'fish for All' Versus 'Fish of Choice'-Growth, Instability and Stakeholders' Responses for Enhancing Fish Production in Major Lakes of Kashmir

The production of indigenous fish Schizothorax, locally called 'Kashir Gad', in the Dal and Wular lakes of Kashmir, India has been declining. The composition is in favour of the prolific breeder carps at the expense of the local traditional species. Studies carried out on trend lines, compound growth rates, Coppock's instability index backed by contingent valuation of the situation by multiple stakeholders for fish production reveal a need for mid-course correction in policy framework and restoration of the socio-economiccultural heritage of the stakeholders of these lakes.