(Feature Image:- Fishermen move around the big lake in Jawaharlalpuram in Madurai to increase the catch. M. PALANI KUMAR Photo/PARI)
World Fisheries Day (WFD) is celebrated annually on November 21 to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries management and to draw attention to the crucial role of small-scale fishers in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions around the world. The theme for World Fisheries Day 2023 is “Build enabling policy environments for small-scale artisanal fisheries.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role of small-scale fishers in sustainable fisheries management. Small-scale fishers, who often employ traditional and low-impact fishing methods, contribute significantly to local food security and livelihoods. They also possess valuable knowledge and expertise in managing marine resources sustainably. By supporting small-scale fishers and enabling their participation in policymaking processes, we can promote more equitable and sustainable fisheries management practices. https://www.oliveboard.in/blog/world-fisheries-day-2023/ (20 Nov. 2023)
Marking the WFD 2023 while highlighting the significance of fresh water fish species, inland fisherfolks and fisheries sector in general, SANDRP here presents ten positive reports on fish, fisherfolks and fisheries from India in 2023. Also see the second part of the compilation highlighting ongoing resistance of fisherfolks in India and third part covering mess fish kill incident during past one year in the country.
1. Top scientist Rajeev Raghavan emphasizes need to conserve River Fish It is rather rare when we hear the sane voice of a scientist like Rajeev Raghavan on the neglect of riverine fish conservation in India, from government, research bodies to down to grassroots level. Rajeev Raghavan, incidentally is among the 2% top scientists of the world as per the Stanford University, USA. The over emphasis on fish in food, on marine fish, on exotic fish that has such a huge adverse impact on our biodiversity and lack of effort towards conservation of riverine fish are some of the key issues Raghavan emphasizes. He says most of the fish in the IUCN red list are riverine fish and yet there is so little understanding or effort to conserve such fish or their habitat.
If we see the discussions in the minutes of the meetings of the MoEF’s Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley Projects, discussing projects each of which have such a huge adverse impact on riverine fisheries, in spite of there being permanent presence of a representative of Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, we see non-existence of any concerns about the impact of the project in riverine fisheries or those who are dependent on them for livelihoods. In fact, we see the shocking spectacle of CIFRI scientists working as consultants to the hydropower companies, working to justify such projects on the highly biodiverse rivers including those of North East India. https://sandrp.in/2023/10/30/drp-nb-301023-top-scientist-rajeev-raghavan-emphasizes-need-to-conserve-river-fish/ (30 Oct. 2023)
Excerpts from interview with fisheries scientist Rajeev Raghavan, one of the foremost aquatic conservation biologists in Kerala: My time working on the Red List has brought to my notice that all priority species are freshwater ones. About 60-65 per cent of freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats are not found anywhere else. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/oct/26/if-asked-to-name-ten-native-fish-species-students-would-be-stumped-professorrajeev-raghavan-2626958.html (26 Oct. 2023) Rajeev Raghavan, is internationally known for his research on the taxonomy and conservation of freshwater fishes of Western Ghats and has close to 200 publications to his credit. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/renowned-kerala-scientist-rajeev-raghavan-featured-in-stanfords-2023-top-2-scientists-list/article67398845.ece (09 Oct. 2023)
2. Meghalaya Fish preservation effort is commendable but wish it came earlier The state Fisheries Department is making efforts to preserve indigenous varieties of fish. It declared about 67 rivers or stretches of them as fish sanctuaries where local as well as general species can thrive. The effort, though commendable, came too late. The department has entrusted the task of protecting and preserving the fish varieties to local village committees, dorbar shnong and NGOs.
Meghalaya has lost many local fish species in the last 50 years and the reasons are manifold. But an important reason is human intervention that altered the fish habitats. Effluents from coal mining, cement plants and other factories contaminate streams and rivers, leading to extinction of several species of fish and other aquatic flora and fauna.
