Sharks International 2026 Conference to Be Held in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Similar Articles
Global Shark and Ray Populations Halved Since 1970, Conservationists Gather to Chart Path Forward
High Seas Treaty Takes Effect, Offering New Framework for Migratory Shark Conservation
Sri Lankan Sawfish Populations Face Critical Decline, Study Finds
Major Whale Shark Study Reveals New Migration Routes and Nursery
Senegal's Artisanal Fisheries Harvest Over 100,000 Sharks and Rays, Many Endangered
The Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) conference will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time the global scientific event has taken place in Asia. The conference, organized by the Blue Resources Trust (BRT), will focus on global conservation priorities for sharks and rays, more than a third of which are threatened with extinction. It will bring together researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners from around the world.
Facts First
- Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) is scheduled for Colombo, Sri Lanka from May 4-8, 2026.
- This is the first time the conference will be held in Asia, following previous editions in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Spain.
- The event is organized by the Colombo-based Blue Resources Trust (BRT) with support from international organizations.
- The conference will focus on global shark and ray conservation priorities, including halting population decline and reducing bycatch.
- More than one-third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, habitat loss, and weak enforcement.
What Happened
The Sharks International 2026 (SI2026) conference is scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from May 4-8, 2026. The conference is a global scientific event focusing exclusively on elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). The Colombo-based Blue Resources Trust (BRT) is the local host and organizer, and this marks the first time the conference will be held in Asia.
Why this Matters to You
If you are concerned about ocean health and biodiversity, this conference may signal a growing focus on conservation in a key region. The gathering of global experts in Sri Lanka could help direct more international attention and resources toward protecting threatened shark and ray populations, which are vital to marine ecosystems.
What's Next
The conference will proceed with its planned focus on global conservation priorities, including halting population decline and reducing bycatch in industrial fisheries. The event may serve as a platform for new research and policy discussions aimed at addressing the threats facing these species.