Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Science-Policy Links for Shark and Ray Conservation and Management in Tuna RFMOs
Summary: This workshop will bring together scientists, experts from tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and other stakeholders to present ongoing research on bycatch and ecosystem impacts, and to examine persistent challenges and opportunities for enhancing the uptake of shark, ray, and ecosystem science into RFMO advisory processes and management decision-making frameworks through improved coordination, cross-RFMO collaboration, and external scientific engagement.
Description: Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are the international bodies responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of tuna and tuna-like species. Over the past two decades, their mandates have increasingly expanded to include the management and conservation of bycatch species, in particular sharks and rays caught along with tuna and tuna-like species. In response, tuna RFMOs have each adopted a range of measures to manage and conserve sharks and rays species. These include improved data collection (e.g., mandatory reporting of shark and ray catches and discards), support for scientific research (e.g., basic biology and ecology of species, mitigation methods), stock assessments to determine exploitation status and risk assessments to prioritize species at risk, species-specific protections (e.g., bans on retaining, landing or trading certain species), finning bans, bycatch mitigation strategies (e.g., non-entangling Fish Aggregating Devices and best handling and release practices), among others. Nevertheless, the relationship between fundamental and applied science on sharks and rays and tuna RFMO management decision making is not always clear and all would likely agree that improved communication and collaborations are needed to further the sustainable management of these species.
This workshop session will bring together scientists actively engaged in the scientific working groups and scientific committees of tuna RFMOs to showcase ongoing research and initiatives related to bycatch and ecosystem impacts of fishing that contribute to the development of advice for shark and ray management. The session will provide a platform to discuss key persistent challenges that hinder the effective integration of bycatch and ecosystem-based science into policy and fisheries management decisions.
Specifically key discussion topics will include:
(1) How to Improve the coordination and communication mechanisms between the Scientific Committees and the Commissions, to ensure that scientific advice on sharks, rays, and broader ecosystem concerns is better understood and effectively considered and utilized in decision making.
(2) How to enhance collaboration and information exchange across tuna RFMOs, to facilitate harmonized approaches and shared learning on bycatch and ecosystem science, particularly important for rare and vulnerable species that are often regionally data poor.
(3) How to increase external engagement and integrate broader expertise into the work of the Scientific Committees to build capacity and improve the quality of the scientific advice for supporting fisheries management advice.
Through these discussions, the workshop aims to identify concrete, practical ways to bridge gaps between science and policy and to foster more inclusive, science-based and effective conservation and management strategies for shark and ray conservation in tuna RFMOs.
This workshop session will bring together scientists actively engaged in the scientific working groups and scientific committees of tuna RFMOs to showcase ongoing research and initiatives related to bycatch and ecosystem impacts of fishing that contribute to the development of advice for shark and ray management. The session will provide a platform to discuss key persistent challenges that hinder the effective integration of bycatch and ecosystem-based science into policy and fisheries management decisions.
Specifically key discussion topics will include:
(1) How to Improve the coordination and communication mechanisms between the Scientific Committees and the Commissions, to ensure that scientific advice on sharks, rays, and broader ecosystem concerns is better understood and effectively considered and utilized in decision making.
(2) How to enhance collaboration and information exchange across tuna RFMOs, to facilitate harmonized approaches and shared learning on bycatch and ecosystem science, particularly important for rare and vulnerable species that are often regionally data poor.
(3) How to increase external engagement and integrate broader expertise into the work of the Scientific Committees to build capacity and improve the quality of the scientific advice for supporting fisheries management advice.
Through these discussions, the workshop aims to identify concrete, practical ways to bridge gaps between science and policy and to foster more inclusive, science-based and effective conservation and management strategies for shark and ray conservation in tuna RFMOs.
Date and Duration: 9 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: N/A.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: mjuanjorda@gmail.com; mjuan.jorda@ieo.csic.es; david.kaplan@ird.fr
Bringing sharks and rays into the picture â A workshop on communicating science with illustration
Summary: Gain hands-on experience in scientific and natural history illustration techniques, with a focus on marine and coastal wildlife, for creating inspiring conservation science and communication tools.
Description: Scientific illustration helps translate complex morphology into clear, engaging visuals. It improves accuracy, reduces ambiguity, and sparks interest in taxonomic diversity. Done well, it is both a technical tool and a storytelling deviceâsupporting conservation while making science more accessible, relevant, and engaging.
Participants in this two-day workshop will be introduced to the world of skilled scientific and natural history illustration, with a focus on marine and coastal wildlife, and gain hands-on experience applying these techniques.
A range of drawing methods and materials will be explored, with guidance on how illustration can be used to document observations, communicate scientific processes, and clarify complex concepts. Activities will include introductory sessions on digitising sketches, selecting materials, and understanding the history of scientific illustration, alongside practical sessions in life drawing from specimens and microscopy-based sketching.
The workshop is open to anyone interested in wildlife illustration, whether for personal enrichment, research, or education. It will be especially valuable for students in the biological sciences, researchers, science communicators, teachers, and amateur naturalists seeking to document or share their work. Pencil will be the primary medium, and a list of required and recommended materials will be provided in advance.
Tutors
Marc Dando is one of the worldâs leading shark illustrators, best known for his detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of marine life. His work has been featured internationally in aquaria, exhibitions and many booksâfrom childrenâs books to technical field guides. He is the illustrator of the Princeton University Press/Wild Nature Press publications Sharks of the World, the Guide to Manta and Devil Rays of the World, and regional elasmobranch field guides for Eastern North America and Europe and the Mediterranean. Marc combines his training in zoology and graphic design with a deep understanding of anatomy and ecology to support science communication and species conservation.
Dr Lindsay Marshall is a world-renowned fisheries biologist and natural history artist. She illustrated the landmark Rays of the World (CSIRO Publishing) and painted over 1,500 images of all living shark and ray species for the Tree of Life Projectâthe first artist in over a century to illustrate an entire major vertebrate group. Her work features in scientific publications, field guides, museum exhibits, and three national stamp issues, and her extensive species library is used in conservation and science communication. Also known for her PhD research on quantifying illegal fishing using shark fin morphology, Lindsay was inducted into the ASFB Hall of Fame and honoured with a namesake species, the Painted Hornshark (Heterodontus marshallae).
Marc and Lindsayâs combined experience has contributed immeasurably to the global awareness and conservation of sharks and rays. In this workshop, they will guide participants of all backgrounds, ages and abilities through the technical and creative aspects of scientific illustration, helping them transform scientific ideas into accurate, compelling visual tools for research, education, and outreach.
Participants in this two-day workshop will be introduced to the world of skilled scientific and natural history illustration, with a focus on marine and coastal wildlife, and gain hands-on experience applying these techniques.
A range of drawing methods and materials will be explored, with guidance on how illustration can be used to document observations, communicate scientific processes, and clarify complex concepts. Activities will include introductory sessions on digitising sketches, selecting materials, and understanding the history of scientific illustration, alongside practical sessions in life drawing from specimens and microscopy-based sketching.
The workshop is open to anyone interested in wildlife illustration, whether for personal enrichment, research, or education. It will be especially valuable for students in the biological sciences, researchers, science communicators, teachers, and amateur naturalists seeking to document or share their work. Pencil will be the primary medium, and a list of required and recommended materials will be provided in advance.
Tutors
Marc Dando is one of the worldâs leading shark illustrators, best known for his detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of marine life. His work has been featured internationally in aquaria, exhibitions and many booksâfrom childrenâs books to technical field guides. He is the illustrator of the Princeton University Press/Wild Nature Press publications Sharks of the World, the Guide to Manta and Devil Rays of the World, and regional elasmobranch field guides for Eastern North America and Europe and the Mediterranean. Marc combines his training in zoology and graphic design with a deep understanding of anatomy and ecology to support science communication and species conservation.
Dr Lindsay Marshall is a world-renowned fisheries biologist and natural history artist. She illustrated the landmark Rays of the World (CSIRO Publishing) and painted over 1,500 images of all living shark and ray species for the Tree of Life Projectâthe first artist in over a century to illustrate an entire major vertebrate group. Her work features in scientific publications, field guides, museum exhibits, and three national stamp issues, and her extensive species library is used in conservation and science communication. Also known for her PhD research on quantifying illegal fishing using shark fin morphology, Lindsay was inducted into the ASFB Hall of Fame and honoured with a namesake species, the Painted Hornshark (Heterodontus marshallae).
Marc and Lindsayâs combined experience has contributed immeasurably to the global awareness and conservation of sharks and rays. In this workshop, they will guide participants of all backgrounds, ages and abilities through the technical and creative aspects of scientific illustration, helping them transform scientific ideas into accurate, compelling visual tools for research, education, and outreach.
Date and Duration: 9 and 10 May 2026. Two full days.
