Manta Trust at Sharks International

The Manta Trust joined hundreds of leading shark and ray scientists, conservationists, students, and policymakers at Sharks International 2026, the world’s largest shark and ray conference, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 4–8 May 2026.

Hosted for the first time in Asia, the conference brought together more than 800 participants from over 80 countries to share the latest research, conservation strategies, and policy developments focused on protecting sharks and rays worldwide.

The Manta Trust team, affiliate network, collaborators, and students played a prominent role throughout the week, contributing keynote presentations, scientific talks, workshops, side events, and collaborative discussions focused on advancing conservation impact for manta and devil rays (mobulids) globally.

Collaborative Science for Conservation Action

Chief Executive and Co-Founder of the Manta Trust, Dr Guy Stevens, alongside Mobula Conservation Project Leader Dr Marta Palacios, delivered keynote presentations on Wednesday 6 May. Their talks focused on the importance of collaborative science to drive meaningful conservation action - a core principle underpinning the Manta Trust’s global network of approximately 30 affiliate projects.

“The science presented this week leaves little doubt about the scale of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Guy Stevens. “What is needed now is the collective political will, international cooperation, and long-term investment required to secure a future for sharks and rays before further declines become irreversible.”

Mobulid conservation was also placed centre stage during the dedicated conference day in the main hall, Manta Matters: Shaping Fisheries Policy with Mobulid Science, moderated by Dr Guy Stevens. The session brought together many speakers from across the Manta Trust affiliate network and beyond, and highlighted the breadth of research, conservation, and policy work being undertaken around the world to protect manta and devil rays.

Workshops and Side Events

Ahead of the conference, the Manta Trust collaborated with the Save Our Seas Foundation and the Lanka Environment Fund to host a side event titled Driving Ocean Impact: A Practical Workshop on Fundraising for Marine Conservation. The workshop provided attendees with practical guidance on securing grants, engaging donors, and building partnerships to strengthen funding opportunities for marine conservation projects.

Additional contributions from the Manta Trust team throughout the week included workshops, talks, and side events focused on science communication and mobulid species identification.

Strengthening a Global Conservation Network

For many members of the Manta Trust affiliate network, Sharks International 2026 provided a rare and valuable opportunity to meet in person, in some cases for the first time. The conference created space for researchers, conservation practitioners, collaborators, and students from around the world to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and develop future collaborative initiatives.

Many members of the network work remotely or manage projects independently in their respective regions, making the opportunity to connect face-to-face especially meaningful.

Karen Fuentes, Project Leader of Manta Caribbean in Mexico and a Manta Trust affiliate, said:

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Manta Trust for supporting our participation at this incredible event and for creating opportunities to connect and collaborate across the network.

We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the continued support that helps strengthen our long-term research and conservation efforts in the Mexican Caribbean. It was also incredibly meaningful to reconnect with colleagues from around the world and the wider Manta Trust community. Thank you for the support, inspiring conversations, and for fostering such a strong and collaborative conservation community.”

The Manta Trust also extended its sincere thanks to its principal supporter, Focused on Nature, for kindly supporting networking events throughout the week that helped bring together the global shark and ray conservation community.

As the global conservation community looks ahead to the next decade of shark and ray protection, Sharks International 2026 reinforced the importance of international collaboration, science-driven policy, and collective action to safeguard the future of these threatened species.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Contact: Jasmine Corbett
Manta Trust Media and Communications Manager
Email: jasmine.corbett@mantatrust.org

Press Release Credits

Written by: Jasmine Corbett
Images: Photographer’s credit below images – ensure that credit is given if images are used

About the Manta Trust

The Manta Trust is a UK-registered marine conservation charity dedicated to the research and protection of manta and devil rays and their habitats. Through research, education, and collaboration, the Manta Trust works to ensure a sustainable future for these extraordinary creatures.