In Meghalaya, we have many rivers and streams which abound in varieties of fish. The prominent rivers of Jaintia Hills are the Lukha, Myntdu, Amjngur, Umiurem and Myntang; in Khasi Hills the Umngot, Umiam, Umdiengkain, Khasi Mara, Jadkain, Umtrew, Umngi, Rilang, Kynshi, Rwiang, Wahblei, Riangdo, Ryndi, Riangdo, Umshiak and Wahkhri; in Garo Hills the Simsang, Ganol, Jinjiram, Eldek, Manda, Chibok, Rongdik, Ringsa, Chibe, Ringgi, Rongku and Bandra.
The fish sanctuaries as declared by the Fisheries Department are —
- Umlew in Ri Bhoi
- Jira in Siminaguri, Kynshi at Nongkhnum, Umshiak at Nongpdeng, Riangdo in Pormawlai, Riangdi at Nongshram, Kynshi at Umthied, Riangdo at Nongwardro, all in West Khasi Hills
- Rilang at Rohbah, Phodlongon at Mawiawmah, Tynhiang at Pdemtynniaw, all in South West Khasi Hills
- Rangsakona at Rangsa A’We, Rongdik at Eman Warima, Rongdik Emangre at Eman Dokru A’We, Rongdik Aruwagre at Juwa Wari, Chibe Nengkong at Chibe Nengkong, Rongku Bolkongpara at Bolkolpara, Simsang at Wachi Wari, Ganol at Mandal Wari, Ganol at Rongram, Ringgi at Dadenggre, Bandra at Gambegre, all in South Garo Hills
- Keralgram at Keralgram, Aruare at Aruare, Rongre at Rongre, Ieldek at Tangba, Rari Rangsopgre at Rangsopgre, all in North Garo Hills
- Chibok Nengmandelgre at Chibok Chachalgre, Chibok Rapdigre, Simsang Rongsapgre, Simsang Songmagre, Simsang Warimagre, Simsang Bansangre, Simsang Rongreng Baiza and Rongbing Kusimkolgre, all in East Garo Hills
- Umiew at Umiew, Wah Madan Tyrkhang at Tyrkhang, Wah Synrem at Mawpran, Weilynter at Nongpiur, Umlyngka river at Umlyngka, Umtangphar at Mawkynrew, Weinuir at Umsawwar, Wahumtyrkhang at Lyngkhoi, Wahmawsadang at Mawsadang, Wah Umlangmar at Mawspong, Wah Umdiengkain at Lawbah, Wah Khasi Mara at Thyllaw, Wah Tyrsad at Tyrsad, Wah Jadkain at Diengpasoh, all in East Khasi Hills
- Myntdu Syntu Ksiar, Myntang Wahiajer, Mynrud at Madan Mynrud, Umngot Chere at Shnongpdeng, Umsohkhri at Khonglah, Amjngur at Nongtalang, Amtngui at Nongbareh, Amiurem at Khliehmushut, Myntang at Elaka Mynso, Amkshar at Kudeng Thymmai, Amkahoh at Sohkha Mission, Thwai Sajri at Mustem, Umsalait at Umsalait, Umlamar at Kudengrim, all in West Jaintia Hills
- Stain at Tuber Kmaichnong and Myntdu river at Chamcham, in East Jaintia Hills. https://meghalayamonitor.com/fish-preservation-effort-is-commendable-but-came-late/ (27 Dec. 2022)
3 SANDRP Blog Vaitarna’s Community-Conserved Fish Sanctuary needs protection Tilase Fish Sanctuary on Vaitarna River is a spectacular example of community conservation. Vaitarna river has lost several deep gorges and cultural sites to dams. Middle Vaitarna Dam completed in 2013 submerged 1566 acres of Western Ghats Forests and the planned Gargai Dam threatens to again submerge more than 1779 acres of forest mostly in Tansa Sanctuary and further restrict freshwater at Tilase Sanctuary.
In this scenario, there is an urgent need to study Tilase Fish Sanctuary and help the local community in protecting this sanctuary from further pressures. We do not have many places left in the country where native fish swim enchantingly in our rivers, spreading hope for our rivers and our future. https://sandrp.in/2023/07/20/tilase-fish-sanctuary-vaitarnas-community-conserved-sanctuary-needs-protection/ (20 July 2023)
4. Poster on WFD from NPSSFW: Inland fisheries need attention: On the World Fisheries Day, celebrated on Nov 21 every year, there is urgent need to focus attention on the well-being of one of the poorest and socio-economically weakest and much neglected section of population: Inland fisherfolks. They are in huge number, more than 2 crore directly dependent on inland fisheries, many others indirectly dependent. They, unfortunately have no voice in development discourse or decision-making processes, nor any even in mitigation measures. Creating an inland fisheries policy, department and institute in every state and at centre can be an important step forward.