Other Information: The costs for this two-day workshop led by world-renowned experts will be divided between the 10 (minimum) to 20 (maximum) participants.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: elisabeth.f.mansur@gmail.com; fowler.sarah.123@gmail.com
Building a more diverse and relevant Sharkipedia
Summary: This workshop will provide training on data collection for traits and trends for the Sharkipedia database with a focus on the Indian Ocean region to support research and conservation efforts.
Description: Those with the data make the decisions. To ensure more reliable and just conservation for sharks and rays we need to make all of the world's data available to everyone. Sharks and rays inhabit every ocean of the world, with many speciesâ ranges spanning jurisdictional boundaries across the global north and south. While some high-capacity countries have regulations on fisheries and regular stock assessments, many lower capacity countries lack the resources and data for effective management and conservation. There is a significant gap in our fundamental knowledge of shark and ray life history and population trajectories from the Global South which comprises 14 of the top 20 shark and ray fishing nations, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where exploitation has created an extinction crisis and fisheries may be further incentivized by exports. These countries represent critical focal points for conservation and management interventions to protect sharks and rays. We will hold an in-person workshop training users and contributors to Sharkipedia at the Sharks International conference in 2026. This will address an important data gap for trait and trend coverage across the global south with a focus on the Indian Ocean and Oceania. Through this workshop, we will invite early- and mid-career researchers from different sectors (academic, governmental, NGO) to provide training on data collection and database entry, collate existing data, design usable database outputs, and summarise this data synthesis with a published paper to make new data visible and highlight where data is lacking thus allowing for better prioritization of research and funding efforts. The proposed work will facilitate substantial expansion of the Sharkipedia database, increase research and networking capacity for regional researchers, and support conservation and management stakeholders in the Global South. One of Sharkipediaâs main objectives is to provide curated open-access data that directly credits the data producers and data uptake and inclusion, thus providing better visibility for partners in the Global South (especially when publications are written in a language other than English). This work will have a direct contribution to conservation and management efforts by providing more regionally specific information on traits and trends to inform the Non-Detriment Finding workflows (necessary for CITES-listed species) and assess the sustainability of shark and ray fisheries and exports.
Date and Duration: 2 May 2026. Full Day.
Other Information: We will have up to 15 participants and there will be no cost for enrolling.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: creeas@gmail.com; n.pacoureau@gmail.com
Communicating Science with a Broader Audience
Summary: Learn to communicate with a broad and diverse audience through storytelling using a variety of media platforms.
Description: This workshop will be composed of 4 sessions detailed below
How to use social media to communicate shark science, and why you should
90 mins
Facilitator: David Shiffman
Social media and blogs offer powerful tools for scientists to reach the publicâbut challenges remain. Dr. David Shiffman, who has trained over 1,000 early-career researchers worldwide, will share essential strategies and expert tips to help you communicate science effectively in todayâs digital landscape.
Data Storytelling
90 mins
Facilitator: Lisa Cantrell
Learn how to turn your research into a compelling story using the same techniques Hollywood uses. In this hands-on workshop, Dr. Lisa Cantrell guides participants through storytelling elements like tension, stakes, and pivotal moments, helping you craft engaging presentations that resonate. Leave with a draft data story and tools to transform future talks and presentations.
Everyone is not your audience: Mastering Communication for Conservation Impact
90 mins
Facilitator: Sally Snow
This workshop explores how science communication and media can drive conservation impact. Learn to identify target audiences, apply research-backed strategies, craft compelling, action-oriented media, and use storytelling to engage diverse stakeholders. Designed for beginners and experienced communicators alike, it offers tools, case studies, and best practices to strengthen your communication skills and boost the effectiveness of your outreach.
Breaking the Language Barrier: Communicating Shark Science to a Global Audience
90 mins
Facilitator: Melissa Cristina MĂĄrquez
This workshop helps shark and ray researchers share their work with global audiences by overcoming language barriers. Learn to adapt research for diverse communities, use social media effectively in multiple languages, work with translators and media, and build a multilingual outreach plan to maximize impact beyond English-speaking circles. Includes case studies, practical exercises, and platform-specific strategies.
How to use social media to communicate shark science, and why you should
90 mins
Facilitator: David Shiffman
Social media and blogs offer powerful tools for scientists to reach the publicâbut challenges remain. Dr. David Shiffman, who has trained over 1,000 early-career researchers worldwide, will share essential strategies and expert tips to help you communicate science effectively in todayâs digital landscape.
Data Storytelling
90 mins
Facilitator: Lisa Cantrell
Learn how to turn your research into a compelling story using the same techniques Hollywood uses. In this hands-on workshop, Dr. Lisa Cantrell guides participants through storytelling elements like tension, stakes, and pivotal moments, helping you craft engaging presentations that resonate. Leave with a draft data story and tools to transform future talks and presentations.
Everyone is not your audience: Mastering Communication for Conservation Impact
90 mins
Facilitator: Sally Snow
This workshop explores how science communication and media can drive conservation impact. Learn to identify target audiences, apply research-backed strategies, craft compelling, action-oriented media, and use storytelling to engage diverse stakeholders. Designed for beginners and experienced communicators alike, it offers tools, case studies, and best practices to strengthen your communication skills and boost the effectiveness of your outreach.
Breaking the Language Barrier: Communicating Shark Science to a Global Audience
90 mins
Facilitator: Melissa Cristina MĂĄrquez
This workshop helps shark and ray researchers share their work with global audiences by overcoming language barriers. Learn to adapt research for diverse communities, use social media effectively in multiple languages, work with translators and media, and build a multilingual outreach plan to maximize impact beyond English-speaking circles. Includes case studies, practical exercises, and platform-specific strategies.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Full day.
Other Information: 20 - 50 participants. Tiered registration fee (professionals, students), and some free seats for those with financial need.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: lisa@storiesofscience.org; melissacristinamarquez@gmail.com; s.snow@lamave.org; david.shiffman@gmail.com
Conservation Leadership Workshop
Summary: Elevate Your Conservation Leadership: A Transformative 2-day Workshop for Early/Mid Career Professionals
Description: Elevate Your Conservation Leadership: A Transformative Workshop for Early-Career Professionals
Move from overwhelm to strategic impact through reflection, community, and the core skills that truly matter.
This intensive two-day workshop is designed for early and mid-career conservation focused researchers and professionals ready to strengthen their leadership abilities and create lasting impact in their careers. You don't have to carry the weight of conservation work alone - join a community that understands your challenges and supports your growth.
What You'll Experience
Day 1: Foundation Building Begin by understanding yourself as a leader. We'll explore what drives you through exercises that help you identify your core values, motivations, and personal mission in conservation. Together, weâll redefine what leadership means for conservation professionals, discuss core leadership skills, explore common issues such as imposter-syndrome, founder syndrome, and burnout, and build the foundations in key leadership skills like emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and reflective practice. You'll learn how small, consistent habits can create profound professional transformation.
Day 2: Leadership in practiceThe second day translates foundations and insights into action. You'll develop practical tools for planning impact - including Theory of Change frameworks for yourself, your projects, and your organization. We'll explore how to identify and understand our stakeholders and discuss engagement tools and practices. Weâll explore how to organise teams and assess team dynamics and personalities, leverage your professional networks and explore how to navigate conflict constructively in conservation settings.
The workshop concludes with peer reflection sessions and the development of your personalized 12-month action plan, ensuring you leave with clear next steps and ongoing accountability.
Why This Matters for You
Our approach recognizes that effective leadership looks different across contexts and cultures. Led by facilitators who grew up in and live in Asia, with lived experience in conservation careers, we focus on sustainable growth practices that prevent burnout while increasing your impact.
What You'll Take Away
â Clear understanding of your leadership strengths and development areas
â Practical frameworks for strategic thinking and impact planning
â Tools for reflective practice and building sustainable professional habits
â A supportive network of peers who understand your journey
â A clear 12-month action plan with accountability structures
Join Our Community
Past participants have created lasting professional networks, including the Asian Shark and Ray Alliance - the first professional network of its kind in the region. Our alumni continue supporting each other through active online communities long after the workshop ends.
This workshop brings together conservation professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating valuable and lasting opportunities for cross-cultural learning and network building. You'll gain insights not just from the curriculum, but through connecting with peers facing similar challenges in different contexts.
This workshop offers the space for honest reflection, practical skill development, and meaningful connections that will sustain your conservation career for years to come.
Move from overwhelm to strategic impact through reflection, community, and the core skills that truly matter.
This intensive two-day workshop is designed for early and mid-career conservation focused researchers and professionals ready to strengthen their leadership abilities and create lasting impact in their careers. You don't have to carry the weight of conservation work alone - join a community that understands your challenges and supports your growth.
What You'll Experience
Day 1: Foundation Building Begin by understanding yourself as a leader. We'll explore what drives you through exercises that help you identify your core values, motivations, and personal mission in conservation. Together, weâll redefine what leadership means for conservation professionals, discuss core leadership skills, explore common issues such as imposter-syndrome, founder syndrome, and burnout, and build the foundations in key leadership skills like emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and reflective practice. You'll learn how small, consistent habits can create profound professional transformation.
