Exploration of fish diversity in Zuari estuary, Goa
Exploration of fish diversity in Zuari estuary, Goa
An intensive study (as part of the institute project on “coastal fish biodiversity and artificial fish habitats”) was carried out from October 2013 to September 2014 to catalogue the fish and shellfish diversity along the estuarine ecosystem of Zuari mouth by the Fisheries Section of ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa. A total of 186 aquatic species comprising 150 finfish species (Pelagic-65, Demersal-85) and 36 shellfish species (17 crustacean species and 19 molluscan species) were collected during the study. The 50 finfishes were belonging to 45 families (Pelagic-18, Demersal-27). The 36 shellfish species were belonging to 19 families (Crustaceans-4, Molluscans-15). The descending order (on the basis of average abundance during the study period) of major fisheries resource groups was white sardine, penaeid shrimps, silverbellies, crabs, mullets, shads, moustached anchovies, carangids, bony breams, sardines, croakers, Indian mackerel, whitebaits, bigjawed jumper, catfishes, silverbiddies etc. The uneven occurrence was observed for breams, toadfish, bamboo sharks, eels, flatfishes, polynemids, driftfishes, groupers, rays, pufferfishes, snappers, tiger perches, sweetlips, rubberlips, scat, flatheads, golden anchovies, ribbonfishes, tarpon, tenpounder, fullbeaks, halfbeaks, squids, cuttlefish, octopus etc. The catch of golden anchovies in small quantities was noted along the coastal ecosystem after a gap of 2 years. Moreover, we are nearing the confirmation of a five new records (flatfish and pufferfishes) from the diversity rich Zuari estuary. The current study highlights the high diversity and significance of aquatic resources along the Zuari estuarine coastal ecosystem. However, the loss of these precious fishery resources and their habitats due to various causes like pollution, coastal development and intense illegal fishing necessitates their replenishment by some strategic approaches.
The study was carried out with active participation of Shree Shantadurga Fishermen Association of Tiswadi (Fishing in Siridao, Kakra, Odxal, Bambolim and Nauxim) and Director and staff of the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Goa. A brief report on the research output was communicated to the Director of Fisheries, Secretary (Fisheries), Fisheries Minister and Chief Minister. The current study highlighted the importance of conservation of coastal ecosystems like Zuari estuary for sustainable replenishment of fishery resources and fishery livelihood. By following a regulatory framework with the help of community based fisheries management and resource enhancement approaches, the fisheries resources in this ecosystem can be sustainably managed and utilised.
By this initiative, ICAR RC for Goa Director, Prof. (Dr.) Narendra Pratap Singh and fisheries section will also request the participation of fishermen (traditional, motorised and mechanised) of Goa, Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Research institutions and all other stakeholders in the fishery sector to formulate a strategic framework for fisheries development in the state.