Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

CAPTURE FISHERY STATUS AND LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FISH FARMERS OF SILCOORIE AREA OF CHATLA FLOODPLAIN, BARAK VALLEY, ASSAM

Pinki Purkayastha and Susmita Gupta

Abstract

This study was conducted in Silcoorie area of Chatla floodplain to determine the capture fishery status and livelihood status of fish farmers during November 2009 to August 2010. Physico-chemical parameters of water of the study area revealed that the water is conducive for fish production. The survey was conducted on 50 fish farmers of Cholla floodplain, who are permanent resident of Silcoorie area possessing land. They use different fishing gears and there are different traditional methods of fishing depending upon the spe-cies, size and season. The capture per unit effort (CPUE) of the fishers of this area is low which can be attributed mainly to high population growth rate, siltation, overfishing and loss of species. The study finds that there is a need of community participation in fisheries management for reducing exploitation of fish and for fighting poverty.