The Sharks International 2026 conference was inaugurated today at the BMICH in Colombo, marking the first time the prestigious global gathering has been hosted in Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the event brings together researchers, conservationists, and government officials from over 80 countries.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, highlighted Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in marine conservation and the urgent need for global cooperation to protect threatened marine species.

“In the face of the grave challenges confronting the global marine ecosystem, over 100 million sharks and rays are lost annually. Within Sri Lanka, nearly 70 out of the 105 species of sharks and rays native to our waters are currently threatened with extinction due to overfishing. These species are not only vital for maintaining the health of coral reefs but are also essential for sustaining the commercial fish stocks upon which the livelihoods of our local fishing communities depend. 

The new government is deeply committed to expanding the protections afforded to these species under international conventions such as CITES and CMS. Furthermore, the government will actively encourage research that moves beyond mere data collection to deliver tangible, practical conservation outcomes,” he said.  

As the new government, the Ministry of Environment has called on the global scientific community to move beyond data collection and focus on direct actions that preserve the intrinsic value of marine ecosystems. 

By hosting this conference, Sri Lanka aims to lead the regional effort in shark and ray identification and the implementation of genetic tools to combat illegal fishing. 

The conference will continue throughout the week, featuring technical sessions and policy discussions aimed at driving positive change for apex predators. 

Sri Lanka expressed hope that the conservation strategies developed during this week in Colombo would create a lasting impact across the world’s oceans, ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine biodiversity for generations to come, the Ministry statement said. (Newswire)

The post Global experts gather in Colombo for Sharks International 2026 Conference appeared first on Newswire.