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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