ISSN: 2577-4050
Authors: Chakraborty BK*, Wahab A, Rahman J and Hossain A
A study was carried out to identify the location of Pangasius pangasius, Sperata aor, Rita rita, Wallago attu, Notopterus chitala and Bagarius bagarius species and its habitats, breeding and nursery ground of Padma River. Primary data was collected by semi-structured questionnaires which included selected area, survey fishing methods, conducted a series of focus group discussions (FGD) and applying local ecological knowledge (LEK), fish market survey and monitoring breeding ground. Secondary data collected from Department of Fisheries, literature review and Internet sites. About five locations of Godaghari, Charghat, Ishwardi, Goalondo and Noria basin of the river identified with variations in area and depth; soil and water quality. Total production of five basins recorded at 107.23±8.34, 97.80±7.76, 89.93±6.64, 81.35±5.54 and 72.95±5.04 mt during the year 2014 to 2018, respectively. A decreasing trend of total production in the five basins noted between 2014 and 2018 which was differed significantly (P>0.05). The ecosystem health of the upper Padma River basins for six species affected by insufficient water flow from Farakka Barrage, shallow depth, blocked water flow, use of chemicals, pesticide and flood embankments and over exploitation. The action plan efforts for saving the stock of major cat fishes and chitol would be developed by ensuring ecosystem health of the river, declare the basins of the river as conservation, upgrade management method for the conservation, enforcement of fishing rules, control over exploitation and illegal fishing, prohibition on harvesting of brood fishes and ensure sufficient water flow from Ganga River through Farakka Barrage.
Keywords: Over Exploitation; Conservation; FGD; LEK; Major Cat Fish; Chitol; Habitat; Breeding Ground
