📣 A message from one of our keynote speakers: Dr. Marta D. Palacios!
📅 Join us for their plenary session on 6 May.
👉 Explore the full schedule of plenary sessions, side events and more, on our website now: si2026.org
📣 A message from one of our keynotes: Sarah Fowler!
📅 On 8 May at Sharks International 2026, Sarah will join Rafid for a plenary session exploring the challenges of translating international shark and ray conservation policy into effective and equitable action on the ground.
Plenary Session: Building collaborative science for global mobulid conservation
🗓 Wednesday, 6 May
⏰ 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Sirimavo Expo Centre, Hall A
🔗 si2026.org/programme/fu...
Plenary Session: Shifting cultures in elasmobranch conservation
🗓 Tuesday, 5 May
⏰ 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Sirimavo Expo Centre, Hall A
👉 Explore the full schedule of plenary sessions, side events and more, on our website now: si2026.org
📣 A message from Stan Shea!
📅 On 7 May 09:00-10:00 AM, Stan Shea and Dr. Diego Cardeñosa will explore how trade data, molecular tools, and enforcement science can be integrated to strengthen regulation and improve conservation outcomes for sharks and rays globally.
🎉 Happy New Year from your hosts - Blue Resources Trust and the Sharks International Organising Committee!
🎊 As the country comes together to celebrate, please note that responses from some individuals and workplaces may be slower until around 20 April.
#SI2026 Abstract Book is Now Live
Explore 600+ abstracts and dive into the latest research spanning shark, ray, and chimaera science. Start planning who you want to connect with, collaborate with, and learn from at Sharks International 2026!
🔗 si2026.org/programme/fu...
Plenary Session: A journey through small-scale fisheries and their impact on shark ecology in West Africa
🗓 Monday, 4 May
⏰ 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Sirimavo Expo Centre, Hall A
🦈 This month, we’re excited to introduce the four Species of Focus for Sharks International 2026, spotlighting species that are deeply connected to Sri Lankan waters. Our first species is the Indian Ocean Blue-Spotted Maskray (Neotrygon indica).
🗓️ Explore the full schedule of sessions and side events via si2026.org under “Full Programme / Schedule.”
📣 A final, fully detailed schedule, including individual talk slots, will be released soon, so stay tuned for more updates!
🦈 Species of Focus: Sharks International 2026
Over the next month, we’re excited to introduce the four Species of Focus for Sharks International 2026, spotlighting species that are deeply connected to Sri Lankan waters.
🔗 si2026.org
🎨 Mikaela Stanborough
You can now view your session information on the Sharks International 2026 website dashboard.
Please note: this is preliminary information. The final, detailed schedule will be released soon, so continue to check your dashboard regularly.
🔗 si2026.org
Important: Please confirm your attendance for the #SI2026 Opening Ceremony
📍BMICH (the conference venue)
🗓️ Sunday 3 May | 05:30 PM - 09:00 PM
🎫 Free (Important: confirm your attendance on the website dashboard - si2026.org)
💃 Dress code: Casual
📣 A message from one of our keynote speakers: Ghofrane Labyedh!
📅 Together with keynote speaker Guido Leurs, they will discuss how small-scale fisheries, data, and policy intersect to support the conservation of sharks and rays in West Africa at #SI2026!
🦈 Share your excitement and connect with the global shark, ray & chimaera community!
Sharks International 2026 is almost here - download our pre-conference Social Media Pack to show your participation and start networking before the event even begins: drive.google.com/drive/folder...
📣 Update your Conference Name Tag Details
✍️ Please verify your name tag details in advance by logging into the SI2026 website and checking your dashboard. If anything is incorrect, please update it before 11 April to ensure your tag is accurate.
🔗 si2026.org
In just two months, the global shark and ray community will come together for Sharks International 2026!
🦈 Get ready to connect, learn, and celebrate sharks and rays with the global community!
🔗 si2026.org
💻 Please express your interest for workshops during or after registration by updating your profile on our website before 4 March.
Important: Final participant selection will be made by the workshop convenors, who will contact selected applicants.
🔗 si2026.org
‼️ Conference Registration Confirmation Required for Accepted Abstracts
✅ If your abstract has been accepted, please complete your conference registration by 28 February to secure your presentation slot.
🔗 To register, please visit our website: si2026.org
📣 Early Bird Deadline Extended!
As a small team, we’ve been swamped with emails and submissions, thank you for your patience! To make sure everyone gets a fair chance, we’re extending the Early Bird registration deadline (15–28 February).
🦈 Early Bird Registration for Sharks International 2026 is closing soon!
❗️ Reminder: Submitting an abstract doesn’t mean you are registered. Presenters with accepted abstracts must register by 28 February 2026.
🔗 For more info, visit our website: si2026.org
Before booking your trip to Sharks International 2026, confirm your Sri Lankan ETA eligibility, passport validity, return ticket, and required vaccinations.
🔗 We encourage you to check our website, including the FAQs: si2026.org/travel-and-v...
🦈 3 Months to Go Until Sharks International 2026!
Preparing for you travels? For more information about visas, travel, insurance, medical considerations, and other useful resources, please visit our website.
🔗 si2026.org
📣 Abstract decisions for Sharks International 2026 are now available! Authors can view the status of their abstract and confirm intent to present, by logging into their dashboard on the conference website (si2026.org).
🦈 Express your interest in joining a workshop!
👥 Get ready for an exciting lineup of SI2026 workshops! You can express your interest in joining a workshop during or after your registration by updating your profile on our website.
🔗 si2026.org
🌊 MCAF Primary Supporter of Sharks International 2026
Thanks to the New England Aquarium’s Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF), Sharks International 2026 will be more accessible, inclusive, and impactful than ever!
🔗 Learn more about MCAF: youtu.be/awA1yiM9T-4
🦈 We’re thrilled to announce that $15,000 has been dedicated to student travel grants, thanks to the generous support of the Roe Foundation and Mote Marine Laboratory, who are also supporting Sharks International 2026 more broadly.
🌊 SI2026 side events will provide dynamic, informal spaces for deeper dialogue, collaboration, and connection across the global chondrichthyan community.
🔗 Explore the full programme of side events on our website and plan your participation at SI2026: si2026.org
Planning your trip to Sharks International 2026 in Sri Lanka? We’ve got you covered with estimated costs for your stay, from accommodation to local transport, meals, and visa fees (excluding flights).
🔗 si2026.org
📣 Call for Hosts – Sharks International 2030
Interested? Submit a non-binding expression of interest via the following form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
🗓️ Deadline: 20 Feb 2026
