An Account on Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Aquaculture Fish Production in Reservoirs of India

By : Sudhan C , Kingston, D.S. , Jawahar P. , Aanand S

Page No: 261-292

Abstract
The inland fisheries resources of India are vast and comprise of river systems with tributaries and distributaries, network of canals crisscrossing the country, scores of natural lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and lagoons. Reservoirs are classified as small (5000 ha). Small reservoirs are prime resources for capture fisheries and being used for extensive aquaculture. Biodiversity would apparently seem to be most unambiguous and easily studied of ecological concepts. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability among organisms and ecosystem complexes in which they occur. It includes diversity of forms right from the molecular unit to the individual organisms and then to the populations, communities, ecosystem, landscapes and biosphere. The ichthyofaunal studies concentrates primarily on fish diversity and related indices. The main problem in developing the fisheries of reservoirs has been, inadequate stocking of advanced fingerlings, stocking of small sized fingerlings, skewed proportion of stocked fingerlings and inappropriate release of fingerlings at a specific place and time. Tilapia, African catfish and Red bellied fish (Pacchu / Pagu) has become a dominant species with landings comprising small-sized fishes in many of the small and big reservoirs. The love among the people for the exotics has found another niche and reservoirs are being stocked with silver carp, grass carp and common carp to the detriment of indigenous fauna. It is time that fast growing local species with a consumer preference and high economic value are stocked with efforts to produce their seed close to the reservoir concerned. Owing to these variables, the present review work has been planned with ichthyofaunal studies and outlined on fish diversity, aquaculture fish production, native fish fauna identification, breeding and development of seed production techniques, threats and conservation of reservoir fisheries. Based on the literature review made, the conservation strategies were suggested for the effective management and conservation actions concerning to Indian reservoirs.

Authors :
Sudhan, C.
M.F.Sc Research Scholar, Department of Fisheries Biology and Resource Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Kingston, D.S.
Professor and Head, Fisheries Training and Research Center, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Kanyakumari; Tamil Nadu.

Jawahar, P.
Professor and Head, Department of Fisheries Biology and Resource Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University; Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
 
Aanand, S
Assistant professor, Department of Aquatic environment and Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.