Blog Archives

2024–2025 IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group Annual Report

25/9/2025

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

124 Important Shark and Ray Areas Identified Across the European Atlantic

23/9/2025

PRESS RELEASE |

Major step forward for threatened species conservation in Northern Europe.

European Atlantic: A regional compendium of Important Shark and Ray Areas

22/9/2025

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).

Atlantis Dubai Announces Over Half A Million Dollars Of Funding Since The Inception Of Atlantis Atlas Project In Support Of Conservation And Sustainability

17/9/2025

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.

Read the press release here.

Shark News | Issue 12 | September 2025

15/9/2025

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.

Central And South American Pacific Sharks Face A Conservation Crisis

9/9/2025

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'.