Day 2: Leadership in practiceThe second day translates foundations and insights into action. You'll develop practical tools for planning impact - including Theory of Change frameworks for yourself, your projects, and your organization. We'll explore how to identify and understand our stakeholders and discuss engagement tools and practices. Weâll explore how to organise teams and assess team dynamics and personalities, leverage your professional networks and explore how to navigate conflict constructively in conservation settings.
The workshop concludes with peer reflection sessions and the development of your personalized 12-month action plan, ensuring you leave with clear next steps and ongoing accountability.
Why This Matters for You
Our approach recognizes that effective leadership looks different across contexts and cultures. Led by facilitators who grew up in and live in Asia, with lived experience in conservation careers, we focus on sustainable growth practices that prevent burnout while increasing your impact.
What You'll Take Away
â Clear understanding of your leadership strengths and development areas
â Practical frameworks for strategic thinking and impact planning
â Tools for reflective practice and building sustainable professional habits
â A supportive network of peers who understand your journey
â A clear 12-month action plan with accountability structures
Join Our Community
Past participants have created lasting professional networks, including the Asian Shark and Ray Alliance - the first professional network of its kind in the region. Our alumni continue supporting each other through active online communities long after the workshop ends.
This workshop brings together conservation professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating valuable and lasting opportunities for cross-cultural learning and network building. You'll gain insights not just from the curriculum, but through connecting with peers facing similar challenges in different contexts.
This workshop offers the space for honest reflection, practical skill development, and meaningful connections that will sustain your conservation career for years to come.
Date and Duration: 9 and 10 May 2026. Two full days.
Other Information: Participant limit: 25 Fees: US $157 or US $ 63 if you work for a Global South Organisation.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: andrew.chin@jcu.edu.au; samanthacraven@gmail.com
Creating effective species identification tools â an interactive workshop for sharing experiences and advice with experts and conservation practitioners
Summary: Develop shark and ray identification tools for your constituencies based on experiences from across the globe.
Description: Most conservation organizations or projects need outreach tools to provide guidance for accurately identifying species, raise awareness about species diversity or conservation concerns, and enable compliance with species regulations (e.g., prohibitions). Developing such materials requires significant resources and skills. How can existing species identification tools be adapted to local needs? What elements are critical for enabling researchers, citizen scientists, fishers, or law enforcement officers to identify shark and ray specimens in catches, or at fish landing and processing sites? Which tool or format is most appropriate for a specific audience, geography or management requirement?
This workshop aims to showcase successful approaches for developing, producing, and disseminating species identification tools, including field guides and educational materials, as well as showcasing alternatives to printed tools, such as QR codes, Artificial Intelligence applications, and games. Topics covered will include addressing low literacy levels and choosing appropriate visual elements, organizing the content, obtaining or respecting copyrights for existing illustrations or tools, and exploring locally effective formats and distribution approaches.
This half-day workshop aims to encourage conservation practitioners to apply lessons learned by global experts and peers in developing innovative and effective tools for their respective constituencies. In the first part, speakers will individually present their experiences, including successes and failures, with the development of shark and ray identification tools. In a second part, a facilitated discussion will enable participants to engage with the speakers through questions submitted before or during the workshop. Key conclusions could be reported back to a relevant session of the main conference, and a compilation of effective communication and outreach methods for elasmobranch conservation from all participants generated to guide future efforts.
Marc Dando is one of the worldâs leading shark illustrators. His work has been used worldwide in aquaria, exhibitions and many books, ranging from childrenâs literature to regional and international field guides, including Sharks of the World, Ghost Sharks, and Guide to Manta and Devil Rays of the World published by Princeton University Press. Marc will speak about capturing regional variations in the appearance of species, and obtaining permission to use copyrighted materials.
Rima Jabado, IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group chair, founder of Elasmo Project, author of elasmobranch guides for the Arabian Sea, CITES specimens and their parts, will speak about field work challenges, including the need for materials in appropriate languages when working across different regions, and how to ensure information is included to allow for policy integration (e.g., conservation status, FAO alpha-numeric codes).
Rachel Graham, Conservation Scientist and founder of international NGO MarAlliance, has innovated research and communications for sharks in multiple tropical countries, with a focus on co-creation with traditional fishers, leading to impactful outreach and win-win outcomes for sharks, fishers, science and policies.
Speaker from Chinese Academy of Sciences will provide an update on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for CITES Appendix 1 species identification (sawfishes).
AliHood or Jack Renwick,Shark Trust, the leading British elasmobranch conservation and management NGO, will introduce their experiences with developing identification guides and management tools, lessons learnt, best practices and the application of QR code stickers for communicating management regulations, identification guides and handling advice to fishers.
Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, a trained educator turned marine conservationist, has developed traveling educational outreach programs and practical tools for empowering coastal fishing communities and law enforcement agencies to improve the protection of threatened marine wildlife, including sharks and rays, in Bangladesh.
The session will be facilitated by Sarah Fowler (Facilitator), co-author of Sharks of the World, scientific advisor to the Save our Seas Foundation.
This workshop aims to showcase successful approaches for developing, producing, and disseminating species identification tools, including field guides and educational materials, as well as showcasing alternatives to printed tools, such as QR codes, Artificial Intelligence applications, and games. Topics covered will include addressing low literacy levels and choosing appropriate visual elements, organizing the content, obtaining or respecting copyrights for existing illustrations or tools, and exploring locally effective formats and distribution approaches.
This half-day workshop aims to encourage conservation practitioners to apply lessons learned by global experts and peers in developing innovative and effective tools for their respective constituencies. In the first part, speakers will individually present their experiences, including successes and failures, with the development of shark and ray identification tools. In a second part, a facilitated discussion will enable participants to engage with the speakers through questions submitted before or during the workshop. Key conclusions could be reported back to a relevant session of the main conference, and a compilation of effective communication and outreach methods for elasmobranch conservation from all participants generated to guide future efforts.
Marc Dando is one of the worldâs leading shark illustrators. His work has been used worldwide in aquaria, exhibitions and many books, ranging from childrenâs literature to regional and international field guides, including Sharks of the World, Ghost Sharks, and Guide to Manta and Devil Rays of the World published by Princeton University Press. Marc will speak about capturing regional variations in the appearance of species, and obtaining permission to use copyrighted materials.
Rima Jabado, IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group chair, founder of Elasmo Project, author of elasmobranch guides for the Arabian Sea, CITES specimens and their parts, will speak about field work challenges, including the need for materials in appropriate languages when working across different regions, and how to ensure information is included to allow for policy integration (e.g., conservation status, FAO alpha-numeric codes).
Rachel Graham, Conservation Scientist and founder of international NGO MarAlliance, has innovated research and communications for sharks in multiple tropical countries, with a focus on co-creation with traditional fishers, leading to impactful outreach and win-win outcomes for sharks, fishers, science and policies.
Speaker from Chinese Academy of Sciences will provide an update on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for CITES Appendix 1 species identification (sawfishes).
AliHood or Jack Renwick,Shark Trust, the leading British elasmobranch conservation and management NGO, will introduce their experiences with developing identification guides and management tools, lessons learnt, best practices and the application of QR code stickers for communicating management regulations, identification guides and handling advice to fishers.
Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur, a trained educator turned marine conservationist, has developed traveling educational outreach programs and practical tools for empowering coastal fishing communities and law enforcement agencies to improve the protection of threatened marine wildlife, including sharks and rays, in Bangladesh.
The session will be facilitated by Sarah Fowler (Facilitator), co-author of Sharks of the World, scientific advisor to the Save our Seas Foundation.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: N/A
Contact: For further information, please Contact: elisabeth.f.mansur@gmail.com; fowler.sarah.123@gmail.com
Developing a Best Practice Guide for Fieldwork in Shark Science
Summary: Give your input to shape a set of recommendations to help promote safe, equitable and productive fieldwork practice.
Description: Field-based research is fundamental to developing the scientific understanding required for the conservation of elasmobranchs. As a result, fieldwork skills are a crucial attribute for shark scientists. Positive fieldwork experiences increase productivity, build collaborations and strengthen a scientistsâ understanding and appreciation of the natural world, but the isolation and narrow hierarchies that can occur in fieldwork settings sometimes create hostile working environments, amplified by a lack of clarity regarding expectations of professional behaviour and unclear reporting procedures. Negative field experiences can cause significant psychological stress and disrupt career trajectories, ultimately having a damaging impact on both scientists and science itself.
To address this issue, weâve assembled an interdisciplinary team of experts to understand the fieldwork culture in shark science, with the aim of producing a universal set of standards and procedures to allow everyone to thrive. Over the past two years, we have collected information on field participant and leadership experiences through two targeted projects, which informed the first draft of a Best Practice Guide for Fieldwork in Shark Science. In this workshop, we invite participants to provide their unique perspective on fieldwork and review our findings from the first two phases to finalise a Best Practice Guide. Participants will have the opportunity to help shape the guidance by providing their input and feedback on draft guidelines through moderated discussions and exercises. We encourage participation across career stages, particularly from current fieldwork leaders and participants. Following the workshop, the guidelines will be published for adoption by field stations, standardising the culture of research in shark research.
