IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group
@iucnshark.bsky.social
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialsit Group was established in 1991 to respond to growing awareness and concern of the severe impact of fisheries on shark, ray, and chimaera populations around the world.
The last proposal for sharks has just passed at #CITESCoP20. Gulper Sharks have been adopted into Appendix II of CITES.
This marks a major victory for sharks and rays as all proposals have been adopted!
#CITES #CoP20 #gulpershark #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
This marks a major victory for sharks and rays as all proposals have been adopted!
#CITES #CoP20 #gulpershark #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
November 28, 2025 at 6:54 AM
The last proposal for sharks has just passed at #CITESCoP20. Gulper Sharks have been adopted into Appendix II of CITES.
This marks a major victory for sharks and rays as all proposals have been adopted!
#CITES #CoP20 #gulpershark #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
This marks a major victory for sharks and rays as all proposals have been adopted!
#CITES #CoP20 #gulpershark #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Following quickly after giant guitarfishes, the annotation "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes" for Wedgefishes have just been successfully adopted at the #CITESCoP20
#CITES #CoP20 #wedgefish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade
#CITES #CoP20 #wedgefish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade
November 28, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Following quickly after giant guitarfishes, the annotation "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes" for Wedgefishes have just been successfully adopted at the #CITESCoP20
#CITES #CoP20 #wedgefish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade
#CITES #CoP20 #wedgefish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade
Hot off the press, "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes" annotation has been adopted for Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus spp.) at the #CITESCoP20
Follow along as more updates happen live!
#CITES #CoP20 #guitarfish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity
Follow along as more updates happen live!
#CITES #CoP20 #guitarfish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity
November 28, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Hot off the press, "A zero annual export quota for wild-taken specimens traded for commercial purposes" annotation has been adopted for Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus spp.) at the #CITESCoP20
Follow along as more updates happen live!
#CITES #CoP20 #guitarfish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity
Follow along as more updates happen live!
#CITES #CoP20 #guitarfish #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity
Carrying on the @CITES #CoP20 updates, the iconic Whale Sharks have been accepted by Parties to uplist from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Follow along as we proceed with the other shark and ray proposals live from #CITESCoP20
#CITES #whaleshark #shark #ray #chimaera #conservation #biodiversity
Follow along as we proceed with the other shark and ray proposals live from #CITESCoP20
#CITES #whaleshark #shark #ray #chimaera #conservation #biodiversity
November 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Carrying on the @CITES #CoP20 updates, the iconic Whale Sharks have been accepted by Parties to uplist from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Follow along as we proceed with the other shark and ray proposals live from #CITESCoP20
#CITES #whaleshark #shark #ray #chimaera #conservation #biodiversity
Follow along as we proceed with the other shark and ray proposals live from #CITESCoP20
#CITES #whaleshark #shark #ray #chimaera #conservation #biodiversity
Just an hour ago at the CITES #CoP20 all Mantas and Devil Rays (Mobulidae spp.) were accepted by consensus to uplist from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Follow along for more updates live.
#CITESCoP20 #mobulids #manta #devilrays #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Follow along for more updates live.
#CITESCoP20 #mobulids #manta #devilrays #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
November 28, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Just an hour ago at the CITES #CoP20 all Mantas and Devil Rays (Mobulidae spp.) were accepted by consensus to uplist from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Follow along for more updates live.
#CITESCoP20 #mobulids #manta #devilrays #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Follow along for more updates live.
#CITESCoP20 #mobulids #manta #devilrays #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
This morning, Tope (Galeus galeorhinus) and Smoothhounds (Mustelus spp.) were adopted into Appendix II of CITES at the #CITESCoP20!
Implementation of this decision has been delayed by 18 months.
#CITES #Tope #smoothhounds #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Implementation of this decision has been delayed by 18 months.
#CITES #Tope #smoothhounds #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
November 28, 2025 at 5:46 AM
This morning, Tope (Galeus galeorhinus) and Smoothhounds (Mustelus spp.) were adopted into Appendix II of CITES at the #CITESCoP20!
Implementation of this decision has been delayed by 18 months.
#CITES #Tope #smoothhounds #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Implementation of this decision has been delayed by 18 months.
#CITES #Tope #smoothhounds #shark #ray #chimaera #biodiversity #conservation #trade #conference
Yesterday, at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's (CITES) 20th Conference of Parties, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks were uplisted from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Read more here: newsroom.wcs.org/News-Release...
Read more here: newsroom.wcs.org/News-Release...
November 28, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Yesterday, at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's (CITES) 20th Conference of Parties, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks were uplisted from Appendix II to Appendix I!
Read more here: newsroom.wcs.org/News-Release...
Read more here: newsroom.wcs.org/News-Release...
Today is the first day of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's (CITES) 20th Conference of Parties (CoP20)!
