Marine fishes of West Bengal coast, India: Diversity and conservation preclusion

Abstract

Survey on the occurrence of marine fishes of the northern Bay of West Bengal coast was conducted during the period of more than 2 years 2014 and 2016 along 158 km coastline area. To collect data 9 major fish landing stations viz. Digha, Digha Mohana, Shankarpur, Petuaghat, Sagar, Fresergunge, Namkhana, Kakdwip and Diamond Harbour were selected at a distance between 1.5 km and 36 km between the landing stations. It is revealed that, at least 314 fish species are involved with the marine ecosystems in respect to fishing zone of West Bengal coast. Of these 314 species status of 209 (66.56%) species is yet to be determined in respect to IUCN guidelines while in case of 14 (4.46%) species certain information are still needed to evaluate their status. Of the remaining 103 species 58 (18.47%) are LC, 20 (6.37%) are NT, 7 (2.23%) are VU, 3 (0.95%) are EN and 3 (0.95%) are CR species. From the collected data it is evident that, there exists clear compartmentalization of certain fish species in respect to certain netting zones locating at distant places. Therefore, the strategy for conservation and management of marine fishes in the Bay of Bengal fishing area be formulated by considering the economic status of the fishing community and the IUCN status of the fish species that are most susceptible to capture by the fishermen.