Fish diversity and fishery resources of the Koshi river at KTWR, Nepal

Abstract

The present study deals with "Fish Diversity and Fishery Resources of the Koshi River, KTWR area.” The Koshi River flows through Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, in eastern Nepal and famous for wild buffalo and bird sanctuary. This study provides information on the present status of fish diversity, fish distribution pattern, behavioral aspects of some important fishes and also the socio-economic condition of fishermen inhabiting around the Koshi River. The research was done with the help of fishes collected by local fishermen and hiring them as well. Cast nets and other local nets were used for the purpose. The socio-economic conditions of the fishermen were observed by interviewing local fishermen. The Koshi River shows more diversified fish species. Sixty-one species of fish belonging to 7 order, 20 families and 41 genera were collected from the Koshi River system. The most common fish species in the Koshi River were from Cyprinidae family and Barilius. The physico-chemical parameters show that the water in Koshi River is still good in condition for fishes but may get polluted with the increase of population around the Koshi River just outside of KTWR area. The socio-economic status of fishermen is poor due to illiteracy, insufficient agricultural land and unemployment. It has been observed that the fish population is deteriorating and decreasing rate day by day due to various factors such as dynamiting, poisoning, killing of brood fishes during spawning season and also by heavy flooding and erosion. Because of low catches and difficulties in livelihood some fishermen seek alternative work. Some fishermen are engaged with private fishery in ponds. The study shows that the fishermen as well as local villagers should be provided with some fishery education and other vocational training to prevent the decreasing rate of fishes in Koshi River.