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State neglect has put fish at risk: Experts
KATHMANDU, JUN 12 -
Despite economic, environmental and cultural significance of aquatic biodiversity, conservation of aquatic species has been neglected by the state, experts say.
Addressing a programme here, Dr. Tek Bahadur Gurung, Director of Fisheries and Livestock Division under Nepal Agriculture Research Council, said overuse and unsustainable harvesting practices have severely depleted fish in rivers.
Captive fishery is a traditional form of employment, involving the most poor and deprived sections of society. Fishing is particularly important for several ethnic communities that have for generations relied exclusively on it for their livelihood.
According to Gurung, more than 14 ethnic communities, particularly those living near river basins, are part of the fishing culture in the country. “The aquatic ecosystems are under tremendous pressure due to destructive fishing practices in our rivers and lakes,” he said.
There is a need to encourage alternative livelihood options and sustainable harvesting practices for local communities who are directly dependent on fish farming for ages, said Tej Kumar Shrestha, head of the Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University.
Meanwhile, in recent years, construction of high dams and barrages has drastically altered fish habitat and blocked seasonal movement of migratory fishes.
According to Jiwan Shrestha, academician at the National Academy for Science and Technology, the degradation of natural habitats of indigenous fish species has resulted in an increase in the number of exotic fish species and decreased local breeds in most fish hatcheries in the country.
For instance, 42 percent of the total population of native fish species found in Kulekhani Reservoir has decreased with the construction of the dam in an unscientific way, she said.
Posted on: 2010-06-13 08:57
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