Status of Fishery and its Management in Kakorikota Beel of Majuli Island, Assam

The present study was carried out to assess fishery status and management practices of Kakorikota beel of Majuli Island, Assam, from May 2010 to April 2011. Among the fish families encountered Cyprinidae dominated with 37 per cent of the total species recorded. The species contribution was seen lowest by families Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Sisoridae, Badidae, Gobiidae, Erethistidae, Belonidae, Nandidae, Synbranchidae, Anguillidae, Anabantidae, Heteropneustidae, Clariidae, Tetraodontidae, Notopteridae and Mastacembelidae together contributing 29 per cent. Among the cat fishes the family Bagridae contributed 10 per cent, followed by Schilbeidae and Siluridae contributing 5 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The other families contributed were Channidae (7%), Osphronemidae (4%) and Ambassidae (4%). On the usability and fishery importance it was found that 66 per cent of fish species have food as well as ornamental value, 25 per cent were found to have only food value, 4 per ecnt were non-food ornamental fishes and 5 per cent fishes were found to have food, ornamental as well as sports values. The yearly fish catch in the Kakorikota beel, as reported by leaseholder, from 2002-2003 to 2010-2011 indicated that the fish catch is in declining trend. The Kakorikota beel exhibits a diverse fish population supporting a multi-species fishery, which is more complex to understand but is more resilient. Though the beel has multi-species fisheries, only a few species dominated the landings. Siltation in the connecting channel and poaching are also other problems observed. Immediate needs of fishers of the beel include proper transportation, communication and marketing facilities, construction of fish hatcheries to encourage aquaculture practices. The data generated in the present study would help to evolve appropriate strategies for sustained development of fisheries of the Kakorikota beel.