To protect endangered sharks and rays, scientists are mapping these species’ most important locations

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Important Shark and Ray Areas Project:

The Earth’s saltwater bodies collectively form a vast ocean with diverse ecosystems. Specific locations, like the Fuvahmulah Atoll in the Maldives, are highlighted for their rich marine life, including tiger sharks, thresher sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and oceanic manta rays.
The Important Shark and Ray Areas project, led by marine conservation scientists, aims to identify key areas crucial for the conservation of sharks and rays.
The project involves collaboration among hundreds of scientists and experts to identify and prioritize areas crucial for the survival ofsharks and their relatives.
By recognizing and protecting these zones, the project seeks to implement measures for fisheries management and ensure the well-being of these marine species.
They’ve developed technical criteria modelled after successful approaches for other marine animals and are conducting regional workshops worldwide.
After expert reviews, designated areas will be added to an online e-atlas which can be seen online, with a formal compendium published for each region.
This process, repeated every 10 years, allows for adjustments based on new research and changing environmental factors.

Significance of the project:

The Important Shark and Ray Areas project has published compendiums for the Mediterranean and Black Seas region, featuring 65 identified crucial areas, and the western Indian Ocean with over 125 areas.
These zones vary in size and habitat and play a vital role for species like the blackchin guitarfish and the common smoothhound shark.
- Examples include Benidorm Island in the Mediterranean and the Cocos-Galapagos Swimway in Costa Rica and Ecuador.
Ranging from the smallest area, Israel’s Palmahim brine pools, to the largest, the Strait of Sicily and Tunisian Plateau, these zones support diverse shark, ray, and chimaera species.
While designation as an Important Shark and Ray Area doesn’t ensure automatic protection, the project aims to influence existing spatial planning, fisheries management, and conservation efforts, with the potential for incorporation into marine protected areas or other preserves.