Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity

Workshop

23-25 February 2010 Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal

Organized by International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF)

in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI)

Report

International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) www.icsf.net Workshop on “Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity”

Report 23-25 February 2010 Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore Kolkata, West Bengal

Organized by International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF)

in collaboration with

Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI)

International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) 27 College Road, Chennai 600 006, India www.icsf.net Report

Workshop on “Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity”

23–25 February 2010

Workshop Report March 2010

Published by Chandrika Sharma for International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) Trust 27 College Road, Chennai 600 006, India Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.icsf.net

Edited by KG Kumar

Cover photo by Vishwanath Waikhom, University of Manipur

Printed at L.S. Graphic Print 25 Swamy Naicken Street Chindhadripet, Chennai 600 002

ISBN 978-93-80802-01-5

While ICSF reserves all rights for this publication, any portion of it may be freely copied and distributed, provided appropriate credit is given. Any commercial use of this material is prohibited without prior permission. ICSF would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source.

The opinions and positions expressed in this publication are those of the authors concerned and do not necessarily represent the ofﬁ cial views of ICSF.

SIFFS Workshop Report

Contents

List of Abbreviations ...... 5 Preface ...... 7 Prospectus ...... 9 Declaration ...... 13 Report of the Workshop ...... 15 Inaugural Session ...... 15 Technical Session I: Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species and Their Role in Ensuring Nutrition to the Local Community ...... 19 Technical Session II: Conservation of Biodiversity and Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species...... 23 Technical Session III: Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Ensuring Livelihoods ...... 27 Technical Session IV: Signiﬁcance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species with respect to Capture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India ..... 31 Technical Session V: Signiﬁcance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species with respect to Culture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India ..... 35 Technical Session VI: Policy and Social Dimension of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Fisheries and Aquaculture ...... 39 Technical Session VII: Community Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights with Reference to Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species ...... 43 Group Discussion ...... 45 The Way Forward: Integrating Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species into Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Policies and Programmes ...... 47 Closing Ceremony ...... 49 23 February 2010—Field Trip ...... 51

Appendix 1: Programme ...... 53 Appendix 2: List of Participants ...... 57 Appendix 3: Abstracts of papers ...... 63 Appendix 4: Sommaire ...... 73 Appendix 5: Resumen Ejecutivo ...... 79

SIFFS Workshop Report

VISHWANATH WAIKHOM/UNIVERSITY OF MANIPUR

A dry ﬁ sh market in the State of Manipur, with a variety of small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species

4 SIFFS Workshop Report List of Abbreviations

ADG Assistant Director General IPR intellectual property rights

AIMS Aquaculture of Indigenous MDGs millennium development goals Mekong Species mn million ASRB Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board MoA Ministry of Agriculture

CFC composite ﬁ sh culture MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests CIFA Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture MP Madhya Pradesh

CIFRI Central Inland Fisheries mt metric tones Research Institute NATP National Agricultural Technol- DoF Department of Fisheries ogy Project

FARD Fisheries and Animal Resources NBFGR National Bureau of Fish Genetic Development Department, Resources Government of Orissa NFDB National Fisheries Development FAO Food and Agriculture Board Organization of the United Nations NGO non governmental organization

GDP gross domestic product NREGS National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme HUFAs highly unsaturated fatty acids PUFAs polyunsaturated fatty acids ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research RKVY Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

ICSF International Collective in SIFFS small indigenous freshwater Support of Fishworkers ﬁ sh species

