Important Shark and Ray Areas - Selection Criteria

PRESS RELEASE | January 05, 2023

The identification of ISRAs is achieved through the application of scientifically based criteria. The ISRA Criteria were developed to provide a framework to objectively identify areas of importance to sharks, crucial for their persistence and, where required, recovery.

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The identification of ISRAs is achieved through the application of scientifically based criteria. The ISRA Criteria were developed to provide a framework to objectively identify areas of importance to sharks, crucial for their persistence and, where required, recovery.

Four criteria incorporating seven sub-criteria were defined. These ISRA Criteria were designed to consider the complex behaviors, ecology, and biological needs of sharks including species’ vulnerability, range restriction, key life-history activities, distinctiveness, and diversity. They can be applied to all environments where sharks occur (marine, estuarine, and freshwater).

They are non-hierarchical and address ways in which to identify an ISRA according to the known regular or predictable presence and/or activities of sharks within that area. With the exception of Criterion A (Vulnerability), a single criterion is sufficient to identify an ISRA. However, if appropriate, multiple criteria can be applied.
The definition of these ISRA Criteria has been of fundamental importance for the effectiveness of the tool in terms of its application, standardization and consistency across identified sites, as well as comparability between ISRAs at national, regional, and international scales.

An overview of the ISRA Criteria is provided below. Detailed information on their application can be found here.

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