This poster of National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers below on the occasion of the World Fisheries Day on Nov 21 2023 lists their Demands:
– Immediate ban on all destructive fishing gears and methods like trawling, purse seining and fishing by mosquito nets, poisons, explosives, electricity etc.
– Stop pollution of, encroachments on and excessive diversion of water from water bodies.
– Issue collective patta (user title) to small scale fishers in recognition of their right to sustainable fishing and fish farming in all public water bodies including the seas, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and wetlands.
– Make the corporates and countries responsible for global warming pay for its damages – we need climate justice now. https://sandrp.in/2023/11/20/drp-nb-201123-inland-fisheries-need-attention-world-fisheries-day-2023/
5. Report Small-scale fisheries a big contributor to jobs, diets Small-scale fisheries make up 40% of the global fishing catch, with Asia contributing roughly 23 of 37 million tonnes caught between 2013 and 2017, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
Small-scale fisheries comprise low-tech and low-cost family or community-level fishing along coastlines and rivers with the haul most often sold in local markets. The report highlights the importance of such enterprises for livelihoods and nutrition, especially in Asia, and for women. It suggests that the value of the sector has been underestimated.
Most of those employed in small-scale fishing, whether full or part-time, live in 10 countries led by China, where 35.5 million people are involved in the sector. India has the second highest figure at 13.1 million. The sector is also an important employer for women. Globally, an estimated 44.7 million women participate in the value chains or engage in subsistence activities related to the sector, representing 40% of the people engaged in the sector. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-small-scale-fisheries-are-big-contributor-to-jobs-diets/articleshow/99226498.cms (04 April 2023)
6. India’s fantastic freshwater fauna India is one of the most mega-diverse countries when it comes to freshwater biodiversity. Approximately, 9.7 percent of the total fauna (animal species) are associated with freshwater ecosystems, several of which are endemic and unique to India. For instance, the Ganga-Brahmaputra system exhibits among the highest richness of large-bodied freshwater species (freshwater mega-fauna) in the world and supports unique and threatened species.
Gollum snakehead: In 2019, when a group of scientists discovered this fish in the Western Ghats, they were baffled. With odd features such as a uniform, cinnamon brown and long eel-like body, scales and delicate veil-like fins, the Gollum snakehead harbours an unexpectedly large number of primitive characteristics. The scientists ultimately went on to classify the fish as a new species, under a new genus (Aenigmachanna). Considered a “living fossil”, the Gollum snakehead is a fish species found in the groundwater and aquifer ecosystems of the southern Western Ghats. Unlike many groundwater species – which usually have reduced coloring and have poor or no vision, the Gollum snakehead has well-developed pigmentation & normal-sized eyes.
Blind Mahseer: Described as the “world’s largest subterranean fish”, this unique fish is nearly five times the average length (8.5 cm) for all known subterranean fish to date. It was recently discovered (in 2019) in the damp, dark, deep caves of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India – a biodiversity hotspot. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/indias-fantastic-freshwater-fauna-and-where-find-them (10 May 2022)
7A. Meghalaya World’s largest cavefish named after Pnar community The largest known cavefish from Meghalaya has been named after the state’s indigenous Pnar community. Roughly three years back, an international team of cave explorers from India and other countries encountered a new cavefish in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and a return visit was made in January to gather more information on the fish. But they could not ascertain the fish species. Dan Harries of Grampian Speleological Group was one of the members of the expedition. After a detailed analyses and molecular analyses, scientists have found that the world’s largest cave fish from Meghalaya, is actually a new species, Neolissochilus pnar.
The world’s largest subterranean fish was discovered in 2019 and was tentatively identified as a troglomorphic form of the golden mahseer, Tor putitora. Detailed analyses of its morphometric and meristic data, and results from molecular analyses now reveal that it is a new species of the genus Neolissochilus, the sister taxon of Tor. The authors in the paper say they have formally described the new species as Neolissochilus pnar, honouring the tribal communities of East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, from where it was discovered. ‘Pnar’, is the sub-tribal group of the Khasi people in Meghalaya.
