Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2019

June 19 - 21, 2019

Chennai Tamil Nadu - India

ECOLOGICAL AND FISHERY STATUS OF AQUATIC COMMUNITY RESERVES IN GURDASPUR (PUNJAB) INDIA

Syed Shabih Hassan and S. N. Datta
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Distt.- Ludhiana (Punjab)
E-mail:  fish_ab@rediffmail.com
 

Keshopur wetland declared as community reserve in the year 2007 by Punjab Govt. under Wildlife Protection Act. It is located at an altitude of 245 m and covers an area of 850 acres. It is an important habitat for variety of fauna and flora including different types of finfishes and migratory birds. Keshopur wetland comprises marshes which covers an area of 340 ha and recognized as birds habitat. Five village Panchayats hold two marshes of Keshopur wetland which includes Miani, Dalla, Keshopur and Matwa and Magarmudian as a separate patch. At present 83% area of Keshopur wetland is under anthropogenic activities in the form of fish ponds, cultivation of lotus, trapa and weeds through long term lease mechanisms which has profound impact on rural economy and community participation by local people. Most threatened common crane population including migratory bird species and many thousand bird flocks was spotted and identified by standard protocol during winter. Water samples collected from three spots of Keshopur wetland and subjected for the analysis of water quality parameters. Fish species diversity and catch composition were recorded at landing sites/local market in Gurdaspur during field visit. The values of water quality parameters were found to be optimum. The pH showed wetland water is alkaline throughout the year. Conductivity revealed positive linear correlation with TDS while both conductivity and TDS were found correlated significantly with other parameters. Turbidity showed significant correlation with HCO3 and total alkalinity. The alkalinity is mainly caused due to carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxyl ions where as hardness is due to Ca and Mg content in the water. The nutrient parameters also revealed seasonal variation which is linked to the hydrological cycle. Twenty six fish species belonging from 17 genera were identified from this wetland which includes Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Labeo bata, Cirrhinus mrigala, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Aspidoporia morar, Securicula gora, Chela laubuca, C. atpar, Glossogobius giuris, Mystus cavasius, M. tengara, Heteropneustes fossilis, Xenentodon cancila, Mastacembelus armatus, M. pancalus, Macrognathus aculeatus, Puntius sophore, P. ticto, P. sarana, Channa striatus, C. punctatus, C. marulius Tetraodon cutcutia. This wetland holds more number of fish species during monsoon season. The wetland becomes hot spot for bird watcher and nature lover. Local people also involved in the cultivation of lotus, trapa and weeds in bulk and sold to consumer for gaining economy. Wetland resources need to be conserved properly for providing natural habitat to diverse form of flora & fauna.