Kolkata: Wetlands in West Bengal, once teeming with indigenous fish diversity, are now under severe ecological stress due to pollution, habitat degradation, indiscriminate fishing, and climate change. This growing crisis threatens both biodiversity and food security in the region.
Pen-Based Seed Rearing Initiative
In response, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), with support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), has launched a pen-based seed rearing programme for the indigenous fish species Systomus sarana. The initiative is being implemented in the Chamaradaha and Sindrani wetlands of North 24 Parganas district.
Community-Led Conservation
The programme demonstrates how community-led pen culture can effectively restore native fish populations. By involving local communities in scientific management and ecological awareness campaigns, the initiative aims to support sustainable fisheries and improve wetland conservation.
- Pen culture involves enclosing a section of the wetland with netting to rear fish seeds in a controlled environment.
- This method protects young fish from predators and overfishing, allowing them to grow and reproduce.
- Community participation ensures long-term stewardship and livelihood benefits.
Ecological and Economic Benefits
The restoration of Systomus sarana not only enhances biodiversity but also provides a sustainable source of protein and income for local fishers. Scientific management practices, including water quality monitoring and habitat restoration, are integral to the programme.
This initiative serves as a model for other degraded wetlands in the region, highlighting the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern aquaculture techniques to combat ecological stress.
