Scientists unveil global network of Important Sharks and Ray Areas

Mobula rays | © Nick Polanszky | Ocean Image Bank

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.

WRITTEN BY | Rob Hutchins
SOURCE | Oceanographic

A sweeping new global map of the ocean’s most important habitats for sharks and rays has been unveiled, offering the most detailed picture yet of where these threatened ocean travellers live, feed and migrate.

Released today by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group, the Ocean Travellers Report identifies more than 750 Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) across the ocean, making it a landmark step forward for marine conservation.

Compiled by more than 1,330 scientists from over 100 countries, the report brings together decades of research to reveal critical breeding grounds, migratory corridors, feeding areas and aggregation hotspots across roughly 70% of the global ocean.

​Read the full article here.