Freshwater fish resource mapping and conservation strategies of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Explorations and Germplasm estimation of fish biodiversity in the freshwater bodies of India are being gradually updated and analysed with a number of new discoveries though a well-defined figure of existing freshwater fish species at regional and state level remains to be calculated. The freshwater resources of India are currently experiencing an alarming decline trend in term of piscine biodiversity due to several undesired factors and consequences a considerable portion of freshwater fishes have been categorized as Threatened category. West Bengal is now becomes one of the most significant states of freshwater fish producer in India. The research study workout and divide the West Bengal state into six major physiographic divisions along with the help of modern Geoinformatics techniques (ArcGIS 10.2, Google Earth and Global Mapper software for map making purpose). The present study deals with the freshwater fish resource, distribution and biodiversity assessment of entire part of West Bengal. Occurrence of 251 fish species belonging to 15 orders, 50 families have been noted during the study period of 2012–2016. It is evident that the members belonging to Cyprinifomes constitute 37% of the total fish fauna of the river. Fluctuation in occurrence and abundance of the species are influenced by several anthropogenic activities. The demand of proper management of conservation policy is highlights through our research work.