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Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA)

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Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA)

Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA) are “discrete, tri-dimensional portions of habitat, important for one or more shark species, that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation”.

ISRA

Why Important Shark and Ray Areas?

Chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and chimaeras – hereafter referred to as ‘sharks’) are facing a global extinction crisis. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is now estimated that over one-third of sharks are threatened with extinction. Over the last century, fisheries have had a massive cumulative impact on sharks and this threat has been compounded by habitat loss and climate change. Threat levels are highest in coastal habitats where 75% of threatened species occur. This makes sharks one of the most threatened taxon in the marine environment, second only to Amphibians at the global scale.

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Sand tiger shark
Carcharias taurus

Bluespotted Lagoon Ray
Taeniura lymma

ABOUT

What are ISRA?

ISRA are not MPAs. The identification of ISRA is an evidence-driven, purely biocentric process based on the application of ad hoc scientific criteria supported by the best available science.

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NEWS

Stay updated on ISRA developments from around the world

MMF’s research pivotal in establishing new IUCN shark and ray protections

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The Marine Megafauna Foundation’s research has been instrumental in identifying key habitats in the Western Indian Ocean, newly designated Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs)

Conservation Efforts to Save Endangered Sharks and Rays in Ghana and Indonesia

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In Ghana, over 65% of shark species fall under the categories of critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. The situation is no better in Indonesia

To protect endangered sharks and rays, scientists are mapping these species’ most important locations

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All of the saltwater bodies on Earth make up one big ocean. But within it, there is infinite variety – just ask any scuba diver.

Des zones protégées pour les requins en réflexion

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Le projet ISRA, Important Sharks and Rays Areas, se définit par deux zones, l'une de 98 kilomètres carrés entre Saint-Gilles et Saint-Paul, l'autre de 20 kilomètres carrés entre L'Étang-Salé et Saint-Pierre.