The fisheries of the Ganga River System in the context of Indian aquaculture

The topography, general ecology, present status and potential for growth and development of the commercial fisheries of the Ganga River System are discussed. Based on studies over about two decades, the evidence gathered shows that the fishery of yesteryear no longer exists. The major carp population has suffered a decline in the post-1961 period, especially in the upper stretches. The average annual yield rate from the Ganga is estimated to have fallen from 52.0 kg/ha in the period 1958–1961 to 50.3 kg/ha, while that of major carps has declined from 16.6 kg/ha to 13.3 kg/ha. The recent fall in quality as well as production of spawn from 3350 million in the nineteensixties to 2595 million in the nineteenseventies is weighed against existing stock-recruitment theories. Causative factors for the decline are analysed and the major carp seed production potential of the system is shown to be much higher than the present level. The decline in the major carp stocks and spawn abundance is attributed to large scale juvenile and spawner exploitation and to habitat degradation brought about by increased water abstraction and regulation, and pollution. The problems impeding development are discussed and management strategies suggested.