🦈 Sharks International 2026 would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors and supporters. 🤝 We extend our sincere thanks to all our supporters! #SharksInternational2026 #SI2026.

🏆 At the closing ceremony of the Sharks International 2026 Conference, the Best Student Presentation Award and Best Student Poster Award were presented in recognition of outstanding student research contributions. 🎉 Congratulations to Meghana and Neranjan! #SI2026

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/shar...

🗓️ 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/worl...

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/fu... #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/folder... 💬 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/Kc1M8Zowj669...

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/folder... 🔗 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/folder... si2026.org

📢 Presenter Requirements & Guidelines: Regular Talk/Presentation 📧 You can now upload your PowerPoint via the SI2026 website dashboard: si2026.org Presenter Information & Guidelines: Regular Talks, Speed Talks & Posters: drive.google.com/drive/folder...

📣 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