#CITES #CoP20 #conservation #biodiversity #trade #shark #ray #chimaera
#CITES #CoP20 #conservation #biodiversity #trade #shark #ray #chimaera
November 24, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Today is the first day of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's (CITES) 20th Conference of Parties (CoP20)!
#CITES #CoP20 #conservation #biodiversity #trade #shark #ray #chimaera
#CITES #CoP20 #conservation #biodiversity #trade #shark #ray #chimaera
Today is World Fisheries Day, a time to highlight the importance of responsible fishing from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group.
November 21, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Today is World Fisheries Day, a time to highlight the importance of responsible fishing from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group.
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Avilés-Colunga in Spain!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
November 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Avilés-Colunga in Spain!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Costa Vicentina Slope in Portugal!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
November 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Costa Vicentina Slope in Portugal!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to November 30, 2025!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the sessions: “Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.” and “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the sessions: “Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.” and “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
November 17, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Abstract Submission Deadline Extended to November 30, 2025!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the sessions: “Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.” and “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the sessions: “Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.” and “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
Big news from the ISRA project!
We’re preparing for one of our largest workshops yet, combining two ISRA regions — the North American Pacific and North American and Caribbean Atlantic — as the 11th and 12th regions in our global effort to map critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
We’re preparing for one of our largest workshops yet, combining two ISRA regions — the North American Pacific and North American and Caribbean Atlantic — as the 11th and 12th regions in our global effort to map critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Big news from the ISRA project!
We’re preparing for one of our largest workshops yet, combining two ISRA regions — the North American Pacific and North American and Caribbean Atlantic — as the 11th and 12th regions in our global effort to map critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
We’re preparing for one of our largest workshops yet, combining two ISRA regions — the North American Pacific and North American and Caribbean Atlantic — as the 11th and 12th regions in our global effort to map critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Bay of Angels in Ireland!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
November 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Bay of Angels in Ireland!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Yesterday was International Basking Shark Day, belated celebrations from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group!
© IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group and Eloisa Pinheiro
© IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group and Eloisa Pinheiro
November 4, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Yesterday was International Basking Shark Day, belated celebrations from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group!
© IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group and Eloisa Pinheiro
© IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group and Eloisa Pinheiro
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Belle-Île & Loire Estuary in France!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
November 3, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Belle-Île & Loire Estuary in France!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
FINAL DEADLINE | 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) are still open for 2 more weeks!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session: “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) are still open for 2 more weeks!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session: “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
November 2, 2025 at 8:01 AM
FINAL DEADLINE | 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) are still open for 2 more weeks!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session: “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) are still open for 2 more weeks!
The IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session: “Leveraging Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for Policy Action.”
FINAL DEADLINE | 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 are still open for 2 weeks!
In Sri Lanka, the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session:
“Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 are still open for 2 weeks!
In Sri Lanka, the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session:
“Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.”
November 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
FINAL DEADLINE | 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 are still open for 2 weeks!
In Sri Lanka, the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session:
“Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Reminder that abstract submissions for Sharks International 2026 are still open for 2 weeks!
In Sri Lanka, the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group will be hosting the session:
“Advancing Area-Based Management for Chondrichthyans: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Happy International Ghost Shark Day from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group!
Most ghost sharks (chimaeras) live primarily in deep, dark waters (>200 m) around the world. There is still limited information on many of these species but it doesn't mean that they should be overlooked in conservation.
Most ghost sharks (chimaeras) live primarily in deep, dark waters (>200 m) around the world. There is still limited information on many of these species but it doesn't mean that they should be overlooked in conservation.
October 30, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Happy International Ghost Shark Day from the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group!
Most ghost sharks (chimaeras) live primarily in deep, dark waters (>200 m) around the world. There is still limited information on many of these species but it doesn't mean that they should be overlooked in conservation.
Most ghost sharks (chimaeras) live primarily in deep, dark waters (>200 m) around the world. There is still limited information on many of these species but it doesn't mean that they should be overlooked in conservation.
Today is the first day of the European Elasmobranch Association 2025 (EEA 2025) annual 3-day conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This year's theme is “Tomorrow’s World; The next chapter in Elasmobranch science and conservation.”
October 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Today is the first day of the European Elasmobranch Association 2025 (EEA 2025) annual 3-day conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This year's theme is “Tomorrow’s World; The next chapter in Elasmobranch science and conservation.”
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Sal Rei Bay in Cabo Verde!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Sal Rei Bay in Cabo Verde!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the transboundary area: Normano-Breton Gulf!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
October 27, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the transboundary area: Normano-Breton Gulf!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
and see the compendium: doi.org/10.59216/ssg...
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine #biodiversity
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is Hythe in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
October 22, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is Hythe in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Dutch Delta in The Netherlands!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
October 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Today’s featured Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) is the Dutch Delta in The Netherlands!
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine
Learn more about the ISRA project: sharkrayareas.org/isra/faq/
#shark #ray #chimaera #ISRA #conservation #marine