The study says the description of the world’s largest subterranean fish Neolissochilus pnar is, therefore, likely to drive further explorations and understanding of this unique habitat and its remarkable fauna. https://www.eastmojo.com/meghalaya/2023/02/07/meghalaya-worlds-largest-cavefish-named-after-pnar-community/ (07 Feb. 2023)
7B. Nagaland New fish species found in Milak river A new fish species has been discovered from Milak river under Mokokchung district and has been named a ‘Badis limaakumi’, after the name of the principal investigator (PI), Limaakum, assistant professor & HOD, department of Zoology, Fazl Ali College. The team from Fazl Ali College which has been working for nearly a year, under the project titled “Integrated Taxonomic Studies on The Fishes Found in The Rivers of Nagaland”, sponsored by Higher Education department, came up with the second new discovery from Milak river. The team said that some more fishes believed to be new species to science have been identified and work was ongoing for its confirmation.
‘Badis limaakumi’ is locally known by many names like “Tepdang” or “Akngashi (Chungli)” or “Aokngatsü (Mongsen)” or “Sempi” etc. The fishes in its natural habitat are black in color but when they are moved to aquarium or some other environment, they change their color. This is the reason why the fishes of this species are sometimes referred to as the chameleon fish, the team said. One reason for the change in color is attributed to the amount of stress level the fish is under. Male Badis species are generally larger and more colorful than the females.
The team said that currently there were about 25 recognized badis species out of which 15 have been reported from India. Badis species are found in freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds and marshes in northern India, eastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi and Indus basins. They are predatory in nature feeding on tiny freshwater invertebrates. In Nagaland, it is not clear whether the Badis found in different water bodies in different areas are the same species or not, the team said, adding that more work needs to be done in this regard. https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/new-fish-species-found-in-milak-river/ (29 Sept. 2023)
The Chameleon Fish has a fairly widespread distribution throughout much of South Asia, where it is most commonly found in heavily vegetated ditches, ponds, slow-flowing streams, and swamps. Badis species are well-known in the aquarium trade and are regularly exported from India to other countries. There are 14 valid species of Badis from India, and this discovery adds one more species to the existing diversity, totaling 15. Badis limaakumi is also one of the largest Badis species, the other being Badis assamensis. The total number of fish species in Nagaland is now 200 after the discovery of this fish species. https://www.eastmojo.com/nagaland/2023/09/28/new-fish-species-discovered-in-nagaland-scientist-names-it-after-collaborator/ (28 Sept. 2023)
7.C Odisha New freshwater fish species found in Mahanadi Scientists have discovered a new species of fish in Mahanadi. It was named ‘Awos Motala’. The discovery was made in a research project during which a group of scientists found that edible freshwater fish being sold in the markets is actually an unregistered species.. Professor Jai Kishore Seth, principal investigator of the Biology Department of Berhampur University, said that this fish is being sold in the markets of Western Odisha. Fishermen sell fresh fish at Rs 600 per kg and dried fish at Rs 800 per kg. Description of the new species was published in the online edition of the Journal of Fish Biology. https://www.patrika.com/national-news/researchers-found-new-freshwater-fish-in-mahanadi-river-of-odisha-8569249/ (02 Nov. 2023)
8. Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves amendments to fisheries policy A meeting of cabinet led by CM Bhupesh Baghel on Nov 24, 2022 approved amendments in the new fisheries policy. According to the revised new fisheries policy, ponds and irrigation reservoirs for fish farming will no longer be auctioned but will be given on lease for 10 years. The priority will be given to fishermen groups including Dhimar, Nishad, Kenvat, Kahar, Kahra, Mallah and fisheries cooperative society in general areas for allotment of ponds and reservoirs.
The fishermen groups and fisheries cooperative society of the scheduled tribe category will be given priority in the scheduled tribe notified area. Similarly, in the case of the village pond, instead of a maximum of 1 ha, half a ha of water area will be allotted to the fishermen group and fishery cooperative society or fisherman person. In the case of the irrigation reservoir, instead of a 4 ha, a 2 ha water area will be allotted on the basis of per member or per person.
