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ISRA – Important Shark and Ray Areas for the Azores

The Azores archipelago was recently included in the global network of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), a worldwide initiative promoted by the IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Shark Specialist Group.

This recognition is the result of rigorous scientific work that identified areas with ecological and biological characteristics particularly relevant to the conservation of sharks, rays, and chimaeras.

These are relatively small areas that have proven to be important for one or more species and, therefore, deserve special attention and regular monitoring. Each of these areas is the result of data accumulated over a specific period of time and meets rigorous criteria, which can be viewed here. https://sharkrayareas.org/isra/isras-identification-process/

In the case of the Azores, there are 16 areas with these characteristics (see https://sharkrayareas.org/portfolio-item/azores-isra/) already classified as such and approved by the IUCN group of experts, two of which are on Terceira Island:
Baía do Fanal for the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) https://sharkrayareas.org/portfolio-item/fanal-bay-isra/ 
Gruta do Ilhéu das Cabras eagle ray Myliobatis aquila Linnaeus, 1758 https://sharkrayareas.org/portfolio-item/gruta-do-ilheu-das-cabras-isra/ 

The classification of these areas reinforces the role of the Azores as a natural laboratory for the study and conservation of marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting species that perform essential ecological functions in ocean ecosystems.

The importance of classifying these areas lies in their highly relevant characteristics for identifying locations where sharks, rays, and chimeras exhibit special affinities during crucial phases of their life cycles, as well as providing solid evidence for their conservation.

In addition to their scientific relevance, many of these areas also represent prime destinations for recreational diving and underwater photography, with significant potential for the sustainable development of maritime tourism activities in the region.

"The recognition of these areas reinforces the Azores' role as a global hotspot for the conservation of marine species of great ecological and scientific value."


João Pedro Barreiros, Azorean Biodiversity Group (CE3C) University of the Azores, Portugal