This side event will present the Ocean Travellers report, the first globally coordinated assessment of Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) for species listed under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and its Sharks Memorandum of Understanding (Sharks MOU). ISRAs identify critical habitats used by sharks and rays for reproduction, feeding, resting, aggregation, and migration through a standardized, expert-driven scientific process.

 

The event will introduce the key findings of the report, highlight progress of the global ISRA initiative to date, and showcase how ISRAs are already being applied by governments and partners across regions to inform marine spatial planning, fisheries management, and area-based conservation in national waters and areas beyond national jurisdiction.

 

Through concrete case studies, the session will demonstrate how ISRAs can inform national and regional action, support delivery against CMS decisions and Sharks MOU priorities, ad provide spatial input relevant to global biodiversity targets under the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also strengthening transboundary cooperation for migratory species. 

 

The event will conclude with a clear call to action on how Parties can use ISRAs as a practical, evidence-based tool in policy, planning, and management processes.