Flood plains in the Brahmaputra basin is either eutrophic or in the process of attaining higher trophic level. A recent survey has revealed that there are 3153 wetlands covering an area of 101, 232 ha comprising 1.29% of the geographical area of Assam. These wetlands (locally known as beels) contain a wide array of food and ornamental fish of the state, producing about 16200 tonnes of fish annually. However the present fish production of 160 kg/ha/year can be increased by many folds with proper strategy and management. Over exploitation of resources mainly fish from these wetlands coupled with a large amount of water withdrawal or conversion of low lying land for agricultural purposes have already threatened the wetland habitats. Indiscriminate killing of fish by using pesticides and other illegal devices is another major threat to already depleted fish resources of the flood plain lakes. The present communication deals with the status of ichthyofauna of certain wetlands of upper Assam with special reference to Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere reserve.

Address: Dibrugarh University, Assam 786 004.
E-mail: mrini1@rediffmail.com

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