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Sharks are of considerable importance to the marine fisheries conducted with large mesh gillnets and longliners in the offshore waters within and beyond the EEZ of Sri Lanka. PELAGOSE (NARA) data base and field level information were based on this study. The shark fishery was a targeted fishery in Sri Lanka a decade ago but it has changed and sharks have become a bycatch. Decline in the directed (target) shark fishery was observed due to disincentives such as price decline, high operating cost, effective Monitoring Control & Surveillance activities and implementation of the several measures for conservation and management of sharks. At present, the contribution of sharks to the total large pelagic fish production is less than 4%.The catches are comprised mainly of silky sharks in the offshore fisheries. Shark land generally as a whole with fins attached and fully utilized them without any waste. Shark meat is consumed in large quantities and fins are exported. National Plan of Action for Sharks is currently being prepared with stakeholder consultation and giving due recognition to all resolution pertaining to shark conservation and management initiatives of IOTC.