We believe that shark science should be accessible, and that everyone who takes part in fieldwork has the right to a safe, equitable working culture designed to support their learning and career ambitions. We hope that consideration of the recommendations developed in this workshop will enable progress towards the ultimate goal of making shark science a positive example of fieldwork cultures in life sciences. We encourage the global community of shark researchers to join this workshop to ensure that your voice is heard, and to help forge a positive future for fieldwork.
To address this issue, weâve assembled an interdisciplinary team of experts to understand the fieldwork culture in shark science, with the aim of producing a universal set of standards and procedures to allow everyone to thrive. Over the past two years, we have collected information on field participant and leadership experiences through two targeted projects, which informed the first draft of a Best Practice Guide for Fieldwork in Shark Science. In this workshop, we invite participants to provide their unique perspective on fieldwork and review our findings from the first two phases to finalise a Best Practice Guide. Participants will have the opportunity to help shape the guidance by providing their input and feedback on draft guidelines through moderated discussions and exercises. We encourage participation across career stages, particularly from current fieldwork leaders and participants. Following the workshop, the guidelines will be published for adoption by field stations, standardising the culture of research in shark research.
We believe that shark science should be accessible, and that everyone who takes part in fieldwork has the right to a safe, equitable working culture designed to support their learning and career ambitions. We hope that consideration of the recommendations developed in this workshop will enable progress towards the ultimate goal of making shark science a positive example of fieldwork cultures in life sciences. We encourage the global community of shark researchers to join this workshop to ensure that your voice is heard, and to help forge a positive future for fieldwork.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Afternoon.
Other Information: Maximum number of participants: 30 There will be a brief pre-workshop survey for completion, emailed directly to confirmed participants closer to the time.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: clemencywhite27@gmail.com; cw13994@bristol.ac.uk
Driving Ocean Impact: A Practical Workshop on Fundraising for Marine Conservation
Summary: Build the skills to secure grants, engage donors, and form partnerships to secure funds for your projects.
Description: Are you working on solutions to protect the ocean but struggling to secure the funding to make them happen? Have a research idea but not sure how to demonstrate its impact? Whether you're restoring ecosystems, protecting marine wildlife, or building resilient coastal communities, turning conservation ideas into real, measurable and impactful outcomes takes resourcesâand the right funding strategy.
Jointly delivered by the Manta Trust and Lanka Environment Fund, this hands-on workshop is designed for marine conservationists who want to build the skills to fund their mission. Whether you're part of a small organization, early in your career, or simply looking to grow your fundraising confidence, this interactive session will give you practical tools to unlock support. You'll explore how to win grants, connect with donors who care about the ocean, and build partnerships with businesses that share your sustainability valuesâall with conservation results in mind.
What Youâll Learn â With Ocean Impact at the Core:
1.Grants That Drive Change
What marine-focused funders are really looking for
How to write compelling proposals with clear conservation outcomes
Common pitfallsâand how to improve your success rate
2.Donor Relationships That Sustain Conservation
How to find and engage people who care deeply about the ocean
Using storytelling to show real-world impact
Stewardship strategies to grow and maintain donor support
3.Corporate Partnerships for the Ocean
Identifying companies aligned with marine conservation goals
Building partnerships that amplify marine conservation outcomes
Making the case for long-term collaborations
Why This Workshop?
This isnât just a theory session. Youâll work through real examples, practice what you learn, and leave with actionable strategies to raise funds that support real conservation outcomes.
Who Should Join?
Marine conservation researchers and practitioners from small or emerging organizations
Early-career conservationists eager to improve their fundraising skills
Anyone determined to secure more funding for high-impact marine conservation work
No prior fundraising experience required. Whether you're applying for your first grant or expanding your funding strategy, this workshop offers insights tailored to the unique challenges of marine conservation fundraising.
Jointly delivered by the Manta Trust and Lanka Environment Fund, this hands-on workshop is designed for marine conservationists who want to build the skills to fund their mission. Whether you're part of a small organization, early in your career, or simply looking to grow your fundraising confidence, this interactive session will give you practical tools to unlock support. You'll explore how to win grants, connect with donors who care about the ocean, and build partnerships with businesses that share your sustainability valuesâall with conservation results in mind.
What Youâll Learn â With Ocean Impact at the Core:
1.Grants That Drive Change
What marine-focused funders are really looking for
How to write compelling proposals with clear conservation outcomes
Common pitfallsâand how to improve your success rate
2.Donor Relationships That Sustain Conservation
How to find and engage people who care deeply about the ocean
Using storytelling to show real-world impact
Stewardship strategies to grow and maintain donor support
3.Corporate Partnerships for the Ocean
Identifying companies aligned with marine conservation goals
Building partnerships that amplify marine conservation outcomes
Making the case for long-term collaborations
Why This Workshop?
This isnât just a theory session. Youâll work through real examples, practice what you learn, and leave with actionable strategies to raise funds that support real conservation outcomes.
Who Should Join?
Marine conservation researchers and practitioners from small or emerging organizations
Early-career conservationists eager to improve their fundraising skills
Anyone determined to secure more funding for high-impact marine conservation work
No prior fundraising experience required. Whether you're applying for your first grant or expanding your funding strategy, this workshop offers insights tailored to the unique challenges of marine conservation fundraising.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: 30 - 50 participants. Free to attend.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: eithne.tynan@mantatrust.org; frances.budd@mantatrust.org; mehak@lankaenvironmentfund.org
Elasmobranchs as macrohabitats: Parasites as key players in marine ecosystems
Summary: Discover how to find, identify and work with parasites that inhabit elasmobranchs with this practical workshop.
Description: This workshop will provide theoretical (online) and practical (on site) insights into the parasites of elasmobranchs, a specialised and diverse fauna which remains substantially neglected and frequently overlooked. Parasites are ubiquitous and ecologically significant, and can provide inference for the elasmobranch hostâs diet, movements and general ecology. Many parasites of elasmobranchs remain undiscovered and undescribed, or known only from single localities or unrepresented by genetic sequence data. There is much opportunity for elasmobranch researchers to collect and contribute valuable specimens and collaborate with parasitologists to fill knowledge gaps.
This workshop will familiarise participants with the groups of parasitic animals (i.e. macroparasites) infecting elasmobranchs (e.g., helminths, crustaceans), focusing on their diversity, site specificity in or on the elasmobranch host, and global distribution patterns. We will highlight geographic regions and elasmobranch taxa where opportunistic sampling has been conducted (e.g., tapeworm studies from Australia, Borneo, European waters) and where significant gaps remain (e.g., South and North America, Africa, northwestern Pacific). We will also discuss current threats to elasmobranch parasites, co-extinction risks, and the role of the IUCN SSC Parasite Specialist Group.
This workshop emphasises practical experience searching for and recovering parasite specimens. Participants will dissect sharks and rays procured fresh from local markets and follow protocols for proper detection, preservation and observation of various parasite groups. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of elasmobranch parasitology to commence their own research and gain new perspectives on existing parasitological work and opportunities for collaboration. The workshop will be divided into 3 sessions. The first session (Theoretical Session) will be online and include presentations from international collaborators introducing the fundamentals of elasmobranch parasitology. During the day of the in-person workshop a second session (Practical Dissection Session), will have participants gaining hands-on experience on the necropsy of shark and ray specimens in a laboratory setting. The third session (Practical Laboratory Techniques Session) will cover parasite preservation protocols, staining methods and microscopic examination techniques.
This workshop is organised by an international and dedicated team of parasitologists and elasmobranch experts from Sri Lanka, Australia, Spain and the West Indies, and is kindly facilitated by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo.
This workshop will be of interest to attendees working with fisheries, strandings, or with access to deceased elasmobranch specimens, but who may not be incorporating parasites or other symbiont assemblages in their sampling and thus missing opportunities for collaboration and to collect valuable information on their focal species. We hope this workshop will facilitate improved incorporation of the âhiddenâ and neglected fauna into biodiversity assessments, contribute to broader ecological studies, raise awareness of parasites and build capacity for parasitological techniques, including locally in Sri Lanka.
This workshop will familiarise participants with the groups of parasitic animals (i.e. macroparasites) infecting elasmobranchs (e.g., helminths, crustaceans), focusing on their diversity, site specificity in or on the elasmobranch host, and global distribution patterns. We will highlight geographic regions and elasmobranch taxa where opportunistic sampling has been conducted (e.g., tapeworm studies from Australia, Borneo, European waters) and where significant gaps remain (e.g., South and North America, Africa, northwestern Pacific). We will also discuss current threats to elasmobranch parasites, co-extinction risks, and the role of the IUCN SSC Parasite Specialist Group.
