Studies on Fishing Systems of Mahanadi River, Chhattisgarh

Abstract- A study was conducted in Mahanadi river of Chhattisgarh to document the present status of fisheries in the state. The study aimed to document the different fishing crafts and gears used in the river system and the catch composition of gillnets in selected reservoir. Combination of both Reservoir (3) and fishing centers (8) along the river has been taken as study area. Data were collected from local fishermen through direct observation. Total four types of fishing crafts were found in the reservoirs and only wooden type crafts are observed long the river stretch. In reservoirs gillnets, cast nets, seine nets, hook and line, traps and other traditional gears were used for catching the fishes. In fishing centers of the river system gillnets, seine nets, cast nets, drag nets, traps, hook and line, push nets and other traditional fishing gears were found. Catch composition of Madamsilli and Ravishanker reservoir was analyzed and found fluctuation in catch during post-monsoon and winter season. In Madamsilli reservoir the catch was increased due to reduction in water level and in Ravishanker reservoir catch declined due to rise in water level. The main contribution of catch in the gillnet fishery of reservoirs is given by Labeo rohita and Catla catla. Gillnets of 130 mm mesh size can be considered as useful for catching fishes throughout the year in Ravishanker reservoirs. Incidence of depredation from gillnet was analyzed at Dudhawa reservoir through direct interview from fishermen and it is observed that Wallago attu is one of the major predator. An experiment was conducted at Rudri barrage to compare the influence of J-hook and Kirby bend hook on catch rate. There is no significance difference found in the performance of both the hooks.