Bristol Aquarium Hosts Shark Conference

Last weekend, Bristol Aquarium welcomed over 150 leading shark experts and conservationists from all over Europe. The aquatic attraction was the venue for the European Elasmobranch Assocation’s annual scientific conference which was organised by the UK-based Shark Trust.

This event brought together researchers, conservationists and policy-makers to discuss the latest research into many of the over 1,200 species of shark, ray and skate found across the globe. In addition to the UK and Europe, there were representatives from a total of 22 seperate countries including; Algeria, Australia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, UAE and the USA.

Keynote speakers included Jim Ellis of the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dean Grubbs from Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory and Daniel Suddaby, coordinator of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Smart Fishing Initiative. Ali Hood, Shark Trust’s Director of Conservation and President of the EEA, said: “Hosting the conference at Bristol Aquarium was a real success and the feedback from the delegates was really positive.

“The conference created an international platform for discussion and debate, attracting a phenomenal diversity of speakers, delegates and followers on social media...I was inspired by what I heard and saw, and will be following up on new opportunities in the coming weeks and months. Our thanks to Bristol Aquarium and @Bristol for their role in making EEA2016 such a positive event.”

The Shark Trust was established in 1997 to provide a much needed voice for sharks in the UK. Today it is a well-respected advocate for shark management and protection and part of a global collaborative movement in shark conservation; working to safeguard shark, skate and ray populations through positive change.

“We were delighted to host such an important event which attracted delegates and speakers from across Europe and around the world,” said Bristol Aquarium’s David Waines.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for our team to meet and discuss issues related to sharks, rays and the marine environment with experts in their field,” he added.