IFSI Inland Fisheries Society of India WFP World Food Programme

IMCs Indian Major Carps

SIFFS Workshop 5 Report

CM MURALIDHARAN

Harvesting of mola from a freshwater ﬁ sh pond in Sundarbans, West Bengal

6 SIFFS Workshop Report Preface

n many parts of the south and Food Security and Conservation of Southeast Asia, including India, a Biodiversity”, during 23-25 February Ilarge diversity of small indigenous 2010 at the Central Inland Fisheries fish species are found in freshwater Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, systems. These small indigenous West Bengal. freshwater fish species (SIFFS) form a The workshop was organized as a major component of food consumed forum for people working in freshwater by families, especially those living fisheries and aquaculture to exchange closer to freshwater resources. Among views on the role of SIFFS in enhancing traditional communities indigenous rural food and livelihood security knowledge about the health benefits of and in conserving biodiversity. It was such species exists, for example, mola also to discuss the socioeconomic and (Amblypharyngodon mola), commonly cultural context for culture and capture found in eastern and northeast India, of SIFFS with a view to enhancing is often included in the diet of pregnant access, especially of women, to better and lactating mothers, for its nutritive income, livelihood and nutritional value. Such knowledge is, however, security, and to propose policy spaces poorly documented. The role of SIFFS for sustainable management of SIFFS. in providing micronutrients is critical The workshop was made possible to take note of in a context where due to the financial and other micronutrient deficiency is a big, if support extended by the Ministry hidden, problem. One of the noted of Agriculture (MoA); the National advantages of SIFFS is that people, even Fisheries Development Board (NFDB); the poor, can buy them in quantities the Ministry of Environment and they can afford. Forests (MoEF); the Government of SIFFS found in the vast inland water West Bengal; the Indian Council of resources, provide not only nutrition Agricultural Research (ICAR); the but also livelihood opportunities and Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI); income to a large number of fishers. the Central Inland Fisheries Research Studies in India have shown that the Institute (CIFRI); and the Government profit accruing to fishers is actually of Orissa. higher in the case of SIFFS when It is hoped that the workshop compared to those from large cultured statement and report will be useful species. in providing fresh focus on SIFFS— However, such species have till now considered as trash/ weed received insufficient attention in fish—by scientists, researchers and statistics, inland water fisheries policies policy makers. It is also hoped that the and programmes in India, both at the proceedings will contribute towards national and State levels. To address this developing policy and legislative anomaly, the International Collective in measures to ensure the conservation Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) Trust, in and promotion of SIFFS, both in capture- collaboration with the Inland Fisheries and culture-fisheries-systems, as well Society of India (IFSI), organized as access of disadvantaged groups, a national workshop titled “Small particularly women, to such species, for Indigenous Species of Freshwater purposes of nutrition, livelihoods, and Fish: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, conservation of biodiversity. 

SIFFS Workshop 7 Report

VISHWANATH WAIKHOM/UNIVERSITY OF MANIPUR

A scene from a market in Manipur State. Small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species share space with other types of ﬁ sh

8 SIFFS Workshop Report Prospectus

ish are often an important determines who can access and benefit ingredient in the diet of people from fisheries resources from capture or Fwho live in the proximity of culture fisheries. water bodies. People have traditionally Small indigenous fish species of depended on various varieties of freshwater origin are not only a source indigenous fish species, easily available of vital protein to the rural poor but also from nearby water bodies, as a source of of micro-nutrients such as calcium, zinc, nutrition. Daniels (2002) indicates that iron and fatty acids (Roos et al, 2007; of 750 species of freshwater fish species Halwart, 2008). Indigenous knowledge found in India, a large number of them about these species and about their are familiar only to the local population. health benefits is high among rural These species are better known to the population. For example, such species rural population due to the importance are often considered an essential part they attach to these species as a vital of the diet of pregnant women and and affordable source of nutrition. lactating mothers. Research has proved This is not only the case in India but that the bioavailability of calcium from also in other countries in Asia such as these small indigenous freshwater fish Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China species is at par with that derived from (Halwart & Bartley 2005). milk (Roos et al., 2007). A large diversity of indigenous Significant production of small species, an important component of indigenous fish species of freshwater aquatic biodiversity, are found in the origin, from culture and capture water bodies that crisscross the Indian fisheries, is reported from several water subcontinent. A significant number bodies. That these species tend to be of these species are a rich source of sold and consumed locally could be one nutrition for the rural poor either on a of the reasons why they remain invisible seasonal basis or round the year. These in national statistics—such statistics species are either caught from nearby are largely based on catches reported at water bodies or get naturally recruited large/major landing centres (Halwart, to homestead/common village ponds 2008; Roos, 2007). This invisibility in which are then harvested by the pond statistics could account for their poor owner or the local community. Many recognition in fisheries and aquaculture of these water rich areas are also development policies. well known for their fish-cum-paddy culture. Although the system of sewage- fed aquaculture in West Bengal had Complex patterns of access rights tried incorporating minor indigenous to such indigenous fish species have carp species such as Labeo bata, been documented in literature—for Labeo fimbriatus, Cirrhinus reba, and example, access to them even in Amblypharyngodon mola (Ayyappan privately-owned paddy fields is often & Jena, 2003), there has not been any enjoyed by the larger community, major effort to integrate these species including landless people, with related into carp polyculture systems in India. food security and poverty alleviation benefits. This highlights the need to Before the introduction of understand the local socioeconomic, hatchery-produced seeds, in the initial cultural and institutional context that years of reservoir fisheries, water

