Sharks International 2026

From discussions on overfishing and shark meat trade to emerging conservation technologies and community-led solutions, #SI2026 brought together more than 800 participants to confront the growing global crisis facing sharks and rays. 🔗 news.mongabay.com/2026/05/at-wor…

As #SI2026 comes to a close, sincere thanks to everyone who made the conference possible and meaningful. This conference would not have been possible without the collective effort of so many dedicated people working together! #SI2026 #SriLanka #SharksInternational2026

One of the biggest takeaways from #SI2026 in Colombo was clear: sharks and rays do not recognise political boundaries - and conservation efforts cannot stop at them either. Read the Mongabay Article for more: news.mongabay.com/2026/05/sharks…

🎤 600+ Presentations and Posters Shared. Over the course of Sharks International 2026, more than 600 presentations and posters showcased new research, conservation initiatives, emerging technologies, and inspiring stories from across the globe. 📸 Leila Scheltema

🌍 80+ Countries Represented Sharks International 2026 welcomed participants from more than 80 countries, highlighting the truly global commitment! 📸 Leila Scheltema #SharksInternational2026 #SI2026

🦈 800+ Participants. One Global Community. Sharks International 2026 brought together more than 800 participants from around the world, united by a shared passion for shark, ray, and chimaera conservation. 📸 Leila Scheltema #SharksInternational2026 #SI2026

🦈 THURSDAY 7 MAY, 2026 🎙️ Side Events: 13:15 – 14:15 🦈 HALL A: The Student Force in Shark Conservation Panel 18:00 – 19:00 🦈HALL A: Reimagining Shark, Ray, and Chimaera Conservation 🦈HALL B (18:00 - 20:00): “IYO ANG DAGAT” (The Sea is Yours) Documentary Film Screening

We’ve officially made it halfway through the conference! #SI2026 #SharksInternational2026

🗓️ NEW SIDE EVENT ADDED Grants 101: what are donors looking for? 🗓️ Friday 8 May | 13:15-14:15 (Hall A)

Before #SI2026 begins in Colombo, take a moment to read the latest Mongabay piece on why this conference matters now more than ever. 🔗 Read the full article here: news.mongabay.com/2026/05/worlds…

A reminder that registration and the opening reception will take place today, Sunday, 3 May: • Registration & Merch Stall: 15:00 – 17:30 | at conference venue BMICH (please note pre-orders will be available for pick up from Monday onwards) • Opening Reception: 17:30 – 21:00

We hope you enjoyed today’s workshops for those who signed up – from landing site surveys, to species conservation planning for sharks, building a more diverse and relevant Sharkipedia, and more!

🦈 The detailed daily schedule is now live! 📲 Download the full schedule or add individual talks directly to your calendar (including iCal and other calendar formats) so you never miss a session. Start planning your week now: si2026.org/programme/full… #SharksInternational2026

Join us for our Daily Plenary Keynote Sessions From 09:00–10:00 each day at Sirimavo Expo Centre, Hall A, two keynote speakers will deliver plenary sessions exploring critical themes in shark and ray conservation.

Species Highlight: Winghead Shark (Eusphyra blochii) 🌍 Conservation Status: Critically endangered (IUCN Red List) ⚠️ Threats: Coastal fisheries bycatch, habitat loss, degradation of nearshore ecosystems 📖 Data: Blue Resources Trust 🎨 Illustrations: Mikaela Stanborough

📣 A message from one of our keynote speakers: Rafid Shidqi! 📅 On 8 May at SI026, Rafid will join Sarah Fowler for a plenary session exploring how shark and ray conservation policy can be implemented in ways that are both effective and equitable for local communities.

Getting Ready for #SI2026 🔗 Access the guide: drive.google.com/drive/folders/… 💬 Join the SI2026 WhatsApp group, our official communication channel for the event. We’ll be sharing daily schedules, menus, announcements, and key updates there: chat.whatsapp.com/Kc1M8Zowj669kA…

Plenary Session: What Do High-Level Decisions Mean for Local Livelihoods? 🗓 Friday, 8 May ⏰ 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM 📍 Sirimavo Expo Centre, Hall A 🔗 si2026.org

📢 Presenter Requirements & Guidelines: Speed Talk For more information visit our website or access the document: “Presenter Information & Guidelines: Regular Talks, Speed Talks & Posters", here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/… 🔗 si2026.org

📢 Presenter Requirements & Guidelines: Posters For more information visit our website or access the document: “Presenter Information & Guidelines: Regular Talks, Speed Talks & Posters", here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/… si2026.org