The reservoir was constructed across the river sharavathi, western Ghats in 1964 for the purpose of power generation. The water-spread area of about 326 sq. km has provided sufficient fishing ground for more than 200 permanently residing fishermen over 30 years. Record of over 43 species from the reservoir further strengthens the biodiversity value of the reservoir. The annual fish yield of the reservoir being about 200 tonnes draws an income of about 43,84,990 rupees to the fishermen and an individual annual earning of about Rs 22,042/-. Seeding pattern of exotic fishes during the last two decades reveals improper seeding and unscientific management practices. In this connection, the present study tries to identify the loopholes in reservoir fisheries and brings out the proper management strategies.

Key words: Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Fish diversity, Land use, Phytoplankton, Sharavathi, Western Ghats .