Ontogenetic distribution of deep elasmobranch species in Western Mediterranean, commitments to their conservation

The IUCN has taken an important step in protection of elasmobranchs through the development Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), which have the potential to be managed for conservation purposes. This study aimed to georeference the ontogenetic groups of several elasmobranch species ( Raja asterias, R. montagui, Etmopterus spinax, Dalatias licha, Scyliorhinus canicula, Galeus melastomus and G. atlanticus ) recorded in the southeast coast of Spain and propose the area as an ISRA in 2023. Biomass and abundance data were collected from the MEDITS surveys (1994–2023), and the length-weight equation was used to estimate the size of the individuals. The results showed that the proposed ISRA is a nursery area for several species, supporting the recent designation of the ISRA Murcia Pockmarks. Furthermore, this area is not only crucial for elasmobranchs but also a geologically complex zone with significant biological diversity in both pelagic and benthic communities, including sponges (Demospongiae), Pennatulaceas, gorgonians, corals (Isididae sp.) and others.