The Symposium was organized by the NAFO Secretariat and co-convened by D. W. Kulka (DFO, NAFO ), J. A. Musick (VIMS, co-chair, IUCN Elasmobranch Species Specialist Group), M. Pawson (CEFAS) and
T. Walker (MAFRI).
Keynote speakers were Sarah Fowler of Naturebureau International and co-chair, IUCN Elasmobranch Species Specialist Group who summarized the summarized the current state of shark management issues worldwide.
There were four themes for the symposium: Life History and Demographic Analysis (Jack Musick - convenor); Stock Identity (Mike Pawson - convenor); Stock Assessment (Dave Kulka - convenor) and Harvest Strategies and Biodiversity Maintenance (Terry Walker - convenor).
As well 3 invited speakers addressed specific issues within the four sessions.
The proceedings of this symposium have been published in the Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science.