This workshop emphasises practical experience searching for and recovering parasite specimens. Participants will dissect sharks and rays procured fresh from local markets and follow protocols for proper detection, preservation and observation of various parasite groups. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of elasmobranch parasitology to commence their own research and gain new perspectives on existing parasitological work and opportunities for collaboration. The workshop will be divided into 3 sessions. The first session (Theoretical Session) will be online and include presentations from international collaborators introducing the fundamentals of elasmobranch parasitology. During the day of the in-person workshop a second session (Practical Dissection Session), will have participants gaining hands-on experience on the necropsy of shark and ray specimens in a laboratory setting. The third session (Practical Laboratory Techniques Session) will cover parasite preservation protocols, staining methods and microscopic examination techniques.
This workshop is organised by an international and dedicated team of parasitologists and elasmobranch experts from Sri Lanka, Australia, Spain and the West Indies, and is kindly facilitated by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo.
This workshop will be of interest to attendees working with fisheries, strandings, or with access to deceased elasmobranch specimens, but who may not be incorporating parasites or other symbiont assemblages in their sampling and thus missing opportunities for collaboration and to collect valuable information on their focal species. We hope this workshop will facilitate improved incorporation of the âhiddenâ and neglected fauna into biodiversity assessments, contribute to broader ecological studies, raise awareness of parasites and build capacity for parasitological techniques, including locally in Sri Lanka.
Date and Duration: 9 May 2026. Full day. This is a whole day workshop. Precise start and end times yet to be determined.
Other Information: Limited participants: This is a practical workshop in a laboratory setting and participation will be limited, perhaps to 10â15 spaces. In the event interest exceeds capacity, allocation will not be on a first-served basis, but rather via a short interview or communication to select participants for maximum impact, relevance and benefit. Venue and getting there: The University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Nugegoda, Colombo, has kindly provided facilities and equipment to enable this workshop. A bus will be arranged to transport attendees from the conference venue to the university, and back at the end of the day. Fees: The workshop organisers are working to secure funding to cover all costs. In the event support cannot be secured, a small fee might be required from participants, to cover the costs of purchasing and transporting sharks, a bus, and providing lunch and refreshments; we estimate approximately $35 USD per person. What to bring: Please dress appropriately for participation in necropsies in a lab environment (enclosed shoes, long hair tied back, lab coat or clothes which can get wet, bloody). All dissecting equipment, gloves etc will be provided (you are welcome to bring your own). Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Workshop organisers: Bjoern C. Schaeffner, St. Georgeâs University (Grenada, West Indies) Jaime PenadĂ©s-Suay, AssociaciĂł LAMNA (Spain) Lenin Manage, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Sri Lanka) and Murdoch University (Australia) Erandi Pathirana, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Sri Lanka) Storm Martin, Murdoch University (Australia)
Contact: For further information, please Contact: jaime.penades@associaciolamna.org; bcschaeffner@gmail.com
From Catch to Trade: Alternative Approaches to Species-Specific Reporting Using Anal Fins and Conversion Factors
Summary: Learn how to strengthen catch and trade monitoring in data- and resource-limited contexts by applying alternative methodologiesâlike anal fin measurements and species-specific conversion factors.
Description: Accurate, species-specific reporting is critical for effective fisheries management, conservation planning, and meeting international trade regulations such as those under CITES framework. However, many shark fisheries operate in data- and resource-limited contexts, where traditional monitoring approaches are not always feasible, creating barriers for countries to accurately report landings and trade data. This workshop introduces participants to practical, low-cost solutions that improve monitoring and reporting of shark landings (species and lengths) and meat products (weight) entering the market, helping to overcome these barriers. Participants will learn how to estimate species composition and product weights across the catch-to-trade continuum, particularly when direct identification or full biological sampling is not feasible. By enhancing monitoring and reporting, these alternative methods represent an opportunity to improve resource limited nationsâ ability to monitor their shark fisheries and improve traceability in global shark meat supply chains, while minimizing disruptions to local livelihoods.
Drawing on field-tested methodologies from Belizeâs shark fishery, the workshop will demonstrate how secondary tools for biological assessmentâparticularly anal fins and species-specific conversion factorsâcan be used to reconstruct species-level catch and lengths, and processed product volumes. Participants will explore the development and validation of these protocols, learning how anal fins can serve as biological proxies for species identification and catch length reconstruction, and how conversion factors allow for accurate extrapolation from landings to meat exports. Case-based discussions will address challenges such as reconciling fisher-submitted data, managing discrepancies, and integrating verification methods to improve reporting accuracy.
A key focus will be equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to adapt these approaches to their own contexts. Through a hands-on exercise, attendees will work with sample data and scenarios to practice calculating conversion estimates and identifying considerations for regional adaptation. Templates and reference materials will be provided to support replication. The session will conclude with group dialogue on how to modify these frameworks to align with different species assemblages, processing techniques, and governance systems.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a foundational understanding of these alternative methodologies and a practical roadmap to begin applying or refining them in their own fisheries, contributing to more effective, species-specific monitoring for catch and trade that supports improved management and sustainable trade.
Drawing on field-tested methodologies from Belizeâs shark fishery, the workshop will demonstrate how secondary tools for biological assessmentâparticularly anal fins and species-specific conversion factorsâcan be used to reconstruct species-level catch and lengths, and processed product volumes. Participants will explore the development and validation of these protocols, learning how anal fins can serve as biological proxies for species identification and catch length reconstruction, and how conversion factors allow for accurate extrapolation from landings to meat exports. Case-based discussions will address challenges such as reconciling fisher-submitted data, managing discrepancies, and integrating verification methods to improve reporting accuracy.
A key focus will be equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to adapt these approaches to their own contexts. Through a hands-on exercise, attendees will work with sample data and scenarios to practice calculating conversion estimates and identifying considerations for regional adaptation. Templates and reference materials will be provided to support replication. The session will conclude with group dialogue on how to modify these frameworks to align with different species assemblages, processing techniques, and governance systems.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a foundational understanding of these alternative methodologies and a practical roadmap to begin applying or refining them in their own fisheries, contributing to more effective, species-specific monitoring for catch and trade that supports improved management and sustainable trade.
Date and Duration: 2 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: Maximum 15 participants. Preference will be given to practitioners and researchers working in small- to mid-scale fisheries within the Caribbean and Atlantic regions, where the methodologies have been developed and field-validated. While the current reference data and species lists are specific to this geography, the approach holds strong potential for adaptation to other regions, though this may be beyond the scope of this workshop.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: devanshikasana1704@gmail.com; fishers4science@gmail.com
From Markets to Apps: Shark and ray data collection at fishery landing sites, and data visualisation and analyses using a Shiny app
Summary: A half-day workshop (with an early start) combining hands-on shark and ray fishery data collection at the Negombo landing site with an interactive session on visualising fisheries data using a custom Shiny app.
Description: Join us for a hands-on, half-day workshop focused on shark and ray fishery data collection and visualisation, designed for researchers, students, and fisheries professionals. This engaging workshop will take place at the Negombo fish landing site and will include a practical demonstration of a Shiny app developed to support fisheries data analysis.
The day will begin early with a bus departing Colombo at 3:00 AM to arrive at the Negombo landing site in time to observe peak landing activity. Participants will spend approximately three hours at the site, gaining first-hand experience in fishery-dependent data collection methods. Guided by experienced field researchers, attendees will learn to identify key shark and ray species, record biological and catch data, and understand the challenges of working in dynamic, real-world fishery environments. The session will also cover best practices in data collection, including taking photographs, morphometrics, tissue sampling, data entry, and after returning to Colombo around mid-morning, participants will have a short breakfast, followed by the second component of the workshop: an interactive session on data visualization using a custom-built Shiny app. This web-based application has been designed to make shark and ray fisheries data more accessible and interpretable for management, research, and conservation. Attendees will get to test the app themselves and learn how it can support data-driven decision-making and policy.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to bridge field experience with digital tools, promoting the integration of robust data collection and modern analytics to support sustainable fisheries management.
The day will begin early with a bus departing Colombo at 3:00 AM to arrive at the Negombo landing site in time to observe peak landing activity. Participants will spend approximately three hours at the site, gaining first-hand experience in fishery-dependent data collection methods. Guided by experienced field researchers, attendees will learn to identify key shark and ray species, record biological and catch data, and understand the challenges of working in dynamic, real-world fishery environments. The session will also cover best practices in data collection, including taking photographs, morphometrics, tissue sampling, data entry, and after returning to Colombo around mid-morning, participants will have a short breakfast, followed by the second component of the workshop: an interactive session on data visualization using a custom-built Shiny app. This web-based application has been designed to make shark and ray fisheries data more accessible and interpretable for management, research, and conservation. Attendees will get to test the app themselves and learn how it can support data-driven decision-making and policy.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to bridge field experience with digital tools, promoting the integration of robust data collection and modern analytics to support sustainable fisheries management.
