A survey on the traditional and indigenous fishing methods in the Kali River, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The rain-fed river Kali (29°24’09 “N, 80°15’17 “E) of Uttarakhand was the study area. To know the fishing techniques capture fisheries status were the objectives of the study. This study will be helpful for farmers, researchers and sustainable capture fishery development practice. One year of sampling and data collection methods were; interaction- based data collection, direct interactive field survey, field own observation-measurement of different nets and communication with the local community. Fishing net classification and identification was done by literature. Three types of fishing methods were used in the area; ‘commonly used methods’ included fishing with cast nets, gill nets, dip nets, hand nets, dragged nets, hooks, and traps, whereas ‘rarely used’ (only 2%) methods included only some nets and techniques, and ‘cost-effective method’ included the use of explosives and 06 ichthyo-toxic plants. Fishing tools were designed according to fish for size specific capture of fish. The use of fishing methods depend upon the topography, geography and climatic conditions of that area.