-and-supporters-at-launch-of-coalition-to-halt-shark-and-ray-extinction-at-un-oceans-conference-11-june-2025_orig.png8001067ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-06-11 00:00:002026-09-24 08:04:35Nations come on board to Halt Shark and Ray Extinction
See the newest publication on the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project published in the journal, PLOS One.
García-Rodríguez E, Gonzalez-Pestana A, Charles R, Palacios MD, Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Alfaro-Shigueto J, et al. (2025). Mapping Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) in the Central and South American Pacific: existing knowledge and data needs. PLoS One 20(4): e0322445. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322445
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/infogr-2_orig.png800640ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-05-08 00:00:002026-09-24 08:06:45Mapping ISRAs in the Central and South American Pacific -existing knowledge and data needs
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/200727436_orig.png7351100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-05-08 00:00:002026-09-24 08:09:03Fernando de Noronha é identificada como ‘área importante para tubarões e raias’ por comissão internacional
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/press-release-important-shark-and-ray-areas-in-south-american-waters-eng_orig.jpg800566ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-05-06 08:04:572026-09-24 08:18:23Critical Habitats for Sharks and Rays Identified Across South America’s Atlantic and Inland Waters
The eighth region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered the South American Atlantic (Region 5). Stemming from the joint regional workshop for the South American Atlantic and Inland Waters (Regions 5 and 13) in Montevideo, Uruguay from 13-17 January, 2025, this resulted in the delineation of 81 ISRAs, 2 candidate ISRAs, and 25 Areas of Interest for this region.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/isra-region-05-south-american-atlantic-compendium_orig.png7781100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-05-06 00:00:002026-09-24 08:14:30South American Atlantic and Inland Waters: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
The seventh region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered the South American Inland Waters (Region 13). Stemming from the joint regional workshop for the South American Atlantic and Inland Waters in Montevideo, Uruguay from 13-17 January, 2025, this resulted in the delineation of 21 ISRAs and 14 Areas of Interest.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/isra-region-13-south-american-inland-waters-compendium_orig.jpg7571100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-04-29 00:00:002026-09-24 08:18:04South American Inland Waters: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
After a temporary break from publication in 2024, the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI)newsletter is back – packed with news from around the GOBI community and beyond. See the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) being featured in this issue!
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.pngElenaSSG2025-03-25 00:00:002026-09-24 08:50:50Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs): A blueprint for conservation
See here for the latest update about the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project in this First View publication in Oryx. This publication summarizes the progress of the ISRA project since launching and covers the goals until 2027.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/story-1_orig.jpg800592ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-03-06 00:00:002026-09-24 08:53:03Turning the tide for sharks: Important Shark and Ray Areas
See here how the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras is highlighted in Forbes latest article about shark tourism in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/download_orig.png539959ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-02-13 00:00:002026-09-24 08:55:44Swim With Sharks In Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon In French Polynesia
Read here as James Cook University features the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras, highlighting key topics of the report such as overfishing driving most species to extinction as demand for their meat rapidly increases – but Australia is currently bucking the trend.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/newsdetails_orig.jpg693924ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2025-01-16 00:00:002026-09-24 09:02:01Australia a haven as shark and ray populations collapse
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/sharks-09_orig.png7271100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2024-12-29 00:00:002026-09-24 09:03:18A third of sharks, rays, chimaeras threatened with extinction – Report
The sixth region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered New Zealand and Pacific Islands (Region 10). Stemming from the workshop in Nada, Fiji from 26-30 August, 2024, this resulted in the delineation of 179 ISRAs, two candidate ISRAs, and 50 Areas of Interest.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/new-zealand-and-pacific-islands-cover-page_orig.jpg7781100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2024-12-20 00:00:002026-09-24 09:15:10New Zealand and Pacific Islands: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
See this article on from Oceanographic as it features the newly released Science paper titled ‘Ecological erosion and expanding extinction risk of sharks and rays’ by Dulvy et al. (2024).
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/worldwatermuseum-4x677_orig.jpg7481100ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2024-12-06 00:00:002026-09-24 09:16:53Sharks and rays now 20% closer to extinction, says new Index
Listen here for a new episode of the World of Sharks podcast featuring Rima Jabado and Alexandra Morata, chair and program officer of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG), respectively. This episode highlights the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) and the published Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras report.
https://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/World-of-sharks.webp640640ElenaSSGhttps://iucnssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/iucn-ssc-shark-specialist-group-ssg-logo-2021-b-w-cropped.pngElenaSSG2024-12-05 00:00:002026-09-24 09:19:46What’s Happening to the World’s Sharks and Rays?
Shark News | Issue 12 | September 2025
News, Shark NewsWe want to invite you to discover the twelfth issue of Shark News – the official IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group (SSG) magazine. Shark News provides a forum for the exchange of information on all aspects of shark, ray, and chimaera conservation matters for SSG members and the general interested audience.
Central And South American Pacific Sharks Face A Conservation Crisis
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsIn a recent article from Forbes the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project’s publication entitled ‘Shortfalls in the protection of Important Shark and Ray Areas undermine shark conservation efforts in the Central and South American Pacific’.
