Food and Scientific Reports ISSN 2582-5437 foodandscientificreports.com

The tale of tourism and its growth fuelling aspects

Suchismita Prusty1, Suman Nama2 1Ph.D. Scholar, Economics, Extension, and Statistics Division, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, India; 2Ph.D. Scholar, Fisheries Resources, Harvest & Post-Harvest, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, India

ABSTRACT In recent years, artisanal fisheries face a severe problem due to a decline in income and job rate, which insecure their livelihood. A new concept to address this challenge is sustainable fishing tourism, which diversifies the fishing activities, provides surplus income for fishers, and reduces the fishing effort's intensity. Since it provides a more significant income source, the intensity of tourism activities has increased day by day and becomes a threat to sensitive such as coral and sea grass beds. managers need to create mass awareness of fishing tourism and adopt a community-based approach for effective management and conservation of habitat. Keywords: artisanal fisheries, conservation, livelihood, coral, sea grass.

Fishing tourism is a set of different activities Pesca tourism: Pesca tourism is a new concept which carried out by expert fishers to secure their livelihood, merges tourism with fisheries. It is also called fishing promote their traditional culture and profession, and tourism. Italy was the first nation to adopt it in the early enhance sustainable use resources derived from marine 1990s. It comprises a day trip on a fishing boat with ecosystems (Maremed, 2013). In fishing tourism, fishing highly experienced local fishers who take tourists. is divided into three categories: game, coarse, and sea Tourists participate in fishing activities by and fishing. The "game fishing" includes fishing of brown pulling the nets and other activities like visiting fishing , rainbow trout, sea trout, and in lakes, villages and eating freshly caught cooked on board. reservoirs, rivers, and streams. Coarse fishing is for any Pesca tourism comprises learning the traditions and freshwater or marine species, including , bream, lifestyle of fisher folk, sharing the cultural heritage with perch, rudd, roach, pike, , and chub. The sea fishing tourists. Fishing tourism was also developed and adopted is in the sea, hoping to catch , haddock, sea bass, by the United States, Asian countries, and some other plaice, pollack, and . Fishing is an essential part European nations. Highly experienced fishers generally of modern lives and holidaymaking. Many people go conduct the activities engaged in fishing tourism. They fishing on the lakes, reservoirs, islands, streams, and use the vessels, equipped with overall sea safety riverside to take the pleasure of fishing by using rods, equipment. Fishing tourism can be done in rivers, seas, hand lines, or crab baskets. These practices are gaining and lakes. There are different activities associated with popularity worldwide because it offers extraordinary fishing tourism, namely, participating in fishing, fishing experiences, charming lush green beauty of the watching, boat excursions, gaining knowledge about how natural landscape, pleasing locations, species, and a price different fishing gears are involved in fishing practices. for it (Bauer and Herr 2004). The equipment embraces preparation for lunch The positive impacts of fishing tourism are local and dinner on the boat and increased awareness and employment, development of fishery products, and understanding of the coastal diversity, marine surplus income for traditional fishers. In many cases, environment, and mariculture in that area. These methods do not cause permanent damage activities could be carried out for a single day or to the aquatic habitat and offer better management and throughout the year, depending on the fishing methods conservation strategies for marine resources and fisheries and weather conditions. These activities need to be (Maremed 2013). However, the significant constraints are regularly conducted in an eco-friendly manner to ensure the lack of public awareness, available statistics, and the livelihood security of the traditional fisher folk so that sound knowledge about activity marine life would not be affected. (Borch, et al., 2008). Fishing tourism is considered a subset of Marine eco-tourism and given particular Fishing Tourism: Growth Fuelling Aspects interest to the tourism sector. It accentuates external Each state is undertaking maximum efforts to recreational purposes. The non-crew members (tourists) promote tourism, including recreational fishing tourism are allowed for fishing with crew members. for developing economies. Bids are given to improve and

