WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2025 77 21st Century: Rapid Growth and Modernization The 21st century has been a turning point for Bihar’s fish industry, marked by modernization and significant production growth. This transformation has been driven by the convergence of technology adoption, strong policy support, and institutional development. Production Growth: Fish production in Bihar increased from 4.79 lakh metric tonnes in 2014–15 to 8.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24, registering a growth of 82% in a decade. Bihar currently ranks fourth among inland fish-producing states in India, up from the ninth position in 2014–15. Additionally, the state exported 38.38 thousand metric tonnes of fish to other states in 2023–24, indicating improved market integration. Technological Interventions: The adoption of composite fish culture, integrated farming systems, and modern methods such as biofloc technology and Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) has revolutionized aquaculture in Bihar. These innovations have allowed higher productivity per unit area and improved disease management. The Role of Rivers in Bihar’s Fisheries Rivers are the backbone of Bihar’s fisheries sector. The Ganga, along with its tributaries like Gandak, Kosi, Sone, and Bagmati, provides an extensive network of aquatic habitats essential for both capture fisheries and aquaculture support systems. • Natural Breeding Grounds: The Ganga basin acts as a natural spawning ground for Indian Major Carps (rohu, catla, mrigal) and several catfish species. This is why Bihar historically became a major seed supplier for the entire country during the mid-20th century. • Nutrient-rich Environment: These rivers bring in nutrient-rich silt, which supports plankton growth—the primary food source for fish. • Floodplain Connectivity: Seasonal flooding replenishes beels and oxbow lakes, sustaining natural fisheries and biodiversity. • Current Role: Rivers now support culture-based fisheries through scientific stocking and river ranching programs under PMMSY, which help maintain fish diversity and restore declining wild stocks. • Challenges: Overfishing, pollution, and siltation pose threats to riverine fisheries. Ensuring flow management and pollution control is critical for sustainability. Environmental Challenges in River Fisheries Despite their immense importance, Bihar’s rivers face multiple environmental challenges that impact fish diversity and productivity. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage contribute to rising pollution levels in the Ganga and its tributaries. Siltation and riverbed changes caused by heavy floods and embankment construction disrupt natural breeding grounds. Additionally, climate variability—frequent floods and prolonged dry spells—affects water quality and fish migration patterns. Addressing these challenges requires integrated river basin management, pollution control measures, and promotion of climate-resilient aquaculture practices. Conclusion Bihar’s fisheries sector has evolved from a traditional capturebased system in the 20th century to a dynamic, technologydriven aquaculture hub in the 21st century. Continued investment in infrastructure, adoption of modern techniques, and robust institutional support will enable Bihar to sustain growth, enhance rural incomes, and contribute to national food security. Notes Dr. Bibha Kumari*, Shridhara Confederation, Patna - 801503, Bihar, India; President, Asian-Pacific Chapter. * Corresponding author: apcsec@was.org WAS STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS & CONTESTS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12) Student Spotlight Award: Students with the top three abstract scores (see WAS Travel Award) are invited to prepare and present a mini-presentation at the Student Spotlight Competition. The Plenary Audience will use the conference app to vote for the best presentation. Best Oral and Poster Presentations: The WAS Best Presentation and Poster Presentation Awards reward and recognize WAS student members for excellence in presentation. Students will be judged during the conference and winners will be announced after the conference. To be eligible for this award you must be a current WAS student member when you submit an abstract. For more information, visit https://www.wasstudents.org/contests-awards
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