Under the three-tier panchayat system, the gram panchayat will have the right to allot ponds and irrigation reservoirs of zero to 10 ha of average water area on lease for 10 years. Likewise, Janpad Panchayat will have the authority to allot over 10 ha to 100 ha and District Panchayat over 100 ha to 200 ha average water area. The fisheries department will have the authority to lease over 200 ha to 1000 ha of average water area in reservoirs, barrage to fishermen groups and fishery co-operative societies. But the water area under the authority of urban bodies will be allotted by the urban body concerned on lease for 10 years. https://theprint.in/india/chhattisgarh-cabinet-approves-amendments-to-fisheries-policy/1234413/ (25 Nov. 2022)
9. Jammu & Kashmir Women fisher restoring Wular lake A group of fisherwomen is spearheading efforts to rejuvenate Wular Lake, once a lifeline for their communities in Bandipora district. Despite facing numerous challenges, the duo are committed to restore the lake to its former glory. Ashiyah Begum, a seasoned fisherwoman from Kulhama village, reminisces about the abundance of fish in Wular during her youth. While the catch has diminished in recent times, she and her fellow fisherwomen are determined to reverse this trend.
Kulhama, located along the lake’s shores, has eighty-three families that have traditionally relied on the lake’s resources for their livelihoods. Despite the challenges, these women are working tirelessly to revitalize the lake. Mugli Begum, a 75-year-old fisherwoman with decades of experience, remembers the golden days when they used to collect boatloads of chestnuts. While the harvest has dwindled over the years, Begum remains hopeful and is actively involved in conservation efforts. https://kashmirconvener.com/2023/09/27/a-noble-cause-fisherwomen-on-a-mission-to-restore-wular-lake/ (27 Sept. 2023)
10A Goa ‘Mussel farming is a profitable business’ “From cage culture of fish, people are slowly taking to mussel culture. This is a good trend. The farmers will be able to harvest the mussels within a period of five months,” said fisheries director Shamila Monteiro. A single rope of mussel seeds can generate about 1 to 1.5kg of fully grown mussels. The current price of the edible bivalve molluscs is Rs 400 per kg in Goa, thus making it a high value seafood species. The fisheries department, therefore, encouraged the attendees to avail of the scheme for setting up of the mussel culture/ oyster farming unit in the state, and venture into fisheries entrepreneurship.
“With 35 ropes of mussel seeds, farmers can harvest up to 50 kg mussels. This is, therefore, a very profitable business for unemployed youth and farmers living near river areas,” Monteiro said. To be eligible for mussel cultivation in Goa, the river’s salinity should be above 27 ppt (parts per thousand) salinity following which fish farmers in the vicinity can be encouraged to take up mussel farming. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/mussel-farming-is-a-profitable-business/articleshow/100536851.cms (27 May 2023)
10B Goa Govt to develop four full-fledged fishing villagesGoa will develop four fishing villages under a Central government-funded scheme with the state government providing all the infrastructure, CM Pramod Sawant said. Sawant, who was addressing the inaugural function of the Goa Mega Aqua Fish Festival on Friday (Feb. 10), asked people to join the sector in large numbers and reap the benefits of various schemes introduced by the state fisheries department. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/goa-to-develop-four-full-fledged-fishing-villages-with-central-govt-funding-10055541.html (11 Feb. 2023)
Some More Positive Developments
Small scale inland open water fisheries of India Inland waters are a rich source of fish. Das, B. K., Parida, P. K., DebRoy, P., and Roy, A. (2022) in “the Vulnerability to Viability, Global Partnership (V2V)” Working Paper 2022-8 titled ‘A situational analysis of small-scale inland open water fisheries in India: From vulnerability to viability’ inform that the inland fishery resources of India are one of the richest in the world and include freshwater and brackish water.