September 2020 │Volume: 1, Issue: 9│Page 13

Food and Scientific Reports ISSN 2582-5437 foodandscientificreports.com promote quality in fishing tourism. Training is necessary eastern states. In addition to this, people in the Middle for the fishermen, and the required skills are provided East countries are adopting Fishing tourism as a through the development program to deliver quality livelihood source. tourism services to the tourists. The innovative, deliverable, financially feasible, and market-oriented new Fishing Tourism sites in India products are being developed for the tourist to earn the Fishing is a popular hobby in India. With livelihood for traditional fishers. The new methods are abundant rivers and coast lines, India is an excellent designed to quantify the output and gauge the potential destination for fishing tourism. Fishing is not the only outcomes. Marketing activities are essential in promoting thing the fishermen do every morning for livelihood, but fishing tourism to facilitate the growth of the fishing it is a recreation sport catching up in India. is tourism sector. There are several states (Himachal more than just a hobby. You have got to have the right Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, knack and skill-set for proper fishing. There are some Uttarakhand) where fishing tourism is a new concept and best destinations to grab your gear and understand the government is taking adequate steps to merge tourism equanimity and calmness of a 's mind from the with fishing, which lures the tourist. north Indian perennial rivers to the seasonal streams and the vast coastline of India's peninsula. Ironically, while Challenges of Fishing Tourism wildlife tourism has taken off, angling is still in India's  The indiscriminate tourism practices on the coastline novice and emerging activity. may reduce space for fishing activities on the coast.  is a threat to fishing tourism. 1. Ramaganga River, Corbett National Park  Undisciplined and unregulated angling practices result Corbett National Park is the best destination to in reduced fish stocks, which raises a serious issue for spot tigers and to explore its exotic fauna and flora. The local fishers. Ramganga River harbors several indigenous fish species  Hard to find knowledgeable and skilled fishing experts like the Goonch, Mahseer loaches, and alien species like for fishing tourism. Brown Trout. The best suitable time to take part in  Ideally, fishing tourism is conducted for a few months angling and fishing activities in the Ramganga is October only, which creates momentary opportunities for the and mid-June. fishermen. However, it has been noticed that crew members offer excellent services to the tourist. 2. Pancheshwar, Mahakali River, Uttarakhand However, the wages paid are very less, which Pancheshwar is the perfect destination for demoralizes the crew members to continue fishing angling competition. It hosts the International Angling tourism. Competition every year in March. However, fishing is  Non-ecofriendly development activities, along with the banned during the monsoon season. Night fishing is coastline, cause water pollution, which directly affects prevalent among fishing aficionado in the area. It is easy the fishing tourism industry. to find as kill full local guide who help to participate in the unique fishing practices. Critical region promoting Fishing Tourism in and around the globe: Key Regions 3. Kosi River, Uttarakhand Fishing tourism is carried out throughout the The Kosi River runs through the Corbett globe. It is mostly spread over European countries, the National Park. Most local guides would take to Betalghat United States, Middle East countries, and the Asia Pacific and Chhara. It is the favorite spot for fishing, and it also countries. In the United States, the most popular harborsa variety of Mahseer species. The suitable time destinations are New York, Florida, North Carolina, for fishing is from October to June. Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In Europe, Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands Latvia, 4. Pabbar Valley Region, Himachal Pradesh Belgium, Italy, France, Estonia, Finland, United Pabbar Valley region is situated 80 km away Kingdom, and Greece are different nations where outdoor from Shimla. This region is famous for the Golden recreations are prevalent fishing activities. Fishing Mahseer fishery. The valley is a zigzag of various rivers tourism is also accessible in India, especially in Kerala, from Punjab and it sharbor enormous number of fish Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the north- species like Catfish, Brown Trout, Catla, and Rohu. September 2020 │Volume: 1, Issue: 9│Page 14

