Scientists map 816 ocean zones critical for saving endangered sharks and rays

A groundbreaking new report has identified 816 crucial ocean areas that urgently need protection to prevent the collapse of struggling shark and ray populations worldwide. The comprehensive study, titled “Ocean Travellers” and published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), represents the first global effort to pinpoint exactly where these threatened marine species most need sanctuary.

These designated zones, called Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), serve as essential habitats for reproduction, feeding, and other critical life activities for at least one threatened shark or ray species. The locations are now accessible to the public through an interactive online atlas, providing unprecedented transparency about marine conservation priorities. From Greece’s Amvrakikos Gulf, where endangered spiny butterfly rays glide through coastal waters, to remote ocean territories around the globe, these areas represent lifelines for species facing extinction.

The timing of this research is critical, as shark and ray populations have plummeted due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. “We want to change the narrative, but to do that, we need the data, and this is the core of this project,” explained Rima Jabado, chair of the IUCN’s Shark Specialist Group. The report aims to eliminate guesswork for governments and policymakers by providing clear, science-based recommendations for marine protection.

This initiative joins similar IUCN mapping efforts for marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds, creating a comprehensive framework for ocean conservation. As world leaders struggle to meet international biodiversity targets, these meticulously researched maps offer a concrete roadmap for protecting some of the ocean’s most vulnerable predators.