Inland fisheries produce more than 8.4 million tonnes of fish and support the livelihoods of 23.12 million inland fishers in the country. The inland open water fisheries sector is largely small-scale in nature and includes culture-based fisheries, natural stocking and harvesting, enclosure culture (cage and pen culture) and capture fisheries. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/small-scale-inland-open-water-fisheries-india (04 Dec. 2022)
W Bengal Sustainable shrimp cultivation & mangrove restoration in Sundarbans Under the initiative, Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME), farmers have taken up cultivation of shrimp at 20 ha at Chaital in North 24 Parganas, and 10 ha at Madhabpur in adjoining South 24 Parganas. However, they are doing their part in restoring the mangroves as well.
The community-based initiative of sustainable shrimp cultivation is being conceived by NEWS and Global Nature Fund (GNF), Naturland Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS). Ajany Dey, Joint Secretary and Programme Director of NEWS, says that the initiative — started in 2019 — has established a collaborative ecosystem integrating several key stakeholders from govt departments, academia, and research institutes for co-creation and comprehensive advancement of this project.
There are 42 shrimp farmers engaged in the pilot project and a majority of them say that they have had higher incomes compared to previous years. They are also cultivating indigenous varieties of shrimps such as black tiger shrimp (P. monodon) & giant freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sustainable-shrimp-cultivation-provides-hope-for-mangrove-restoration-in-sundarbans/article66324538.ece (1 Jan 2023)
India Budget 2023-2024: Key highlights on fisheries: The Government will launch a new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana with targeted investment of Rs 6,000 crore to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market. The government will also facilitate setting up of a large number of multipurpose cooperative societies, primary fishery societies and dairy cooperative societies in uncovered panchayats and villages in the next 5 years.
Budget allocation for the Department of Fisheries during 2022-23 has increased from Rs. 1220.84 crore (BE) in 2021-22 to Rs. 2118.47 crore (BE) in 2022-23 which is 73.52% up. https://www.icsf.net/newss/india-budget-2023-key-highlights-on-fisheries/ (2 Feb. 2023) https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe43.pdf
Inland fish production up over 2-fold in 9 yrs: Minister Union Minister Rupala says India’s inland fish production has more than doubled in the last nine years to 131 lakh tonnes. A ‘Global Fisheries Conference India 2023’ is being organised in Ahmedabad from November 21-22 2023 to discuss immense potential as well as challenges in the sector.
The average growth of the fisheries sector stood at 8.6 per cent in the last 9 years. The sector contributes a little over 1 per cent to the country’s GDP. Indian fisheries and aquaculture provide livelihood and employment to more than 30 million (3 crore) fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and many more along the fisheries value chain. During the 2022-23 fiscal, India exported fish and fish products valued at USD 8.09 billion. A major chunk of the exports comprised frozen shrimp with an export earning of USD 5.48 billion. https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/inland-fish-production-up-over-2-fold-in-9-yrs-to-13-1-mn-tonnes-minister-123111600508_1.html (16 Nov. 2023) https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1977356 (16 Nov. 2023)
Telangana Centre built to train farmers cash-in on Murrel Fisheries Department is now focusing on extensive farming of Murrel (Korra Meenu, state fish) to cut down the consumption of hybrid species and promote indigenous species. It has set up a Centre of Excellence at Wyra in Khammam for breeding and seed production. Since July, breeding activity has commenced at the centre and measures are being taken to train farmers in Murrel farming. The idea was to promote entrepreneurship among farmers. Considering the people’s liking for Murrel in the State and the remunerative price it fetches farmers, the department was taking measures to conduct free training programmes for Murrel farming at the Centre of Excellence, Fisheries Commissioner Lachiram Bhukya said. https://telanganatoday.com/cashing-in-on-popularity-of-murrel-in-telangana (11 Dec. 2022)
‘Ghol’ declared state fishThe expensive marine ‘Ghol’ fish was declared the state fish of Gujarat at the first Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 held in Ahmedabad Tuesday (Nov. 22). Also known as Black Spotted Croaker fish (Protonibea diacanthus) in many parts of the world, Ghol fish is not only considered a delicacy but is valued for its medicinal properties in many countries. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/ghol-declared-state-fish-gujarat-global-fisheries-conference-9036238/ (21 Nov. 2023)
Bihar About 16 lakh below poverty line fisherfolks to get compensation at the rate of Rs 4500 for not fishing during the two monsoon months of June 15 to Aug 15 in 2023. Applications are invited for this by Jan 31 2023. This is for conservation of riverine fish. https://dailybihar.com/bihar-may-do-mahiney-machhli-maarney-par-rok
Rajasthan Free fish seed scheme to benefit nearly 20,000 farmers The CM Ashok Gehlot recently approved the Rs 2 crore project that will provide each farmer or diggi (water pond) with 1,000 fingerlings of major Indian carps like rohu, catla, and mrigal. The project, announced in Budget 2023-24, has received financial approval recently. Select farmers will be imparted with training on fisheries at the district level soon, a department official said.
