CIESM organized a scientific workshop in Paris on 1–2 December 2025, bringing together specialists and institutions from Algeria, Cyprus, Croatia, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. These two days provided a unique opportunity to work collectively on a rare and fascinating topic: the study and conservation of sharks in the Mediterranean.
The workshop reviewed progress in the SHARKnowledge program, which engages fishermen to improve data collection on sharks. Preliminary results from questionnaires and mapping were presented, followed by discussions on data handling and quality control.
Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening regional scientific coordination through programs such as LIFE EU Sharks, LIFE Prometheus, and other national initiatives, with the goal of harmonizing identification, data collection, and tagging protocols.
A significant part of the workshop was dedicated to a practical tagging session, where participants observed demonstrations and practiced tagging techniques themselves, building the skills required for future independent field missions.
Discussions also covered past field missions, highlighting insights gained and perspectives for future campaigns, as well as upcoming satellite tagging operations and the potential of acoustic telemetry.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate knowledge production, consolidate local scientific skills, and strengthen international cooperation for shark conservation.
The Commission thanks all speakers, partner institutions, and country representatives for their dedication. Special thanks to Sorbonne University in Paris for hosting the workshop and providing access to various spaces. Next steps will focus on detailed data analysis, continued field campaigns, and ongoing development of scientific collaborations across the Mediterranean.