STUDY OF LAKE FISHERIES, CAGE AQUACULTURE, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN RUPA LAKE,KASKI POKHARA, NEPAL

Abstract

Rupa Lake, the third-largest lake in Pokhara Valley in Nepal, plays a crucial role in the livelihood of the local community, primarily through fisheries and cage aquaculture. However, fish mortality during the first monsoon showers in March and April has led to economic losses for the fishermen. One possible reason is the release of toxins from blooming forest plants, affecting water quality and aquatic life. Additionally, rapid siltation from the watershed area has contributed to the reduction in the lake’s depth, ultimately decreasing natural fish feed availability and reducing fish production. Given that fish production is a key economic driver in the region, sustaining the lake’s productivity is vital for both the local community and the cooperative managing these resources.

 The Rupa Lake Restoration and Fisheries Cooperative has emerged as a unique model for balancing conservation with economic sustainability. With the active involvement of over 1,000 community members, the cooperative has implemented lake restoration efforts, fish farming initiatives, and sustainable management strategies. This study aims to assess the impact of cooperative-based fisheries management on lake conservation and local economic growth. Key research objectives include analyzing cage aquaculture, understanding the plankton-sediment nexus for sustainable fisheries, and evaluating the cooperative’s role in local economic development. The study will use an analytical model integrating physical, chemical, and biological lake dynamics to assess fish yield as a function of nutrient concentration, primary productivity, and harvest rates. Water quality analysis, bathymetric surveys, fish stocking and harvesting data, and market dynamics will be key components of the study.

Findings from this research will provide policy recommendations for improving lake fisheries management and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The Rupa Lake Restoration Cooperative model, based on community-led conservation and economic empowerment, could serve as a replicable approach for wetland management across Nepal and beyond. The study’s outcomes will offer valuable insights for policymakers, environmentalists, and cooperatives, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between conservation and resource utilization for long-term ecological and economic benefits.