Thracian Sea Shelf is located in the northernmost part of the Aegean Sea.

It is characterized by a diverse coastal and shelf morphology including several gulfs and two islands (Thasos and Samothraki). It has an extended continental shelf, primarily covered with seagrass meadows and sandy-muddy substrates. The nutrient-rich rivers and Black Sea waters support high biological productivity in the area. The area overlaps with 1 Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area, 12 Key Biodiversity Areas, 10 Natura2000 sites, 5 Ramsar sites, and 2 Νational Πarks.

Species for which the area was delineated:

A. Sharks:

• Common Smoothhound Mustelus mustelus
• Smallspotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula

B. Rays:

• Duckbill Eagle Ray Aetomylaeus bovinus
• Common Stingray Dasyatis pastinaca
• Spiny Butterfly Ray Gymnura altavela
• Common eagle ray Myliobatis aquila
• Rough Skate Raja radula

Factsheet Link: https://sharkrayareas.org/portfolio-item/thracian-sea-shelf-isra/