Impact of climatic changes on fish biodiversity and their conservation (India)

Abstract

India, having numerous rivers, is enriched with varieties of flora and fauna in and around it. The total catchment area of the river basin is about 2.5 lakh km2 or 81% of the total geographical area of India. All over India, there are remarkably diverse ranges of aquatic life. 950 freshwater and 1570 marine fish species, a total of 2500, are found which occupies 1.5% of the world's total fish species. Fish is full of nutrition and a prime source of aquatic food. But in this fast-developing urbanization era: anthropogenic activities, industrialization, population, elevated air temperature, global warming, drought, flood, pollution, and monsoonal ups and downs equally put pressure on the climate, ecosystem, society, and economy, increasing pressure on all livelihoods and food supplies, including those in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The actual properties of climates are being changed very rapidly. Fish availability in the monsoonal season is more than in the summer season. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the present status of fish biodiversity of river Gandak and the significant role of climate change on them. The study was conducted from January 2022 to August 2022 in Gandak river. Overall, 25 individuals of fishes were recorded and characterized which belonging to 12 families, Cyprinidae (32%) was most abundant, followed by Channidae (12%), then Bagridae, Siluridae, Cobitidae, Ambassidae with 8%; Notopteradae, Heteropneustidae, Claridae, Belontidae, Belonidae, Nandidae occupied only 4%. families. Aspidoporia morar and Puntius species, Labeo calbasu and Labeo bata were in good quality while Labeo rohita and Catla catla were not found in good amounts. A good number of ornamental fishes were also recorded. But after these surveys, it was seen that there was a significant decline in their population that also affect other depending organisms along with local fishermen directly or indirectly. So, the need of the hour is conservation which involves restoration of habitat, cleaning of rivers, sewage treated water, mass awareness program to people for water conservation, sustainable use of river water and its resources and these will help the fishermen in livelihood and earning along with the nutritional need of the society.