SIFFS Workshop 9 Report

bodies were stocked with naturally achieve the objectives of increasing available seeds (Sugunan, 1992). fish production, enhancing nutritional It has been observed that a variety security of the rural poor, providing of indigenous fish species were greater employment opportunities, and stocked, for example, in reservoirs of conserving biodiversity in freshwater Tamil Nadu and Kerala. After the ecosystems. These are all objectives of introduction of hatchery-produced sustainable development as promoted carp seeds, there was a shift in by the Government of India through the species used for stocking water bodies Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry from indigenous varieties to a of Environment and Forests. combination of catla, rohu and mrigal. It is, however, important to locate Often small indigenous species were these efforts within specific cultural removed as vermin, with negative and socioeconomic contexts, looking implications for conservation of also at critical issues of ownership and biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems. access rights over water bodies, and However, recent research in to formulate relevant strategies, as Bangladesh has demonstrated appropriate. If such factors are taken that integration of some of the into consideration, the objectives small indigenous species into of nutritional security, promotion polyculture systems—for example, of employment and conservation of Amblypharyngodon mola along with biodiversity can be better met especially carp species—has increased overall in some of the most disadvantaged areas pond fish production (Roos et al, 2007). of Eastern India showing poor human Mola reproduces several times and development indicators. increases the productivity of the pond There is, therefore, need to throw and enhances the local availability of light on sustainable use of small fish. It has also been observed that indigenous fish species, their role in these species command high prices, food security, employment, income, often higher, for example, than prices poverty alleviation and conservation for Indian Major Carps (IMC's)(Ahmed, of biodiversity and also to actively 2009; Saha, 2003), thus providing a establish the feasibility of polyculture source of supplementary income to rural using small indigenous species of households. Given the local demand fish. In this context, it is important to for small indigenous fish species of discuss the developing policy space freshwater origin, the FAO (1999) for sustainable use of small has also indicated the possibility of indigenous species in culture and integrating such indigenous fish species capture fisheries. into freshwater culture systems. Considering the extent to which Workshop Objectives small indigenous species of freshwater fish play a role in providing nutrition It is against this backdrop that ICSF to the rural poor and in maintaining organized a three-day workshop in biodiversity, it is important to consider collaboration with Inland Fisheries promoting sustainable use of small Society of India (IFSI) titled “Workshop indigenous species in both capture and on Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish culture fishery systems. Eastern India, Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, for example, has a great potential for Food Security and Conservation of expanding freshwater aquaculture by Biodiversity”, with the following integrating small indigenous species of objectives: fish into current production systems. • Provide a forum for people Such integration can help better working in freshwater fisheries

10 SIFFS Workshop Report

and aquaculture to exchange Participants views about the role of small The workshop brought together indigenous species of freshwater 58 participants who included fish species (SIFFS) in enhancing researchers, policymakers, fish rural food and livelihood security farmers and members of civil and in conserving biodiversity; society. In addition to India, resource • Discuss the socioeconomic and persons from Bangladesh and cultural context for culture and Denmark as well as from the capture of SIFFS with a view to WorldFish Centre were present at enhancing access, especially of the workshop. women, to better income, livelihood and nutritional security; and Outcomes • Propose developing policy space The workshop: for sustainable use of small • Created an awareness amongst indigenous freshwater fish species aquaculture farmers and policy in fisheries and aquaculture. makers about the benefits of The workshop included two days of integrating small indigenous input sessions, group discussions and freshwater fish species into developing recommendations, and one aquaculture systems; day of field visit to farms practicing • Provided a platform to promote local polyculture including small indigenous livelihood and nutrition-sensitive freshwater fish species. aquaculture; and • Reiterated the need for taking Dates and venue up action research to propose The workshop was held on 24 and 25 alternative practices for integrating February 2010, at the Central Inland small indigenous freshwater fish Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata species into sustainable aquaculture with a field trip on 23 February 2010. and capture fisheries systems. 

