Balearic waters gain IUCN recognition for sharks and rays

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The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has designated a large part of the waters around the Balearic Islands as an area of special relevance for the conservation of sharks and rays, the designation is also known as ISRA - Important Shark and Ray Area.

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The aim of this initiative is to identify areas that are essential for the survival of sharks and rays. Scientists base their decisions on a number of criteria, such as the presence of endemic species, the presence of breeding grounds, feeding grounds or migratory corridors, or a high diversity of species. This specific designation involved the work of 180 international scientists, including elasmobranch biologist Gabriel Morey, a member of Save the Med. 

 

The study has highlighted the importance of four areas of the Balearic Sea: most of the waters surrounding Mallorca and Menorca (up to a depth of 1700 m); the coastal area between El Toro and Sa Dragonera; the coast of Llucmajor included in the Bay of Palma’s marine reserve; and the waters surrounding Formentera (up to a depth of 200 m). However, it is likely that the number of ISRAs will increase in the future as new scientific data becomes available.

 

The declaration of ISRA areas by the IUCN does not imply legal protection, nor does it impose any management measures, but it indicates the areas of greatest relevance for the survival of these species. Relevant administrations can therefore take this into account when establishing Marine Protected Areas or any other management regulations. This counts as a great step forward towards the much needed protection and conservation of sharks and rays.