jose k joseph
post news network
Bhubaneswar, August 25: Lack of ban on fishing in the rivers during the breeding season is responsible for the massive decline in their population, claim experts.
Researchers claim an alarming 80 per cent decline in fish catch in major distributaries of Mahanadi – Luna, Chitrotpala, Birupa, Kathjodi, Devi, Kandal and Paika.
“Rivers are critical breeding grounds for the freshwater fish. Wildlife Society of Orissa has observed a huge decline in wild fish populations in rivers due to a variety of causes. We also wrote to fisheries and animal resources development department, Orissa for imposing two-month fishing ban in rivers and natural lakes from June 15 to August 15 ever year. This would protect breeding adult fish and ensure spawning that would in turn result in good catch for fishermen,” said WSO secretary Biswajit Mohanty.
About 6,60,000 fishermen depend on rivers, lakes and ponds for their livelihood. Annual inland fresh water fish production for 2014-15 was 3,00,964 tonnes out of which 87 per cent was from ponds and tanks. The rest was from lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals. Only 14,345 tonnes (4.7 per cent) was from rivers and canals, revealing the steep fall in fish population.
Experts also want unhindered fish migration among major rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani which is now affected due to man-made barrages and dams.
“During floods, fishes tend to move upstream for spawning. Such egg bearing or gravid fish are caught at the barrage and dam gates. The state should construct fish ladders or fish pass in all barrages, dams, canal locks and annicuts to address this problem,” said leading environmentalist Ranjith Patnaik. “Migratory fish like hilsa which travel long distances inland through Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani and Subarnarekha are highly affected. Similarly, mullets (khainga) which migrate to sea for spawning are scarce. In the last 15 years, hilsa migration has fallen in Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani and Budhabalanga. Hilsa from West Bengal is now sold at Cuttack and Bhubaneswar at a price of `1,500 per kg,” added Mohanty.
When contacted commissioner cum secretary of fisheries and animal resource development department B Sethi said the situation is being analysed.
“Various factors have contributed to the decline of fish population. Lack of fish ladder is a major issue. Imposing fishing ban needs fishing community’s cooperation. The department will also consider steps taken by other states,” Sethi said. Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have already banned fishing in rivers and lakes during the breeding season.
