TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN RESERVOIR FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION, NUTRITIONAL AND LIVELIHOOD SECURITY IN INDIA

India is having a vast area (3.5 million ha) of reservoir resources for fish production to meet the increasing demand of fish and also to meet the livelihood and nutritional security. During the past decades considerable attempts have been made for the development of reservoir fisheries. Recent studies conducted in selected reservoirs of India revealed vast gap between the fish yield (11-318 kg/ha/yr) and potential (72-430 kg/ha/yr) due to lack of proper technological and management interventions (Table 1). Development and application of new technologies, innovations and suitable management interventions would be required to attain the fish production potential of the reservoirs and incurring the production.

Culture based fisheries or the practice of stocking and recapturing of fish is the most important and widely used technology for the enhancement of fish production in reservoirs. Our study indicated that fish yield of Indian reservoir through CBF has increased significantly. In a large reservoir of MP the fish yield increased from 12.1 kg/ha/yr in 2004-05 to 80.8 kg/ha/yr in 2013-14 (Fig 1).

Vast reservoir resources have tremendous potential for cage culture of fast growing and highly prized fishes. Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, GIFT Tilapia (Monosex), Jayanti rohu (genetically improved variety of Labeo rohita), Puntius javanicus, Labeo bata, freshwater prawn, air breathing fishes, murrels and ornamental fishes have been attempted in cages with an encouraging results in terms of growth and survival. Cage culture is one of the feasible options for raising fry to fingerling of Indian Major Carp for CBF and table fish production.

Trophic structure of tropical reservoirs are susceptible to a wide array of anthropogenic activities, including species introductions or invasions, stock supplementation and other management measures. Thus ecosystem based model have been developed in a few reservoirs for formulating stocking strategies and management of exotic species.

Fig 1. Impact of fish stocking on production in Gandhisagar reservoir, MP

The development of region/species specific models an important approach for sustainable enhancement of fish production in reservoirs. The present study recommends adequate value chain management and addressing several other issues for doubling farmer's income and more profitability.