by Leila Scheltema
World’s Largest Shark Conference Concludes in Colombo with Urgent Call for Global Action Sharks International 2026 brought together more than 800 participants from over 80 countries in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time the world’s largest shark and ray conference has been hosted in Asia.
Colombo, Sri Lanka – May 2026 – The world’s leading shark and ray experts concluded Sharks International 2026 with a stark message: without urgent global action, many shark and ray populations risk continued decline beyond recovery within our lifetimes. Held from 4–8 May 2026, the landmark event brought together more than 800 participants representing over 80 countries. The conference featured more than 600 scientific presentations and posters, showcasing cutting-edge research and revealing mounting evidence of widespread population declines and growing conservation challenges across multiple regions. Sharks and rays are among the most threatened vertebrates in the ocean, driven primarily by overfishing, habitat loss, unsustainable trade, and climate change. Across the conference, scientists and conservation practitioners highlighted continued declines in many populations, with several species approaching critical thresholds beyond which recovery may be severely limited. Discussions during the conference underscored the persistent gap between scientific knowledge and effective implementation, with participants emphasising the importance of international collaboration, regional coordination, and community-based approaches to reversing current trends.
Zoya Tyabji, Keynote Speaker, captured by Leila Scheltema
Dr Guy Stevens, Chief Executive and Founder of the Manta Trust, and keynote speaker at Sharks International 2026, said: “The science presented this week leaves little doubt about the scale of the challenge ahead. What is needed now is the collective political will, international cooperation, and long-term investment required to secure a future for sharks and rays before further declines become irreversible.”
These challenges are compounded by the biological characteristics of sharks and rays, including slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive output, which make populations highly vulnerable to fishing pressure. While sustainable fisheries are theoretically possible, they depend on strong governance frameworks – including independent monitoring, robust stock assessments, and enforceable catch limits – which remain absent in many regions, increasing the risk of progressive depletion.
A recurring theme of the conference was the mismatch between the biological characteristics of sharks and rays and their management frameworks. Despite sharing life-history traits with long-lived terrestrial wildlife, they are still predominantly managed as conventional fisheries resources rather than species requiring precautionary conservation approaches. This disconnect continues to influence policy outcomes and may constrain the urgency of protection measures despite mounting scientific evidence of global declines.
Hosted by Sri Lankan non-profit organisation Blue Resources Trust, the conference also highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing role in marine science and conservation. Through its Fisheries and Policy Programme – the country’s first long-term systematic study of shark and ray landings – the organisation supports research, fisheries monitoring, and policy development for threatened marine species. Of approximately 105 shark and ray species recorded in Sri Lankan fisheries, more than 70% are now considered threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List, while only five species currently receive legal protection nationally.
Looking forward, Blue Resources Trust aims to build on the momentum of Sharks International 2026 by expanding long-term research and strengthening conservation action in Sri Lanka and the wider region. Key priorities include improving fisheries monitoring, increasing scientific and technical capacity, and supporting evidence-based policy development to enhance protection for threatened species. The organisation is also working towards establishing a purpose-built marine research station for its Fisheries and Policy Programme (FiPo), with the goal of ensuring long-term research continuity and institutional capacity. This work is considered critical to translating global scientific advances into tangible conservation outcomes.
Daniel Fernando, Co-Founder and Director of Fisheries and Policy at Blue Resources Trust, said: “The science presented throughout the week made one thing very clear: we are running out of time for many shark and ray species. While there is still hope, conservation action and fisheries reform must accelerate significantly if we are to prevent further irreversible losses. Looking back 40-50 years, we made drastic changes for species like turtles and cetaceans that used to be commonly fished, and a similar approach is necessary for sharks and rays. The argument that we need more data is not acceptable – we know enough to take action”
The conference programme featured keynote talks from leading international experts and early-career scientists, alongside workshops and side events focused on applied conservation and professional development. These included sessions on science communication, science-policy engagement, conservation planning, fisheries monitoring and compliance, species identification, stranding data use, ecological research, rewilding initiatives, social and cultural dimensions of shark conservation, and fundraising for marine conservation. The conference also included the launch of the Asian Shark and Ray Alliance (ASRA), alongside discussions on high-seas governance and early-career development in marine science.
Poster panels captured at Sharks International 2026
Major themes across presentations and posters included illegal wildlife trade, sustainable fisheries management, science communication, emerging research approaches, new technologies, ecological studies, and the implementation of stronger protections for threatened species.
Keynote speaker Stan Shea, Marine Programme Director at BLOOM Association Hong Kong and ADM Capital Foundation, highlighted the strong emphasis on accessibility and student participation at Sharks International 2026, praising “the efforts of the BRT team to maximise the accessibility and participation of students.” He noted that the breadth of presentations reflected “dedication towards the work and research for shark conservation,” and emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing risks associated with overly territorial approaches to knowledge production in marine science.
A strong emphasis on inclusivity was maintained throughout the conference, with organisers prioritising participation from early-career researchers and underrepresented regions, particularly across the Global South. Registration fees were heavily subsidised, and more than 90 travel grants and additional support mechanisms were provided to improve accessibility and broaden participation.
The conference was supported by the Save Our Seas Foundation, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Shark Conservation Fund, The Roe Foundation, together with the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the Marine Conservation and Action Fund (of the New England Aquarium), among others. The shark and ray exhibit at the conference was supported by the Tokyo Cement Group.
As Sharks International 2026 concludes, participants depart Colombo with strengthened collaborations, new scientific insights, and a shared recognition that the coming decade will be decisive for the future of sharks and rays globally. The next Sharks International conference will be hosted in Malaysia by the Marine Research Foundation, continuing international efforts to advance shark and ray science, conservation, and cross-regional cooperation.
