Design documentation of traditional fish traps and studies on the efficiency of the selected fish traps of Meghalaya, Northeast India

Indigenous knowledge of local aquatic resources and fishery experiences helps the development of fish trapping devices in inland water bodies. Traps are passive fishing gear where fish is lured either for food or shelter and get trapped through a passage from which the fish cannot escape. Documentation of these traditional fish trapping methods from the North eastern parts of India is limited. This study attempts to document the traditional fish trapping devices from the four districts viz. Ri-bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and West Jaintihills of Meghalaya with respect to its operation, structure and design. The depicted survey highlights 11 major kinds of fish traps which are classified into three major categories as pots, tubular and box traps. Average length of these traps ranges from 25-130 cm and are mostly operated during monsoon and post-monsoon season in flood plain and low lying areas like rice fields, ponds, shallow rivers etc. Mahseer, murrels, minnows, barbs and catfishes are the dominant fish groups. Mahseer was the most targeted species due to high market demand. Most of these traps are fabricated with bamboo which is locally available and have a life span of 4-5 yrs. Catch per unit effort and economic analysis was done to determine the most efficient fishing trap of Meghalaya. Results revealed that Khnu/Chiap is the most popular and economically efficient fish trap in Meghalaya.