Sri Lanka Coast Guard has apprehended four fishermen with over 223 kilograms of illegally harvested shark meat and fins at Suduwella Fisheries Harbour.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard arrested four fishermen on May 5th after discovering a substantial cache of prohibited shark products aboard a multi-day fishing vessel at Suduwella Fisheries Harbour. Officers seized 223.94 kilograms of thresher shark meat and fins that had been concealed on the vessel, marking a significant enforcement action against illegal wildlife trafficking in Sri Lankan waters.

The arrests were made under provisions of Extraordinary Gazette No. 1938/2, issued on October 26, 2015, which establishes legal protections for shark species. The specific targeting of thresher sharks indicates enforcement of protections for this particular species, which faces overharvesting pressures globally.

Following their detention, the four suspects were transferred to the Fisheries Inspector's Office in Suduwella, where they will face legal proceedings. Authorities also retained the seized fishing vessel and shark products as evidence. The case reflects ongoing efforts by Sri Lankan maritime authorities to combat illegal fishing practices and protect marine biodiversity within the nation's territorial waters.