Rajasthan’s water bodies cover about 430,000 ha water spread area. This is in addition to about 70 rivers and canals covering about 30,000 ha area. The state has made steady growth in inland fisheries over the past three decades.
The area under fish culture and production in the state, which ranks 18th in output, has gone up. About 60 per cent of the total fish production comes from reservoirs, and the rest from tanks and ponds. The productivity of large reservoirs (55 kg/ha) is above the national average. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/free-fish-seed-scheme-to-benefit-nearly-20-000-farmers-in-rajasthan-123070301079_1.html (3 July 2023)
Tamil Nadu Photo expo on indigenous fish species A photo exhibition of fish species indigenous to India, scheduled to commence in Chennai on January 13, intends to throw light on the lesser-known fish species of Tamil Nadu, such as the Tambraparani Barb and Rohani Barb along with others found throughout India.
Aquarium enthusiast Beta Mahatvaraj, who has been documenting native fish species and their habitats in the country over the past two decades in association with the Chennai Public Aquarium, plans to display over 150 portraits of freshwater and brackish water fish species and their habitats at the Chennai Public Aquarium at the Eco Park in Chetpet. “We are planning to display portraits and posters of native fish species on four themes. Those found along the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and those found only in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India, including the Northeastern States,” Mr. Mahatvaraj said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/photo-expo-on-indigenous-fish-species-to-be-held-on-january-13/article66334484.ece (03 Jan. 2023)
‘Fish turned me into a good photographer’ M. Palani Kumar a PARI photographer writes about growing up in a community of skilled lake fishermen, and their daily lives. Fish harvesting festivals are held in many lakes in the Madurai district and people from adjoining villages visit the lake to catch fish. They pray for good rains, a good harvest and for everyone to be happy. People believe that catching fish brings good rains, and if the fish harvest festival is not held, there will be drought. Amma always said that during the harvest, the weight of the fish would be at its highest and that meant good profits.
People often prefer live fish. In the off-season, the weight of the fish is less and there is not enough catch. Selling fish helped many women in our village survive; it gave a livelihood to the women who had lost their husbands. Fish turned me into a good photographer. When I purchased a camera in 2013, I would take it along when I went to buy fish. Sometimes I would forget buying fish and end up taking photographs of fishing instead. https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/fish-turned-me-into-a-good-photographer/ (26 June 2023)
Kerala Unique fishing tradition The villages of Valiyathodu and Pallithodu, nestled on the Ernakulam-Alappuzha border, are home to a unique fishing tradition that has been practiced for several decades. Here, all members of local families gather for the ‘pothuveechu’ or ‘community fishing’. In the wee hours, women wade into the water, submerging themselves in the cool depths with their fishing vessels or net baskets in hand.
The men, meanwhile, spread out the fishing nets. Some teenagers, too, join the family expedition. This tradition of pothuveechu is also observed in places such as Chellanam, Edavanakkad, Kumbalangi, and Thuravoor, where paddy fields are used for rotational pisciculture. Though paddy cultivation has dwindled in recent times, these wetland fields continue to be used for fish or prawn farming, mostly on a contract basis. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/apr/29/way-of-the-wetlands-heard-of-this-unique-fishing-tradition-in-kerala-2570338.html (29 April 2023)
Assam Hilsa fishing on Brahmaputra banks in Dhubri The annual Hilsa fishing season on the Brahmaputra in Dhubri is not just a seasonal event; it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the local community, their harmonious coexistence with nature, and their commitment to preserving traditions that have been part of their identity for generations.
