Code Of Conduct, Social Media Policy, and AI Use Policy


Sharks International 2026 is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment where all participants feel safe, respected, and valued. We celebrate diversity in perspectives, expertise, backgrounds, and experiences and expect all attendees to contribute to a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.


All delegates, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, and guests are required to adhere to this Code of Conduct, Social Media Policy, and AI Use Policy throughout the conference.



Respectful Dialogue and Conduct


Sharks International 2026 is a platform for sharing knowledge, engaging in discussions, and fostering professional connections. We encourage open and constructive discourse but expect all interactions to be respectful. Debate is welcome - disrespect is not.



Expected Behaviour


All participants are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with respect – be courteous and considerate of diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.
  • Engage professionally – communicate constructively, critique ideas rather than individuals, and maintain a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Social media – if sharing others’ work online, respect intellectual property and research priority. Please view the official conference Social Media Policy, provided below.
  • Follow venue and event policies – adhere to the guidelines set by SI2026 organisers, venue staff, and security personnel.
  • Report safety concerns – if you witness harassment or any concerning behavior, report it to the appropriate conference staff.



Unacceptable Behaviour


The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment & discrimination – including offensive comments, intimidation, or targeted actions based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.
  • Physical, verbal, or written abuse – any form of bullying, threatening language, stalking, or inappropriate electronic communication (including emails, chats, and social media).
  • Sexual harassment – including unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or the use of sexual imagery in presentations or public spaces.
  • Disruptions & aggressive behaviour – interrupting presentations, yelling at speakers, or engaging in hostile conduct that prevents others from participating.
  • Retaliation against reporters – any form of retaliation against individuals who report a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.



Consequences of Violations


Anyone engaging in unacceptable behaviour may face:

  • A verbal or written warning, with immediate compliance expected.
  • Removal from sessions or events without a refund.
  • A recommendation to ban from future Sharks International conferences.
  • If necessary, involvement of venue security or local authorities.


Conference staff will assess incidents on a case-by-case basis and determine appropriate actions to maintain a safe environment.



Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour


If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour:


Confidentiality & Anti-Retaliation Policy


SI2026 takes all reports seriously and will handle them with confidentiality and sensitivity. No participant will face retaliation for reporting a concern in good faith.

For immediate physical safety concerns, please contact venue security or local authorities.




Social Media Policy


We encourage all participants to share their experiences from Sharks International 2026 on social media to help promote learning, connection, and collaboration within the global shark and ray community.


To maintain a respectful and inclusive environment, we ask that you follow these simple guidelines:


  1. Be Respectful and Professional
    Please ensure your posts, comments, and content are respectful of others and align with the tone and values of the conference and our Code of Conduct.

  2. Give Credit Where It’s Due
    When sharing scientific content or presentation slides, always credit the speaker or author. Do not share unpublished data or confidential content without explicit permission. Please be especially mindful if presenters/posters have included the  “No Tweet” symbol to discourage social media sharing.

  3. Respect Privacy
    Not all attendees may wish to be photographed or tagged - if they request you not to, please oblige them. We also ask that you do not share any private or personal conversations on social media.

  4. Use Our Hashtag
    Help us spread the word! Use the official hashtag: #SI2026 when posting about the conference.

  5. Do Not Disrupt
    Be mindful when using phones or recording devices during sessions—avoid distracting others or violating speaker requests.

  6. Report Concerns
    If you see content that violates our Code of Conduct or this policy, please report it to the conference organisers or via the following form: click here to access an anonymous online reporting form.

Let’s make social media a space that reflects the spirit of learning, inclusivity, and global collaboration that Sharks International stands for.





AI Use Policy


We support the responsible and transparent use of AI tools in scientific communication. To uphold integrity and clarity, we ask all participants to follow these guidelines:


Disclosure: Presenters and authors must declare any AI tools used to generate text, images, or analyses in abstracts, slides, or posters (e.g., “Text edited using AI” or “Image generated with AI assistance”).


Accuracy & Verification: All AI-generated content must be carefully checked against primary sources and validated by experts before being included.


Originality & Citation: AI-generated content should not replace original research. Any AI-derived passages, figures, or insights must be properly cited (e.g., “Generated with [Tool Name]”).


Ethical Use: AI must not be used to fabricate data, create misleading visuals, or alter scientific data. Content should not deceive audiences in any way.


Misuse of AI may be addressed under the conference Code of Conduct.



By attending Sharks International 2026, you agree to uphold these principles and contribute to a positive and respectful conference environment.


Thank you for helping make SI2026 a welcoming and inclusive event for all.