Food and Scientific Reports ISSN 2582-5437 foodandscientificreports.com

Himachal Pradesh government has classified the rivers into Trout categories and General categories. Only 10. Ranikor, Meghalaya line and rod fishing are allowed in the Trout categories Ranikor is located 56 Kilometers away from waters with a special permit from the state government. Shillong on the border of Bangladesh and India. Tribals anglers use traditional as well as modern equipment for 5. Jia Bhoroli River, Assam angling. Ranikor is famous for the Mahseers. The crystal- The Jia Bhoroli River (Situated at the foothills clear deep water of Jadukata offers substantial of Himalaya) of Assam is a utopia for angling and fishing opportunities for fishing sports. It is the hotspot for enthusiasts. Every year in November, the state forestry fishing spots. It also harbors the significant number of department set up an annual angling competition where golden mahseers, silver carp, , and the the angling enthusiasts from all over the country and golden carp. The surrounding rock cliffs, few hot springs, abroad participate. This region has a large stock of waterfalls, and clear blue water deepen the place's Gorua, Boka, Korang, Saal, Golden Mahseer, and other spectacular beauty. fish species. The suitable time for fishing is from October to April. 11. Lakshadweep Lakshadweep is one of the world’s most 6. Karnataka astonishing tropical island systems. The crystal blue Kaveri River is a paradise for Mahseer fishery. water and the kaleidoscopic coral reef area offer excellent Its innumerable water and a large stock of various fish potential for fishing tourism. Abundant coral-associated species make it is the best spot for angling. Some of the fish species like red snapper, skipjack , butter fly best destinations for fishing tourism in Karnataka are fish, rainbow runner, parrotfish, and attract the Bhimeshwari, Minchinable water reservoir, Shimoga, anglers to dip their hook. Apart from the fishing tourism, Chikmagalur. Coorg is the best spot for angling. Its most there is ample scope for water sports like scuba diving, scenic and lush green hill station attracts the fishing kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. enthusiasts to drop their hook. 12. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh 7. Kerala The government of Himachal Pradesh declared The narrow streams in the hill station of Tirthan Valley as an angling reserve area. The Elephant Lake and Munnar are the best destination for hydroelectricity project in Tirthan Valley has been the anglers in God's own country. The perfect time for canceled to maintain the aquatic biodiversity of the river. fishing here is between October and March. Gushaini is the best destination for fishing in the Tirthan Valley. The river has an extensive stock of rainbow and 8. Jammu and Kashmir brown trout. With a license from the forestry department, Kashmir is very famous for the scenic view of you can access a 45 km stretch of the river to dip your its lakes. The streams originated from the foothills of hook. Himalayan are affluent in Rainbow Trout and German Brown. The state follows the catch and releases policy, 13. Siang, Arunachal Pradesh where anglers cannot catch more than six fish. You need Siang River of the north-eastern state Arunachal to have a permit from the Directorate of Fisheries in Pradesh has ample angling opportunities. Siang is also Srinagar to go fishing. known as Tsangpo in Tibet. It unites with the Dibang and Lohit in Assam to form the Brahmaputra. The river 9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands harbors huge stock of trout species, Golden Mahaseer at This Island is situated in the Bay of Bengal, Boleng, Goonch. Every year in September Arunachal around 1000 km away from India's mainland. The Angling Festival is held at Pitapool, Sponsored by North Andaman Islands is a paradise for Sports fishing in India. East Council, and organized by the Arunachal Adventure Angling is very popular among tourists in the Havelock Association in collaboration with the Department of Islands of Andaman. Ritchie’s Archipelago is famous for Tourism. Recently foreigners are also allowed to go some of the largest catches of like marlin, fishing in this area. The festival's primary goal is to tuna, barracuda and sailfish. Like every island paradise; create awareness among the locals to conserve the fish Andaman and Nicobar have a specialty in their way. species for future generations.

September 2020 │Volume: 1, Issue: 9│Page 15

Food and Scientific Reports ISSN 2582-5437 foodandscientificreports.com

Table 1: Details of angling activities carried out in India. Sates name Species available Season of fishing Remark Uttarakhand Goonch, Mahseer, loaches, Brown- October to mid- Corbett National Park Trout June Uttarakhand Brown Trout, Mahseer March Pancheshwar Uttarakhand Mahseer species October to June. Betalghat and Chhara

Himachal Pradesh Golden Mahseer, Catfish, Brown October to July Pabbar Valley Region, Trout, Catla, Rohu. Assam Gorua, Boka, Korang, Saal, Golden October to April. Jia Bhoroli River Mahseer Karnataka Mahseer October to May Bhimeshwari, Minchinable, Chikmagalur, Coorg Kerala Barbs, Mahseer, Minor October and Elephant Lake and March. Munnar Jammu & Kashmir Rainbow Trout, German Brown April to October Dal lake Jammu & Kashmir Rainbow Trout, rainbow trout April to October Lidder, Aharbal, Doodh Ganga Andaman and marlin, tuna, barracuda, sailfish Ritchie’s Archipelago Nicobar Islands Jammu and Kashmir Brown and rainbow trout April to October Kokernag Lake, Meghalaya Mahseers, golden carp June to October Ranikor Lakshadweep red snapper, skipjack tuna, butter fly March to June Minicoy and Kadmat fish, rainbow runner, parrotfish islands Himachal Pradesh Rainbow trout, brown trout October to July Tirthan Valley Arunachal Pradesh trout species, Golden Mahaseer, September Siang river Goonch

Conclusion References Fishing tourism is a unique way to generate Bauer, J., & Herr, A. (2004). Hunting and fishing surplus income through the sustainable utilization of tourism. Wildlife tourism: impacts, management, aquatic resources. It attracts tourists to explore the lush and planning. Common Ground Publishing, Altona green beauty of nature. These sustainable recreational Vic, 57-77. activities help to conserve the rural coastal areas, Borch, T., Policansky, D., & Aas, O. (2008). marginal and subsistence fisheries. Nevertheless, the International fishing tourism. Global challenges in uncontrolled tourism industry makes it challenging to recreational fisheries, 268-291. adopt appropriate management strategies to secure Maremed (2013). Fishing Tourism and Priority Axis 4 of aquatic resources sustainability. So, the fisheries the EFF on Sustainable Development of Fisheries managers need to conduct detailed surveys about the Areas and Fisheries Local Action Groups. fishing tourism activities to set the conservation goals to available at boost fishing tourism. https://www.regione.marche.it/Portals/0/Agricoltur a/Pesca/Progetti%20Europei/MareMed/MAREME D_Fishing_Tourism_FLAG_Report_Marche_DEF .pdf

September 2020 │Volume: 1, Issue: 9│Page 16