Date and Duration: 2 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: 20 participants. No charge to enrol.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: akshay@blueresources.org; fipo@blueresources.org
Knowledge Gaps of Social-Cultural Values of Sharks and What is Needed to Design Effective Policy
Summary: Identify gaps in the socio-cultural knowledge and value of sharks.
Description: It is widely appreciated that sharks have high economic value through commercial and artisanal fisheries and the ecotourism sector. While there is a body of work on the societal perception of sharks, less is known about the socio-cultural values surrounding sharks and how this has implications for their conservation and management. This workshop, delivered by two early career researchers, aims to gather researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to identify perceived gaps in knowledge relating to the socio-cultural value of sharks. Participants will investigate barriers and methods to integrating this knowledge into scientific work, conservation, and policy.
We will present our own work on the socio-cultural value of sharks in an âexpert elicitationâ session where we will discuss our results and knowledge gaps. This will comprise two presentations from each facilitator on our work covering cultural values of sharks and conservation policy with time for questions from the room.
The structure of the remainder of the workshop is iterative, with two facilitated discussion sessions where participants will be asked open questions and then asked to feedback to the wider group. Specific questions will likely encompass the following topics;
What are the identified socio-cultural values of sharks?
What approaches, tools, and methods are being used to explore social-cultural values of sharks globally?
Through breakout discussions, the workshop will aim to gather information on:
How do socio-cultural values help or hinder shark conservation?
What barriers and opportunities exist for integrating social-cultural considerations into policy?
How can socio-cultural insights be used to improve conservation policies and management strategies?
In addition to being a session that will provide networking opportunities and the chance to exchange ideas and reflections, we aim to use the information gathered to produce a review paper on this topic which will include workshop insights from participants who will be acknowledged.
LasuniChathurima Gule Godage is a consultant for NOVA University Lisbon who researches fisheries law enforcement in Sri Lanka and its challenges. She has submitted her MPhil thesis to the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, where she researched the social dimensions of illegal shark fishing - behavioural insights for compliance and deterrence. This research, conducted in collaboration with Oceanswell, ZSL, and NOVA University Lisbon, explored Sri Lankan fishersâ perceptions of national shark fishing management regulations and the underlying drivers of illegal shark fishing. She has experience facilitating workshops through her work with Oceanswell.
Danielle Crowley is a first year PhD student at time of writing based at Bangor University. Her work, in collaboration with ZSL and Project SIARC, aims to understand the socio-ecological importance of elasmobranchs to Welsh coastal communities in a changing climate and is currently focusing on the cultural value and perception of sharks globally and in the UK. She is experienced in facilitating workshops through her education work with the Linnean Society of London and the Irish Marine Institute, and was a panellist for Inclusive Coasts and Seas: Connecting Diverse Voices - a series of workshops run by Project SIARC and Minorities in Shark Science (MISS).
We will present our own work on the socio-cultural value of sharks in an âexpert elicitationâ session where we will discuss our results and knowledge gaps. This will comprise two presentations from each facilitator on our work covering cultural values of sharks and conservation policy with time for questions from the room.
The structure of the remainder of the workshop is iterative, with two facilitated discussion sessions where participants will be asked open questions and then asked to feedback to the wider group. Specific questions will likely encompass the following topics;
What are the identified socio-cultural values of sharks?
What approaches, tools, and methods are being used to explore social-cultural values of sharks globally?
Through breakout discussions, the workshop will aim to gather information on:
How do socio-cultural values help or hinder shark conservation?
What barriers and opportunities exist for integrating social-cultural considerations into policy?
How can socio-cultural insights be used to improve conservation policies and management strategies?
In addition to being a session that will provide networking opportunities and the chance to exchange ideas and reflections, we aim to use the information gathered to produce a review paper on this topic which will include workshop insights from participants who will be acknowledged.
LasuniChathurima Gule Godage is a consultant for NOVA University Lisbon who researches fisheries law enforcement in Sri Lanka and its challenges. She has submitted her MPhil thesis to the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, where she researched the social dimensions of illegal shark fishing - behavioural insights for compliance and deterrence. This research, conducted in collaboration with Oceanswell, ZSL, and NOVA University Lisbon, explored Sri Lankan fishersâ perceptions of national shark fishing management regulations and the underlying drivers of illegal shark fishing. She has experience facilitating workshops through her work with Oceanswell.
Danielle Crowley is a first year PhD student at time of writing based at Bangor University. Her work, in collaboration with ZSL and Project SIARC, aims to understand the socio-ecological importance of elasmobranchs to Welsh coastal communities in a changing climate and is currently focusing on the cultural value and perception of sharks globally and in the UK. She is experienced in facilitating workshops through her education work with the Linnean Society of London and the Irish Marine Institute, and was a panellist for Inclusive Coasts and Seas: Connecting Diverse Voices - a series of workshops run by Project SIARC and Minorities in Shark Science (MISS).
Date and Duration: 9 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: 35 - 40 participants. Free to attend.
Contact: For any inquiries, please email: danicrowley22@gmail.com; lasunichathuri@gmail.com; dnc24rrc@bangor.ac.uk
Maximising the potential of elasmobranch strandings data to inform their management and conservation
Summary: Learn how, why and where elasmobranch strandings occur and what they can tell us about the health and functioning of our oceans.
Description: Elasmobranchs are highly threatened from overfishing, climate change and pollution. However, for many species effective conservation is inhibited by a lack of fundamental data on their biology, distribution, and health. Strandings schemes with established approaches have provided a rich source of such data for cetaceans, facilitating regional and global assessments and supporting key policies (e.g., the Stockholm Convention). Recently, several studies have used elasmobranch strandings data to document climate change-induced range expansions and disease impacts. However, despite ad hoc reports of elasmobranch strandings, this source of data is generally under-utilised due to a lack of funding/capacity within national networks and a lack of coordination in their investigation. In this workshop, we will bring together experts and interested parties to:
Exchange knowledge and experiences of elasmobranch strandings
Consider recommended operating protocols for the reporting, recording and investigation of strandings
Co-develop future research priorities and areas in need of development
In doing so, we aim to form a strong, connected and coordinated network that will support the generation of high-impact scientific research including regional investigations on the health of elasmobranch populations and the impacts of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., climate change and fisheries) on their distributions and fundamental biology.
Exchange knowledge and experiences of elasmobranch strandings
Consider recommended operating protocols for the reporting, recording and investigation of strandings
Co-develop future research priorities and areas in need of development
In doing so, we aim to form a strong, connected and coordinated network that will support the generation of high-impact scientific research including regional investigations on the health of elasmobranch populations and the impacts of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., climate change and fisheries) on their distributions and fundamental biology.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Full day.
Other Information: No fees to enrol. Participants will be limited to approximately 20 people.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: David.Curnick@zsl.org
Moving forward with elasmobranch health: Creative approaches to assessment and conservation integration
Summary: This workshop will convene interdisciplinary experts to evaluate and expand current methods for assessing elasmobranch healthâintegrating traditional approaches with emerging tools like microbiome profiling and body condition scoringâwhile fostering creative, cross-disciplinary approaches to inspire novel diagnostics and advance conservation, managed care, and a comprehensive review of the field.
Description: Elasmobranch health is a critical yet underexplored aspect of elasmobranch research, with implications for both wild populations and managed care. Traditionally, physiological health has been assessed through hormonal and biochemical markers, but the definition of healthâparticularly in the context of diseaseâremains complex. This workshop will bring together researchers and practitioners to critically examine the physiological and hormonal indicators currently used to assess elasmobranch health, while also exploring emerging metrics that may offer a more comprehensive understanding. New approaches, such as body condition scoring and microbial community profiling, are being developed to complement traditional methods. The potential of microbial communities as indicators of immune function and overall health is an exciting frontier, drawing from advances in host-microbiome research across taxa. By integrating these metrics, we can refine our ability to detect sublethal stressors and early signs of disease. Beyond research-based assessments, the workshop will also incorporate discussions on shark health in managed care, with a focus on aquarium husbandry. Captive environments provide a unique opportunity to track long-term health indicators and test novel methodologies in a controlled setting. Understanding how husbandry practices influence shark physiology and microbiomes can inform both conservation and rehabilitation efforts. This workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, connecting experts in physiology, microbiology, and animal care to refine how we define and assess shark health. By expanding our toolkit of diagnostic measures, we can improve conservation strategies, enhance welfare in managed settings, and develop a more holistic framework for evaluating elasmobranch well-being. We are proposing a four-hour workshop that will include in-depth discussion on these aspects of health and identify how these can be integrated to further our understanding for elasmobranch health. Our aim is to develop an outline that will eventuate into an review of the elasmobranch health field. This workshop is timely in bringing together disparate research areas to better develop this understanding for elasmobranch health.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Afternoon.
