Threat to Fisheries and Aquaculture in Odisha With Reference to Chilika Lake

Despite technological advances, such as, genetically modified organisms, culture systems and weather is still a key factor in fishery productivity, besides soil properties and natural calamities. Growth, development and reproductive processes in both fin fishes and shell fishes are temperature dependent. All these physiological processes show their maximum activity and good productivity only at optimum temperatures. In this context, the present state of aquaculture and fisheries in Odisha State with special reference to Chilka Lake will be viewed to highlight the issues and approaches for effective management measures. The state's fluctuating weather conditions suggest that these are reeling under climatic chaos. For more than a decade now, this State has experienced contrasting weather conditions from drought to floods. As a result, Odisha's economy has been ripped apart. The frequency of cyclones has increased on the Odisha coast. In 1999 two super cyclones hit the state in quick succession. The recent disaster was due to cyclones named as 'Phailin' and 'Hud-hud'. Earlier, western Odisha was a known calamity hot spot, but now the coastal areas are also experiencing heat waves.

In the context of climate change in Chilika Lake, the population of Cat fish (Rita rita), Shrimp (Penaeus monodon and Feneropenaeus indicus), Mullets (Liza parsia, l. tade) and mostly Hilsa (Tenulosa ilisha) are facing serious problem including migration and spawning seasons. In Odisha, Chilka Lake provides a wide range of fish and fisheries products as goods and services required by fishers and fish farmers of this region. As such, opportunities to adapt to aquatic environmental and climate changes will be assessed in integrating aquaculture and agriculture including paddy cum fish culture, which can help farmers cope with drought while boosting profits and household nutrition. Finally, it is suggested that fisheries management of the state must move from seeking to maximize yield to increasing adaptive capacity.