As this year’s season unfolds, it brings hope, sustenance and a deep appreciation for the rich bounty of the Brahmaputra. https://assamtribune.com/assam/hilsa-fishing-on-brahmaputra-banks-in-dhubri-a-seasonal-blessing-for-over-300-families-1501890 (29 Oct. 2023)
Opinion The Conundrum of Sacred Mahseer Shishir Rao There are lessons to be learnt from the events that transpired at the Shishileshwara temple fish sanctuary. Firstly, since mahseer is regarded by some as a popular food fish, and by others as sacred, a fundamental challenge for temple fish sanctuaries is to manage diverging expectations arising out of diverse belief systems. Secondly, when species become locally abundant due to protection and provisioning, they are vulnerable to external threats such as poisoning, predation and potentially to diseases as well.
Thirdly, captive breeding may be a great tool for conserving species under decline but artificially introducing stocked fish outside their range can seriously affect native fish already facing other pressures. Despite these challenges, in the light of ever-increasing pressure on river ecosystems, temple fish sanctuaries may be some of the last refuges for freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Like the sacred groves of the Western Ghats, the Shishileshwara temple fish sanctuary epitomises the intricate relationships between religious beliefs and biodiversity conservation. https://jlrexplore.com/explore/on-assignment/the-conundrum-of-sacred-mahseer-the-story-of-a-temple-fish-sanctuary-in-the-western-ghats (01 Feb. 2023)
Nadi Samvad Morisika: The story of the Boatman The River Project and its pilot Morisika; The Story of the Boatman has been conceptualized and created by Debashish Nandi and Vandana Menon. It is a collaboration between film makers, photographers, folk artists and local riverine communities in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. https://soanas.org/morisika-mirage-the-story-of-the-boatman/ (19 Dec. 2022)
Documentary Changing coastline About the documentary: In the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, hundreds of coastal villages inhabited by fish workers are facing threats to their livelihoods due to erosion and government development projects. Coastal villagers from Dadanpatrabar, Dakshin Purosottampur, and Baguran Jalpai in the district faced adverse effects of sea erosion which led to the loss of their land as well as livelihoods. It has to be accepted that climate change is a global phenomenon and is happening for real. But recent development projects have further impacted their plights.
The 29.5-km-long coastal road which will connect the four sea beaches in Digha, Tajpur, Shankarpur, and Mandarmoni, not only threatens to disrupt the lives and livelihood of thousands of fishers but also the fragile coastal ecology of the region. As part of the Youth For The Coast Fellowship, Tanmoy Bhaduri produced the documentary with the support received from Delhi Forum in December 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b6Lh6IV9Uc (22 Feb. 2023)
Report Freshwater systems produce or influence more than half of fish consumed globally Jeff Opperman: -The first question you may ask is: how can so many fish come from such a tiny (globally speaking) volume of water? That tiny volume is spread across various types of freshwater habitats, and while the oceans are incredibly deep—and so, by volume, most ocean water is dark and unproductive—most freshwater habitats are relatively shallow. Within these shallow habitats, the sun can drive food webs to support diverse species of plants and animals. In fact, floodplains and wetlands are among the most diverse and productive habitat types on Earth, and the most productive freshwater fisheries come from rivers connected to extensive floodplains, such as the Amazon, Irrawaddy, and Mekong.
-Rivers also exert a strong influence on a significant portion of ocean fish harvests. Nutrients drive productivity, and nutrients are in scarce supply across much of the open ocean – but they are abundant in estuaries.
-While it is impressive that so much fish is produced from such a tiny area, globally speaking, it also underscores the vulnerability of that production. Freshwater fisheries can be negatively impacted by a range of threats. The second blog post on fisheries explores these threats and solutions. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffopperman/2023/07/26/freshwater-systems-produce-or-influence-more-than-half-of-fish-consumed-globally-part-1/ (26 July 2023) -This is the second of two posts focused on fisheries from rivers and other freshwater systems, part of a series examining how rivers underpin food security and how managing rivers as systems will be crucial for maintaining their ability to produce food and a range of other benefits. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffopperman/2023/07/26/freshwater-systems-produce-or-influence-more-than-half-of-fish-consumed-globally-part-2/ (26 July 2023)
Compiled by Bhim Sigh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 