Other Information: Maximum of 50 participants.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: michael.doane@flinders.edu.au; mpdoane2@gmail.com; mark.meekan@uwa.edu.au; lauren.meyer@flinders.edu.au
Overcoming Challenges to Achieving Compliance with Fisheries Legislation
Summary: Workshop hosts: The Shark Trust take a direct approach to encouraging compliance, undertaking actions to facilitate implementation by removing hurdles through practical means. We acknowledge addressing shortfalls in compliance is a challenging and persistent problem, with many social and economic barriers to contend with. But we note that all nations with fishing interests will be subject to some reporting obligations, and no nation is 100% compliant. We appreciate some institutes and organisations do not feel implementation is necessarily their role but between us, we have the potential to facilitate solutions. The ideal outcome of this wider work is notable improvement of fishing industry compliance with bycatch and discarding recording obligations, providing data which not only indicates compliance, but also allows managers to make informed conservation decisions going forwards. Resources: Resources to address identification, knowledge of regulations, and improved handling, all contribute to more informed and potentially compliant sector. We encourage workshop attendees to bring examples of relevant resources and materials to contribute to a directory of resources. We note that this is complementary to the Creating effective species identification tools workshop on Sunday 3rd.
Description: As a community weâre conscious that comprehensive fisheries management is required to prevent overfishing of elasmobranchs. And, whilst there has been an increasing adoption of fisheries legislation in some regions, achieving widespread implementation, let alone compliance, can prove challenging for a number of reasons. Poor compliance undermines the effectiveness of management measures, and widescale failures to report bycatch and discards are key limitations to informed decision making.
Attendance: This workshop is open to any individuals and organisations with an interest in effective fisheries management, and in particular regulatory compliance. We also encourage any delegates with an interest in fisheries dependent data, or alternatively a social science background to attend.
Context: As part of an ambitious wider project which seeks to unpack and address the barriers to achieving regulatory compliance, the workshop offers an opportunity to capture the views and experiences of the Sharks International 2026 delegates.
What to expect: The workshop will be highly participatory, offering delegates the opportunity to learn and share in equal measure. The session will employ workshop exercises to: identify synergies between geographic scales and areas; consider what methods can be used to overcome the recognised challenges; and explore how global practitioners can assist each other in this endeavour.
The SI2026 input will be considered in tandem with outputs from previous exercises undertaken during 2025-2026 with fishing industry representatives and government practitioners across multiple countries. International obligations will be considered, alongside domestic and RFMO management measures.
Attendance: This workshop is open to any individuals and organisations with an interest in effective fisheries management, and in particular regulatory compliance. We also encourage any delegates with an interest in fisheries dependent data, or alternatively a social science background to attend.
Context: As part of an ambitious wider project which seeks to unpack and address the barriers to achieving regulatory compliance, the workshop offers an opportunity to capture the views and experiences of the Sharks International 2026 delegates.
What to expect: The workshop will be highly participatory, offering delegates the opportunity to learn and share in equal measure. The session will employ workshop exercises to: identify synergies between geographic scales and areas; consider what methods can be used to overcome the recognised challenges; and explore how global practitioners can assist each other in this endeavour.
The SI2026 input will be considered in tandem with outputs from previous exercises undertaken during 2025-2026 with fishing industry representatives and government practitioners across multiple countries. International obligations will be considered, alongside domestic and RFMO management measures.
Date and Duration: 2 May 2026. Afternoon.
Other Information: Maximum of 30 participants.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: jack@sharktrust.org
Prioritising areas of global research on the impacts of Offshore Renewable Energies on elasmobranchs
Summary: Help identify priority areas of research on the impacts of offshore renewable energy development around the world on elasmobranch populations.
Description: As many countries around the world make their way toward a Net-Zero future at a more or less rapid pace, most are doing so by developing offshore renewable energy (ORE). Over the last couple of decades, research into the impacts of these industrial developments on marine ecosystems has greatly advanced. However, research into the effects of ORE on marine vertebrates has primarily focused on marine mammals and seabird populations. More recently, understanding the impacts of ORE on elasmobranchs has been a growing topic of interest and a crucial part of our efforts to ensure that these developments can progress while avoiding, reducing or mitigating potential negative effects linked to ORE prospecting, development, operation and/or decommissioning, and enhancing positive outcomes if and where possible. While studies have started to shed light on these impacts, their scope has been limited to primarily small-scale laboratory-based experiments and a handful of experimental tracking studies. In this workshop, we propose bringing together interested parties from around the world, with a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspectives, to establish a list of research priorities for the next 25 years on the impacts of ORE development on elasmobranch species, including a focus on solutions and potential mitigation and restoration measures. Participants will actively engage in contributing their perspectives and ideas and share any lessons they have learned from past and ongoing projects. The workshop will be broken up into blocks, taking incremental steps towards a final map of priorities.
Date and Duration: 9 May 2026. Morning.
Other Information: Maximum 30 participants. âŹ5 enrolment fee.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: bortoluj@tcd.ie; jenny@ien.ie
Shark Rewilding: Reviving threatened elasmobranchs and the ReShark Initiative
Summary: This full-day workshop explores innovative strategies for shark rewilding, addressing data and perception challenges, introducing the ReShark initiative, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration to support the recovery of threatened elasmobranchs.
Description: As global elasmobranch populations continue to decline, innovative and collaborative conservation strategies are needed to complement traditional management approaches such as MPAs and fisheries management regulations. Ocean Rewilding - the large-scale restoration of marine ecosystems by reinstatement of natural processes and missing species â is a nascent strategy that can enable elasmobranch recovery and wider ocean restoration. This full-day workshop aims to facilitate a step change in our understanding of restoring threatened elasmobranchs. We will introduce the concepts of ocean rewilding and ocean literacy as a backdrop for âshark rewildingâ and introduce the ReShark Initiative as a new model for species recovery. The ReShark Initiative is a global, multi-stakeholder network that pioneers science-based rewilding and population restoration efforts for threatened sharks and rays, fostering inclusivity and knowledge-sharing among researchers, conservationists, aquarists, and policymakers.
We invite participants to discuss the challenges to ocean rewilding and elasmobranch recovery before introducing the ReShark Initiative. Our workshop will showcase current ReShark projects and refine key criteria for expanding the initiative. The sessions will provide attendees with practical guidance on developing ReShark-affiliated projects while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Workshop Structure:
Introduction to Ocean Rewilding
Overview of the Ocean Rewilding concept: a theoretical framework for ocean recovery
Challenges and Opportunities for Shark Rewilding
Facilitated discussion on the big challenges to elasmobranch recovery and how to shift public perceptions of sharks through Ocean Literacy.
Interactive session to gather expert input into a roadmap for elasmobranch species restoration
Introduction to ReShark & Developing an Affiliate Project
Overview of the ReShark Initiative, its mission, and collaborative framework.
The step-by-step process for developing a ReShark-affiliated project, including feasibility assessments, regulatory considerations, and stakeholder engagement.
Case studies on how partnerships have successfully led to conservation action.
Insights from Current & Potential ReShark-affiliated Projects
Presentation on the ongoing StAR (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) Project Indonesia, highlighting progress, challenges, and adaptive management strategies.
Introduction to newly onboarded projects and projects considering alignment with ReShark
Refining Species & Site Selection for Future ReShark Projects
Facilitated discussion on strengthening criteria for species and site selection, incorporating ecological, genetic, and socio-economic considerations.
Interactive session to gather expert input and refine ReSharkâs expansion strategy.
Key Workshop Outcomes:
Strengthened global collaboration and knowledge exchange among conservation professionals
Refinement of species and site selection criteria to enhance impact and scalability.
Increased awareness and engagement in ReSharkâs mission and methodologies.
Clear guidance on how to develop or align projects under the ReShark umbrella.
We invite scientists, conservationists, practitioners and educators to join us in advancing the future of elasmobranch rewilding. It is hoped that our workshop discussions will build a roadmap for shark rewilding and we invite participants to contribute to and co-author a paper as an output of the workshop. By the end of the workshop, participants will also have a deeper understanding of how ReShark can support species recovery efforts and will be encouraged to initiate or integrate projects within the ReShark framework.
We invite participants to discuss the challenges to ocean rewilding and elasmobranch recovery before introducing the ReShark Initiative. Our workshop will showcase current ReShark projects and refine key criteria for expanding the initiative. The sessions will provide attendees with practical guidance on developing ReShark-affiliated projects while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Workshop Structure:
Introduction to Ocean Rewilding
Overview of the Ocean Rewilding concept: a theoretical framework for ocean recovery
Challenges and Opportunities for Shark Rewilding
Facilitated discussion on the big challenges to elasmobranch recovery and how to shift public perceptions of sharks through Ocean Literacy.
Interactive session to gather expert input into a roadmap for elasmobranch species restoration
Introduction to ReShark & Developing an Affiliate Project
Overview of the ReShark Initiative, its mission, and collaborative framework.
The step-by-step process for developing a ReShark-affiliated project, including feasibility assessments, regulatory considerations, and stakeholder engagement.
Case studies on how partnerships have successfully led to conservation action.
