Blue Resources Trust (BRT) is a legally registered non-profit marine organisation based in Sri Lanka. Founded to promote science-based decision-making, BRT facilitates conservation research, supports sustainable marine resource management, and provides a platform for students and scientists to expand marine research in the Indian Ocean.
Through its Fisheries and Policy Programme (FIPO) — established by co-founder Daniel Fernando — BRT leads Sri Lanka’s first long-term, systematic survey on sharks, rays, and chimaeras. With a dedicated team of 10 full-time scientists and collaborations with national and international researchers and students, BRT generates crucial data to inform conservation actions, support policy development, and enhance education and community empowerment.
For more information:
Website: www.BlueResources.org
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Bluesky | LinkedIn
BLUE RESOURCES TRUST FISHERIES AND POLICY TEAM
THE BLUE RESOURCES TRUST FISHERIES AND POLICY TEAM is a dedicated group of scientists and policy experts working at the intersection of research, fisheries management, and conservation. Hosting Sharks International 2026 would not be possible without the tireless efforts of this team on the ground, both in terms of collecting vital data, contributing to new knowledge and conservation action, as well as providing logistical support behind the scenes for this conference. In addition to those in the photo, there is a group of dedicated volunteers and our social media team that are driving many other components forward.
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DANIEL FERNANDO
DANIEL FERNANDO is the co-founder of Blue Resources Trust (BRT), and director of the BRT Fisheries and Policy Programme. He has been providing technical support for elasmobranch management policy at conventions such as the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), helping bridge the gap between science and policy and encouraging a shift toward sustainable fisheries. He has served as a ministerial advisor, is currently the Regional Co-Vice Chair of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group for the Indian Ocean region, an MCAF Fellow, and the Vice Chair to the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council.
Chair of the SI2026 Organising + Conference Committees.
DR EMILY HUMBLE
DR EMILY HUMBLE is a conservation geneticist using genomic tools to support species management and law enforcement, with a focus on manta rays, guitarfish, and wedgefish. Based at the Roslin Institute, she also contributes to training through the MSc in Wildlife Conservation Genetics and Forensics. Her previous research includes work on fur seals at the British Antarctic Survey and lamnid sharks at Imperial College London, and she collaborates closely with the Manta Trust on global mobulid genetics.
Member of the SI2026 Conference Committee.
SARAH FOWLER
SARAH FOWLER was both Deputy Chair and Chair of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. She helped found the European Elasmobranch Association and its UK member, the Shark Trust (and is a trustee of the latter), was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to marine conservation (2004), received a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation, and is the principal scientist for the Save Our Seas Foundation since 2011.
Member of the SI2026 Conference Committee.
DR RIMA JABADO
DR RIMA JABADO is the Deputy Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and Chair of the IUCN SSC Sharks Specialist Group. She is also a member of the IUCN Marine Conservation Committee (since 2019), is the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Appointed Scientific Councillor for Fish (since 2020), and sits on the Advisory Committee for the CMS Sharks Memorandum of Understanding as a representative of the Asia region (since 2016). She has received various grants and awards in support and recognition of her work on sharks and rays as well as a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.
Member of the SI2026 Conference Committee.
LUKE WARWICK
LUKE WARWICK is the Director of Sharks and Rays at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and is a global expert in the field of shark and ray conservation and management, having worked on the issues throughout his career, including at the Intergovernmental level, in the development of research and monitoring techniques, and in the establishment of strong management policies all across the world.
Member of the SI2026 Conference Committee.
DR MICHELLE HEUPEL
DR MICHELLE HEUPEL is the Director of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), based at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. Her research expertise is in predator movement ecology and she is considered a pioneer in the application of acoustic tracking to study shark movement ecology. She is also one of the founders of the Sharks International Conference and coordinated the first meeting in Cairns, Australia in 2010.
Member of the SI2026 Advisory Committee.
PROF SEVVANDI JAYAKODY
PROF SEVVANDI JAYAKODY is from the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the University of Wayamba. She was appointed by the President of Sri Lanka as the National Coordinator for the 18th Conference of Parties of the CITES Convention (that was to be held in Sri Lanka) and has coordinated other large meetings including the GEF International Waters Conference. She is also a member of the National Mangrove Expert Committee, a member of the Commonwealth Blue Carbon Initiative, and a member of the National Environmental Council.
Member of the SI2026 Organising Committee.