SharktoberFest 2026
About this event
SharktoberFest is a free, week-long online programme on shark science, conservation, community and careers, hosted by the Vermilion Sea Institute (VSI) and the Ocean Science Expedition Academy (OSEA). Researchers, educators and conservationists give presentations and take part in conversations aimed at making shark science accessible to a broad audience, covering current research, the people working to protect sharks and their ecosystems, and routes into marine science and conservation. Each day has its own theme, and there are raffles and prizes through the week.
Organiser: Vermilion Sea Institute, Ocean Science Expedition Academy
What to expect
- Monday 26 October, Shark Conservation and Research: Abinaya Meenakshisundaram (University of Western Australia, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre and AIMS), 19:00 ET
- Irene Cassanova (Pelagios Kakunjá), 20:00 ET
- Alberto García Baciero (Whale Shark México), 21:00 ET
- Tuesday 27 October, Community Science Involvement: Meghan Holst (OSEA), 13:00 ET
- Heidi Malizia (VSI), 15:00 ET
- Shivani Cowper (The Salty Lab Research Collective), 18:30 ET
- Wednesday 28 October, Safety as Community Members and Scientists: Norah Mendoza (Minorities in Shark Sciences), 14:00 ET
- Alex McInturf (California State University, Long Beach), 17:00 ET
- Thursday 29 October, Science Communication and Storytelling: Jacquie Rajerison, Sevengill Draw-Along (MISS and OSEA), 17:00 ET
- Melissa Cristina Márquez, 18:00 ET
- Kaushiik Subramaniam, photography and film, 19:00 ET
- Friday 30 October, Careers in Science and Shark Biology: career panel with Catherine Macdonald, Shannon Aldridge, Yudmila Chunguane, Darien Satterfield, Heidi Malizia and Meghan Holst, 12:00 ET
- Shannon Aldridge (Beneath the Waves), 13:00 ET
- Jessica Tammen (OdySea Aquarium), 14:00 ET
- David Shiffman (Why Sharks Matter), pre-recorded, 17:00 ET
- Raffles and prizes
Date and time
26 to 30 October 2026
Time: daily sessions, see the schedule under What to expect.
Location and format
Online (Zoom).
Cost
Free.
Registration