What are the ISRAs;
ISRAs are “discrete, three-dimensional portions of habitat, important for one or more shark species, that are delineated and have the potential to be managed for conservation”. The identification of ISRAs is an evidence-driven, purely biocentric process based on the application of ad hoc scientific criteria supported by the best available science. This makes the ISRA identification process completely independent from political pressure. Any relevant management implication can only be subsequent to, and detached from, the ISRA identification process. Most importantly, ISRAs are not MPAs. Protected areas are delimited spaces where specific regulations are enforced to ensure that human behaviour is controlled so that the negative effects of such behaviour on the conservation of the target species can be avoided or mitigated. Conversely, ISRAs are only identified based on scientific criteria that describe their importance for the survival and well-being of one or more shark species found there. The ISRAs’ main purpose is to attract the attention of policy- and decision-makers on the need of maintaining the favourable conservation status of sharks in that specific area through the implementation of the most appropriate management measures, and this can include an MPA designation.
The identification of ISRAs is achieved through the application of scientifically based criteria. 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. The ISRA Criteria have been designed to capture important aspects of shark biology, ecology and population structure and to encompass multiple aspects of species vulnerability, distribution, abundance, and key life cycle activities, as well as areas of high diversity.
5 day workshop for the delineation of ISRAs in the Mediterranean
We had the pleasure of hosting 26 researchers from around the world for the five-day workshop on the delineation of Important Shark and Ray Shark Areas (ISRAs) in the Mediterranean and Black Sea organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Shark Specialist Group (IUCN-SSG). During the course, more than 180 shark-specialist scientists worked intensively with the most reliable and recent data in mind.
From this large meeting and through the cooperation and exchange of information, 85 areas emerged, which were consequently evaluated.
With the involvement of iSea 4 Important Areas for Sharks and Sharks in Greece (Thracian Sea Shelf, Amvrakikos Gulf, Southeastern Aegean Sea, North Cyclades), 3 Areas of Interest in Greece (Gulf of Corinth, Dodecanese, Truva Shelf), 1 candidate area in Cyprus (Akrotiri-Larnaca Bay) and 1 Important Area in Libya (Gulf of Sirte) delineated. More information about the workshop in the following video
GREECE
Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) (ISRAs)
Amvrakikos Gulf is a shallow and semi-enclosed embayment in northwest Greece. The gulf is ~35 km long and 6–15 km wide, with freshwater input from the Arachthos and Louros Rivers. These rivers create extensive delta complexes, including freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and seasonally inundated land. Amvrakikos Gulf is isolated from the Ionian Sea by the narrow, shallow Preveza channel (~600 m wide; 8.5 m mean depth). The area is characterised by a well-stratified water column comprised of a brackish water surface layer and a saline water benthic layer.
Species:
Τhracian Sea Shelf is located in the northernmost part of the Aegean Sea. It is characterised 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.
Species:
North Cyclades sits within the Cyclades Archipelago, a group of around 220 islands in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. Situated in the northwest part of the archipelago, it consists of a deeper area of the Cyclades plateau, between the islands of Kea, Gyaros, Kithnos, and Ermoupoli. The northern edge of the archipelago is under the influence of the warm Levantine current which splits into the Evvoia current in the northwest and feeds into a permanent gyre in the Myrtoan Sea to the west. The area is characterised by deep calcareous sandy mud to muddy sand habitats.
Species:
Southeastern Aegean Sea is located between Greece and Türkiye. On the Greek side, it includes Northwest Rhodes Island and its small islets, the strait of Rhodos, and continues south to Aphantou. On the Turkish side, the area extends from Oludeniz Bay in Fethiye, to Datça Peninsula. The area is characterised by diverse coastal and benthic habitats, including a subtropical open sea environment and bays, sandy to muddy substrates, rocky shores, islets, and rivers that flow into the bays.
Species:
Areas of Interest (AoI)
The Dodecanese are located in Greece in the southern Aegean and include the islands of the Dodecanese Archipelago. It has a variable bottom relief, which includes shallow depths as well as deeper areas.
Species:
The Gulf of Corinth is a small, semi-enclosed gulf of the Ionian Sea located in central Greece. It is connected to the open sea through the narrow passage of Rio-Antirio (~2 km). It has a complex marine topography that includes continental shelf areas, steep slopes and deep waters reaching a depth of 935 m.
Species:
Truva Shelf is located in the North Aegean Sea, off the Thracian Sea and borders Greece and Turkey. The region includes the islands of Gokçeada and Lemnos and is connected to the mainland through the Canakkale Strait, the opening of the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
Species:
The Inner Ionian Archipelago has great ecological value due to the presence of a significant number of species of marine megafauna (dolphins, sea turtles, Mediterranean seals, etc.) and the presence of extensive Poseidonia meadows. The distinct morphology of the marine and coastal parts of the area, characterized by the presence of many submerged caves, provides an important breeding habitat for the Mediterranean seal, a highly threatened marine mammal in the Mediterranean and listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species:
CYPRUS
Candidate Importan Shark and Ray Areas (cISRAs)cISRAs
The gulfs of Akrotiri and Larnaka are located on the southern coast within the Republic of Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone. The area is characterized by coastal and marine habitats such as sea cliffs, sand dunes, rocky reefs and sand corridors.
Species:
The area includes the Gemikonağı and North to South Karpaz regions. It is characterized by a narrow continental shelf with habitats that are mostly shallow sandy substrates colonized by dense meadows of Poseidonia.
Species:
