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Lakshman Nayak ¹, B. K. Baliarsingh ¹, S. K. Swain ², Laishram Kosygin ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur 760 007, IN
2 Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar 751 002, IN
3 Zoological Survey of India, J. L. Nehru Road, Kolkata 700 016, IN

Abstract

A systematic checklist of freshwater fishes of Balasore district of Odisha, India was provided. A total number of 66 species of fishes under 47 genera, 25 families and 8 orders has been recorded. Highest species diversity was observed in the Cyprinidae (42.4%), followed by Siluridae (22.7%). The fish fauna includes 2 vulnerable (VU), 2 near threatened (NT), 46 least concern (LC), 3 data deficient (DD) and 13 not assessed (NA) species as per IUCN. The present fish fauna is a composite of primary freshwater fishes, estuarine fishes and widely distributed forms. The present finding shows that Balasore district is blessed with diverse fish fauna including numerous economically important food fishes. The water quality of the rivers and streams of the district are not contaminated as the value of pH and DO are within the tolerance limit of class 'D' water prescribed for fish culture and wild life propagation.

Keywords

Fish Diversity, Physico-Chemical Characteristics, Balasore, Odisha.

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Nibedita Mohanty ¹, Mitali Priyadarsani Pati ¹, Lakshman Nayak ¹, Satyabrata Das Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 P. G. Dept. of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Odisha, Pin - 760 007, IN

Abstract

Two important species of crabs from the Chilika lagoon were selected for analysis of trace metal concentration. These two species were Scylla serrata and Portunus pelagicus, of which S. serrata attains the highest length of 13.2 cm and weight 238.52 gm, while the highest length and weight of Portunus pelagicus was observed to be 8.5 cm and 92.3 gm respectively. Heavy metal concentration of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn was observed in the muscles, body carapace and leg carapace. The metal concentration was lowest in the muscle. Metal concentration of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn varied from 3.8 to 5.5 ppm, 14.4 to 18.4 ppm, 6.1 to 9.1 ppm and 152 to 211 ppm dry weight respectively in the leg carapace. Similarly the concentration of metals in the muscle were in the range of 3.8 to 5.1 ppm, 14.4 to 17.5 ppm, 4.8 to 7.4 ppm and 129 to 188 ppm dry weight for Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn respectively. Metal concentration in the body carapace for these four metals varied from 3.8 to 5.3 ppm, 15.2 to 18.2 ppm, 5.8 to 8.6 ppm and 152 to 193 ppm dry weight respectively. Scylla serrata contained higher muscle concentration of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn than the other species of crab, viz., P. pelagicus. There was no correlation between body size and heavy metal concentration. However, the metal concentration found in the present study was lower to metal concentration levels of crab from other parts of the world and as such there is no public health problem in consuming these crabs from the Chilika lagoon, Odisha.

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Lakshman Nayak ¹, Pragnya Padhi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Orissa, IN

Abstract

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove forest of India, situated in the East Coast of Orissa. It stretches over an area of 672 sq. km inhabiting several flora and fauna. The rare and endangered species like saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is found in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The salt water crocodile breeding centre started from 1975 with 24 number of crocodiles. Within 36 years of its existence, the salt water crocodiles have reached up to 1610 during 2009-10. The water temperature of the sanctuary varied from 27.6°C to 36.10°C, and air temperature from 27.3°C to 35°C. The pH value ranged from 6.7 to 9.2. Salinity fluctuated from 8.1 to 31.2 ppt. The dissolved oxygen concentration ranged from 5.1 to 9.9 mL/L. The highest percentage of population of saltwater crocodile result was +26.58 % in the year 1999-2000 and the lowest percentage was -6.70 % in the year 2004-05. Though, there is an increase in the crocodile population over the years, it is not quite satisfactory. Therefore, it is our obligatory duty to conserve the rare and endangered species of salt water crocodile and to make proper management plan for increase in its population in Bhitarkanika sanctuary.

Keywords

Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, Mangrove Forest, Saltwater Crocodile, Conservation.

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Lakshman Nayak ¹, Durga Prasad Behera ¹, Rupanita Mohapatra ¹, Digambar Swain ¹

Affiliations
1 Deptt. of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur-760 007, Orissa, IN

Abstract

Out of 110 species of mangroves, identified on the globe, 63 species are found in Bhitarkanika. The mangroves support marine life of 60 genera and 64 species of microfauna, 34 genera and 55 species of meiofauna, 19 species of amphibians, 42 species of reptiles including the rare and endangered sea turtle, more than 200 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, and 6 species of marine mammals. Three hundred species of fishes and 229 species of crustaceans also inhabit this sanctuary. The wild animals such as leopard, cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted dear, sambar, porcupine, python, dolphin, king cobra, salt water crocodiles, water monitor lizard, terrapins, common mongooses, Indian field mouse, and Indian mole rat are living in this sanctuary. The water temperature of the sanctuary varied from 25°C to 32°C, and air temperature from 28°C to 36°C. The pH value ranged from 6.98 to 8.7. Salinity fluctuated from 9 ppt to 33.8 ppt. The dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.325 mg/ L to 7.250 mg/L, carbonate alkalinity from 25 mg/L to 60 mg/L, and bicarbonate alkalinity from 65 mg/L to 120 mg/L.

Keywords

Bhitarkanika Forest, Mangroves, Coastal Wetland, Hydrological Parameters.

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Lakshman Nayak ¹, Ajit Kumar Mishra ²

Affiliations
1 P.G. Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Orissa, IN
2 Department of Agriculture Economics, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar -751 003, Orissa, IN

Abstract

The Ganjam district is blessed with good potential of aquatic resources having a coastline of 60 km with 11,243 families living in 27 villages with a population of 37,715. Their livelihood is depend on the sea. Two types of fishermen found are Kaibarta and Nolia. A total of 19,504 male and female are married. Out of the total population, only 21.5 per cent have primary standard education, 15.9 per cent up to upper-primary level, whereas the illiterate constitute 57.8 per cent of total population. Their annual income varies from Rs. 18000-20000. The marine fishermen are fully engaged in capture fishery whereas inland fishermen are engaged in culture as well as capture fishery. Orissa Fishermen Cooperative Society provides nets and boats to fishermen. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is also providing financial help to them.

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