Insights from Current & Potential ReShark-affiliated Projects
Presentation on the ongoing StAR (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) Project Indonesia, highlighting progress, challenges, and adaptive management strategies.
Introduction to newly onboarded projects and projects considering alignment with ReShark
Refining Species & Site Selection for Future ReShark Projects
Facilitated discussion on strengthening criteria for species and site selection, incorporating ecological, genetic, and socio-economic considerations.
Interactive session to gather expert input and refine ReSharkâs expansion strategy.
Key Workshop Outcomes:
Strengthened global collaboration and knowledge exchange among conservation professionals
Refinement of species and site selection criteria to enhance impact and scalability.
Increased awareness and engagement in ReSharkâs mission and methodologies.
Clear guidance on how to develop or align projects under the ReShark umbrella.
We invite scientists, conservationists, practitioners and educators to join us in advancing the future of elasmobranch rewilding. It is hoped that our workshop discussions will build a roadmap for shark rewilding and we invite participants to contribute to and co-author a paper as an output of the workshop. By the end of the workshop, participants will also have a deeper understanding of how ReShark can support species recovery efforts and will be encouraged to initiate or integrate projects within the ReShark framework.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Full day.
Other Information: N/A
Contact: For further information, please Contact: Charlotte.Hopkins@hull.ac.uk; mverdmann@gmail.com
Species Conservation Planning for Sharks
Summary: You will learn about general principles and approaches of conservation planning for species and discuss relevant experiences for sharks, with the aim to exchange ideas and insights on how to progress such efforts.
Description: Global commitments for nature conservation and restoration are in place and actions are needed to halt biodiversity loss. Conservation planning for species has seen much development over the past few decades yet limited but increasing application for marine species. This workshop will introduce the context of and available approaches for species planning with a focus on elasmobranchs. We will share our experiences from drafting such plans and discuss obstacles/ barriers faced in the process and species conservation itself. With an increasing need for better conservation planning and collaboration, especially in the conservation and management of migratory species, but also locally, we want to offer an opportunity to share insights, views and lessons learned. This workshop will also allow participants to share new ideas and perspectives across regions and areas of work. We want to be inclusive and considerate of the need of countries with limited resources and capacities.
Date and Duration: 2 May 2026. Full day.
Other Information: Maximum of 35 participants. Enrolment fee of 15 Euros (or equivalent) to help cover some of the costs. We would also like to offer 15 stipends for people from developing countries to participate (subject to application).
Contact: For further information, please Contact: lydia4blue@gmail.com
Techniques and Technologies for Marine Ecology and Shark Research
Summary: Learn how to use state-of-the-art technologies and tagging techniques to study sharks and rays.
Description: Understanding animal movement and behavior is central to marine ecology and conservation. In recent years, rapid advancements in technologyâsuch as computer vision, biologging, eDNA, remote imaging, and taggingâhave opened new possibilities for researchers and practitioners to collect, analyze, and act on ecological data with greater accessibility and reduced costs. This joint workshop brings together four complementary hands-on sessions focused on democratizing research through non-invasive, scalable tools and techniques, with a particular emphasis on sharks, rays, and inclusive, field-based monitoring.
Angela Albi â Computer Vision for Behavioral Research and Conservation: Learn to Track Animals with TRex (2 hours)
This hands-on session introduces TRex, an open-source, high-precision tracking tool that works across a range of environments and speciesâfrom reef sharks in coastal waters to wolves and bats in terrestrial, aerial and underwater settings. Participants will learn about how to set up detection models, run tracking workflows from static and drone-based videos, and export behavioral metrics for ecological analysis. Emphasis will be placed on affordable, scalable survey techniquesusing common camera systems or drones. This session is open to researchers, students, and conservation practitioners with an interest in animal behavior, wildlife monitoring, or remote sensing.
Jorge Miguel Rodrigues Fontes - Sharing new low cost non-invasive camera biologgers to democratize mobulas and shark research and conservation (2 hours)
This workshop introduces low-cost, non-invasive camera biologgers designed for mobula and shark research, with a focus on accessibility for researchers in developing countries. Learn about innovative tagging methods, practical applications, and how to join the Ocean Blue Tree consortium to access tools, training, and collaboration. Ideal for those aiming to advance conservation using affordable, high-impact technologies.
Maite Erauskin-Extramiana: Expert Workshop on Pelagic Shark Tagging Techniques (2 hours)
This workshop focuses on identifying best practices for tagging pelagic sharks to support sustainable fisheries management. Experts will share protocols on shark handling, tag types, and techniques to improve survival and data quality. Outcomes will inform recommendations for Regional Fisheries Organizations and contribute to a peer-reviewed publication advancing effective, science-based bycatch mitigation strategies.
Arzucan Askin: Leveraging non-invasive and novel technologies to break barriers in shark research (2 hours)
This workshop explores how the Miyaru - Shark Programme uses low-cost, non-invasive tools to empower local communitiesâespecially women and diversâto participate in shark research. Through methods like deep-sea cameras, eDNA, and ultrasounds, participants become co-creators of knowledge. Join us to discuss practical strategies, challenges, and the future of inclusive, community-led shark science and conservation.
Angela Albi â Computer Vision for Behavioral Research and Conservation: Learn to Track Animals with TRex (2 hours)
This hands-on session introduces TRex, an open-source, high-precision tracking tool that works across a range of environments and speciesâfrom reef sharks in coastal waters to wolves and bats in terrestrial, aerial and underwater settings. Participants will learn about how to set up detection models, run tracking workflows from static and drone-based videos, and export behavioral metrics for ecological analysis. Emphasis will be placed on affordable, scalable survey techniquesusing common camera systems or drones. This session is open to researchers, students, and conservation practitioners with an interest in animal behavior, wildlife monitoring, or remote sensing.
Jorge Miguel Rodrigues Fontes - Sharing new low cost non-invasive camera biologgers to democratize mobulas and shark research and conservation (2 hours)
This workshop introduces low-cost, non-invasive camera biologgers designed for mobula and shark research, with a focus on accessibility for researchers in developing countries. Learn about innovative tagging methods, practical applications, and how to join the Ocean Blue Tree consortium to access tools, training, and collaboration. Ideal for those aiming to advance conservation using affordable, high-impact technologies.
Maite Erauskin-Extramiana: Expert Workshop on Pelagic Shark Tagging Techniques (2 hours)
This workshop focuses on identifying best practices for tagging pelagic sharks to support sustainable fisheries management. Experts will share protocols on shark handling, tag types, and techniques to improve survival and data quality. Outcomes will inform recommendations for Regional Fisheries Organizations and contribute to a peer-reviewed publication advancing effective, science-based bycatch mitigation strategies.
Arzucan Askin: Leveraging non-invasive and novel technologies to break barriers in shark research (2 hours)
This workshop explores how the Miyaru - Shark Programme uses low-cost, non-invasive tools to empower local communitiesâespecially women and diversâto participate in shark research. Through methods like deep-sea cameras, eDNA, and ultrasounds, participants become co-creators of knowledge. Join us to discuss practical strategies, challenges, and the future of inclusive, community-led shark science and conservation.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Full day.
Other Information: 20 - 25 participants. Free participation for students, NGO-affiliated individuals, and local participants from the hosting country. We will adjust participation costs based on the number of confirmed participants and on the venue costs.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: aalbi@ab.mpg.de; arzucan@miyaru.org; jorge.mr.fontes@uac.pt; fontes04@gmail.com; merauskin@azti.es
Tiburones y Rayas: a project for spanish-language elasmobranch promotion
Summary: Connect with Spanish-speaking researchers, conservationists and advocates of sharks and rays.
Description: Do you speak Spanish? 'Tiburones y Rayas' es una iniciativa de The Shark Trust junto a AssociaciĂł LAMNA para el fomento del uso del castellano entorno a los elasmobranquios. Tras la experiencia de organizar Sharks International 2022, celebrado en Valencia (España), tuvimos varias conversaciones sobre cĂłmo mejorar la comunidad hispanohablante que trabaja con estas especies. Desde entonces estamos colaborando para establecer una estrategia que ayude a fortalecer este aspecto de la conservaciĂłn de los elasmobranquios. Una comunidad hispanohablante fuerte puede ayudar a generar apoyos que ayuden a mejorar la conservaciĂłn y la imagen pĂșblica de muchas especies de elasmobranquios en mĂșltiples paĂses. En este taller hablaremos de diferentes iniciativas para poner en valor el uso del castellano en este campo (como la celebraciĂłn de la WikimaratĂłn Tiburones y Rayas o congresos nacionales hispanohablantes) y abriremos debates sobre las necesidades y oportunidades de la comunidad hispanohablante. Por Ășltimo, esperamos que el evento sirva de punto de encuentro para todos aquellos hispanohablantes que acudimos al Sharks International 2026.
Date and Duration: 3 May 2026. Afternoon.
Contact: For further information, please Contact: jaime.penades@associaciolamna.org; hettie@sharktrust.org