World Aquaculture Magazine - September 2021

WWW.WA S .ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEP TEMBER 2021 65 maximumwater surface area of 120 ha during peak monsoon that reduces to 80-100 ha during the dry season and the depth ranges from 2-8 m. The lake is connected to two tributaries (Dhanauti and Sikarahna) through a narrow link channel. Approximately 40 percent of the lake is infested with submerged and emergent macrophytes. Fishing is carried out by 240 fishers living around the water body. The fishing rights of this maun lie with two lessees. Fisheries is mainly based on natural fisheries with nominal seed stocking resulting in poor annual yields of 40-60 kg/ha. Kararia (26˚37’05.4” N, 84˚55’57.8” E) is an oxbow lake situated about 2 km fromMotihari in the East Champaran district, with a water surface area of approximately 120 ha during flood season that reduces to 85-100 ha in the dry season. The maun seasonally connects with the Dhanauti River (a tributary of Burhi Gandak) for two months through a 800-m long link channel on one end and with the Moti jheel , another oxbow lake, on the other end. The depth profile of the lake ranges between 2.5-5.0 m. The lake is typically horseshoe shaped and receives runoff from a catchment characterised by agricultural and urban influences. The lake is infested with water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes , with 40-60 percent coverage. Fishing in the water body is carried out by 120 fishers living around the water body under the control of two lessees. The fishery is mainly based on stocked carp seed with an annual yield range of 100-125 kg/ha. Rulhi (26˚35’42.8” N, 84˚57’07.9” E) occupies 80 ha water surface area during the post monsoon. The maun is located about 15 km fromMotihari. The maun is also a cut-off meander of the Dhanauti River. A 700-m long link channel connects the maun with the river. Water depth ranges between 1.5-7 m. The lake is dominated by submerged and emergent macrophytes covering around 25-30 percent of the water area. The maun is presently under the control of three lessees with minimal management input. The fishery is mainly based on natural fishes with a minimal presence of stocked carp species. Approximately 150 fishers practice subsistence fishing in this wetland. Sirsa (26˚36’29.8” N, 84˚59’38.9.9” E) is an oxbow lake located about 10 km fromMotihari with a water surface area of around 70 ha during the post-flood period. The maun is also a cut-off meander, a typical U-shaped water body connected to the Dhanauti River, a tributary of Burhi Gandak that lies 700 m distant through a link channel. Water depth ranges from 3.2-8.5 m. The lake is infested with mainly submerged and emergent macrophytes covering 30-35 percent of the water body. The catchment of the maun is characterized by human settlement and agricultural activities. Fishing in the water body is carried out by 125 fishers living around the water body. A group of fifty lessees control the fisheries activity of the lake. The principle of culture-based fisheries is partially followed in this wetland. Integrated Approach for Fisheries Enhancement Increased fish production in the selected wetlands was catalyzed through an integrated approach of technological interventions. The interventions brought paradigm shifts in approach, attitude and skills of fishers and made significant strides in fish yields, employment and livelihoods of resource-poor fishers. A baseline survey was conducted to understand the prevailing situation in selected wetlands before initiating various interventions. This included assessment of fish production potential and type and coverage of macrophytes and their management. The CIFRI implemented the project by involving the district fisheries administrator and community fishers. The project received financial support from the Union Ministry and administrative support from line departments of the state with direct participation of the local community. The fishers involved in managing these wetlands for fish production and livelihood did not have any infrastructure, other than the water body, for supporting and complementing fisheries management. Resource-poor fishers had neither the capacity or adequate public and private investment or capital flow for development of infrastructure and proper management inputs. Approaches and Interventions To bridge the yield gap, the culture-based fisheries technology standardized by ICAR-CIFRI for fisheries enhancement was implemented in these wetlands. Based on primary data collected on ecology and fisheries of individual wetlands, species enhancement and stocking strategies were formulated. Selection of species and their stocking was based on ecosystem characteristics. Stocking with advanced fingerlings (25-50 g, 12-20 cm) was undertaken in staggered installments at different periods. The required size, quality ( C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 6 6 ) Reasons for low fish production in oxbow lakes that were addressed through the project. The operation module of the project.