Submit your proposals for preliminary areas of interest to submissions@sharkrayareas.org by 6 February 2026.

Learn more ➜ sharkrayareas.org/about-isras/

#ISRA #Shark #Ray #Chimaera #Marine #Conservation #Ocean
@rewildorg.bsky.social @saveourseas.bsky.social

ISRAs identify habitats that are vital for sharks, rays, and chimaeras, bringing together evidence-based information to guide conservation action.

We’re inviting researchers, conservationists, divers, and citizen scientists to contribute.

This species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, reminding us that even the ocean’s gentle giants need protection.

Learn more about us and our work: www.iucnssg.org/faq.html
#baskingshark #shark #ray #chimaera #marine #conservation #ocean #biodiversity

Once heavily targeted for their fins, liver oil, and meat, Basking Shark populations declined dramatically in many regions. Today, they remain threatened because of fisheries (especially incidental catch), vessel strikes, and disturbance from boat traffic and tourism.

The Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is one of the world’s largest fish (second only to Whale Sharks), reaching lengths of up to 12 m, yet it feeds on some of the ocean’s smallest organisms, filtering plankton as it slowly swims through temperate waters around the globe.

#SI2026 #sharksinternational2026 #shark #ray #chimaera #conference #marine #conservation #biodiversity #research #ocean #ISRA

☑️ When submitting your abstract, make sure to check the box to be considered for our session.
📌 Learn more, register, and access submission guidelines here: si2026.org

Questions? Reach us at programofficer@iucn-ssg.org

#SI2026 #sharksinternational2026 #shark #ray #chimaera #conference #marine #conservation #biodiversity #research #ocean

☑️ When submitting your abstract, make sure to check the box to be considered for our session.
📌 Learn more, register, and access submission guidelines here: si2026.org

Questions? Reach us at programofficer@iucn-ssg.org

Learn more about us and our work: www.iucnssg.org/faq.html
#ghostshark #chimaera #shark #ray #marine #conservation #ocean #biodiversity

The majority are considered Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species but as many as 10 species are Data Deficient. Considering the depths at which chimaeras reside, it is very likely that there are more species we have yet to discover!

Most information available is based on catches from deepwater fishing. Today we are shining light on chimaeras to spread awareness on these beautiful species.

Belonging to the Chimaeriformes order, there are 59 confirmed species of ghost sharks.

Graphic designs © Joost Fluitsma and EEA 2025

#EEA2025 #ISRA #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #marine #conference #ocean #conservation

SSG Member Manuel Dureuil also presented "A data-limited shark and ray assessment approach to inform conservation: An example of the Atlantic Weasel Shark in Cabo Verde."

Follow along for more updates live at EEA!
Learn more about us here: www.iucnssg.org

Where she also presented "Putting nearly 1,000 Important Shark and Ray Areas on the map in 1,000 years of impact" (on behalf of Ryan Charles, ISRA team member). In this same panel she was joined by Eva Meyers and Ali Hood - SSG members to discuss the importance of integrating ISRAs into policy.

Over 175 people registered to EEA with several talks presented by several members of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (SSG) lined up.

Today the IUCN SSC SSG Chair, Rima Jabado, led the panel "Science for spatial management of sharks and rays, ISRA in the NEA".