Fishermen in south India were happy when their nets snared a school of rare stingrays on March 30, but their windfall sparked outrage among environmental activists.

The fishermen celebrated their catch and shot videos as they gathered the endangered fish on the beach near Ponnani, Kerala state.

However the incident left wildlife activists angry as stingrays are a protected species under Indian law, and hunting them can invite a sentence up to seven years.

Wildlife activist Subhendu Malik said: “There is prima facie evidence to prosecute the fishermen for a serious wildlife crime. Officials should act to create awareness and deter others from illegal hunting of stingrays.’’

Fishermen in Ponnani in South India were happy when their nets snared a school of stingrays on March 30.

They celebrated the catch and shot videos as they gathered the endangered fish on the beach.

But the incident left wildlife activists angry as under Indian laws sting rays are a protected species and hunting them can invite a sentence up to seven years.

Wildlife activist Subhendu malik said: “There is prima facie evidence to prosecute the fishermen for a serious wildlife crime. Officials should act to create awareness and deter others from illegal hunting of stingrays.’’