Important Shark and Ray Areas can inform conservation planning in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseNEW PAPER ALERT | Read the latest publication from the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project in the journal iScience highlighting:
Important Areas are tools to support effective marine conservation planning;
1. Adding critical habitats to range maps enhances systematic conservation solutions;
2. Including critical habitats in solutions can cover a similar area but differ in cost; and
3. Considering Important Areas will enhance outcomes for threatened species protection
What Does It Take to Write a Global Conservation Report? A New Assessment of Sharks Offers Answers
Global Status Report, NewsRead this article featured on The Revelator with an interview from IUCN SSC SSG chair Rima Jabado on the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras. This article discusses the importance of these animals, their conservation concern leading to the creation of this report, with notes on the process behind the scenes.
Applying the Key Biodiversity Area Standard to Important Sites for Sharks
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseNEW PUBLICATION
We looked at how Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) can also support the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
Our findings? 1 in 5 ISRAs already qualify as KBAs.
These area-based management tools are complimentary and using them together can be powerful to ensure nations meet their 30×30 commitments under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
50 years after ‘Jaws,’ sharks face their own terror
Global Status Report, NewsRead here the story on the changes to the status of sharks and rays in the last 50 years since the movie ‘Jaws’ was released, featuring information from the Global status on sharks, rays, and chimaeras report.
Nations come on board to Halt Shark and Ray Extinction
HALT Shark and Ray Extinction, News, PressAs the biodiversity crisis in our oceans continues to raise alarm, major progress to protect pivotal ocean species was achieved today at the UN Ocean Conference.
Mapping ISRAs in the Central and South American Pacific -existing knowledge and data needs
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseSee the newest publication on the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project published in the journal, PLOS One.
García-Rodríguez E, Gonzalez-Pestana A, Charles R, Palacios MD, Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Alfaro-Shigueto J, et al. (2025). Mapping Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) in the Central and South American Pacific: existing knowledge and data needs. PLoS One 20(4): e0322445. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322445
Fernando de Noronha é identificada como ‘área importante para tubarões e raias’ por comissão internacional
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsRead about how the Fernando de Noronha, an ISRA identified in the South American Atlantic, was highlighted in this article by g1 | globo.
Critical Habitats for Sharks and Rays Identified Across South America’s Atlantic and Inland Waters
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Press, Publication releaseResults of five-day workshop on Important Shark and Ray Areas final with 102 areas identified across the region.
South American Atlantic and Inland Waters: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseThe eighth region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered the South American Atlantic (Region 5). Stemming from the joint regional workshop for the South American Atlantic and Inland Waters (Regions 5 and 13) in Montevideo, Uruguay from 13-17 January, 2025, this resulted in the delineation of 81 ISRAs, 2 candidate ISRAs, and 25 Areas of Interest for this region.
South American Inland Waters: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), News, Publication releaseThe seventh region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered the South American Inland Waters (Region 13). Stemming from the joint regional workshop for the South American Atlantic and Inland Waters in Montevideo, Uruguay from 13-17 January, 2025, this resulted in the delineation of 21 ISRAs and 14 Areas of Interest.
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs): A blueprint for conservation
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsAfter a temporary break from publication in 2024, the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI)newsletter is back – packed with news from around the GOBI community and beyond. See the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) being featured in this issue!
Turning the tide for sharks: Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsSee here for the latest update about the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project in this First View publication in Oryx. This publication summarizes the progress of the ISRA project since launching and covers the goals until 2027.
Swim With Sharks In Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon In French Polynesia
Global Status Report, NewsSee here how the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras is highlighted in Forbes latest article about shark tourism in Rangiroa, French Polynesia.
Australia a haven as shark and ray populations collapse
Global Status Report, NewsRead here as James Cook University features the Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras, highlighting key topics of the report such as overfishing driving most species to extinction as demand for their meat rapidly increases – but Australia is currently bucking the trend.
A third of sharks, rays, chimaeras threatened with extinction – Report
Global Status Report, NewsSee the Global status report on sharks, rays, and chimaeras, an SSG report, featured in this issue of EnviroNews.
New Zealand and Pacific Islands: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), NewsThe sixth region targeted by the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) project covered New Zealand and Pacific Islands (Region 10). Stemming from the workshop in Nada, Fiji from 26-30 August, 2024, this resulted in the delineation of 179 ISRAs, two candidate ISRAs, and 50 Areas of Interest.
Sharks and rays now 20% closer to extinction, says new Index
NewsSee this article on from Oceanographic as it features the newly released Science paper titled ‘Ecological erosion and expanding extinction risk of sharks and rays’ by Dulvy et al. (2024).
What’s Happening to the World’s Sharks and Rays?
Global Status Report, NewsListen here for a new episode of the World of Sharks podcast featuring Rima Jabado and Alexandra Morata, chair and program officer of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG), respectively. This episode highlights the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) and the published Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras report.