SIFFS Workshop 11 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

A ﬁ sherman in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, selling Indian Major Carps. The bigger ﬁ shes are usually sold in the market by men

12 SIFFS Workshop Report Declaration

e, scientists, researchers, departments, civil society organizations policymakers, fish farmers and other relevant and interested Wand members of civil society, parties to: having participated in the Workshop: • Conserve small indigenous Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish freshwater fish species by protecting Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, their natural habitat; Food Security and Conservation of • Promote sustainable use of small Biodiversity organized jointly by the indigenous freshwater fish species International Collective in Support in both capture and culture fishery of Fishworkers (ICSF) and the Inland systems for enhancing nutritional Fisheries Society of India (IFSI), from security of the rural poor, providing 23 to 25 February, 2010 at the Central greater employment opportunities; Inland Fisheries Research Institute • Actively examine the feasibility of (CIFRI), Barrackpore, Kolkata; incorporating small indigenous st Being aware that the 61 Session of freshwater fish species into existing the United Nations General Assembly polyculture practices through has declared 2010 as the International research, development and extension Year of Biodiversity; programmes; Recognizing the importance • Target studies on contribution of of conserving biodiversity of small small indigenous freshwater fish indigenous freshwater fish species in the species from different aquatic context of climate change, sustainable resources and farming systems; development and aquatic biodiversity; • Evaluate the role of small indigenous Taking note of the significant freshwater fish species in nutritional but invisible contribution of small security of vulnerable groups, such indigenous freshwater fish species to as pregnant and lactating women culture and capture fishery production and children; in India; • Ensure that policy and legislation Being aware of the importance of at different levels on capture small indigenous freshwater fish species fisheries, aquaculture and as an affordable source of nutrition, biodiversity conservation addresses particularly of micronutrients, to the the development needs and rural poor; conservation requirements of small Taking note of research and good indigenous freshwater fish species; practices in relation to small indigenous • Protect access rights of local freshwater fish species, aquatic communities, especially women, biodiversity and poverty alleviation, by to small indigenous freshwater national and international agencies; fish species, particularly through Recommend the Department appropriate policies and legislation of Animal Husbandry, Dairying that take into consideration the and Fisheries and Indian Council of local socioeconomic, cultural and Agricultural Research, Ministry of institutional context; and Agriculture, Government of India; • Document and protect traditional Ministry of Environment and Forests, knowledge and farmers’ innovation Government of India; State fisheries with regard to use of small ministries and departments, and state indigenous freshwater fish species environment and forest ministries and resources. 

SIFFS Workshop 13 Report

SUJITH CHOWDHURI/CIFRI

(From Left to Right) Ms. Chandrika Sharma, Executive Secretary ICSF; Dr. G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary, FARD, Govt of Orissa; Dr. A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI; Dr. V V Sugunan, ADG (Fy), ICAR; Dr. P Das, Ex-Director, NBFGR; on the dais during the inaugural session of the workshop on small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species held in CIFRI, Barrackpore, West Bengal

SUJITH CHOWDHURI/CIFRI

Dr. P K Mukhopadhyay, Principal Scientist, CIFA, making a presentation during the session on nutrition

14 SIFFS Workshop Report Report of the Workshop Day I: 24 February 2010

Inaugural Session

Chair: G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Department (FARD), Government of Orissa

Welcome Address that small, native fish species, full by Manas K Das, Principal Scientist & of nutritional qualities, need to be Head (FREM Division), CIFRI recognized as the life-giver for the poor. These species need to be protected r. Manas K Das said that the and propagated in India's waters, and response to the workshop their production increased through Don “Small Indigenous aquaculture, to ensure the food security Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role of the poor. in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity”, Introduction to the organized by the International Workshop Collective in Support of Fishworkers by Chandrika Sharma, Executive (ICSF) Trust in collaboration with Secretary, ICSF the Inland Fisheries Society of Introducing the workshop, India (IFSI), bore testimony to the Ms. Chandrika Sharma, Executive importance of the subject in the region. Secretary, ICSF, said that ICSF is He welcomed Dr. Mohan Kumar, committed to supporting sustainable Principal Secretary, Fisheries and small-scale fisheries and aquaculture Animal Resource Development and has, over the years, consistently Department, Government of Orissa; drawn attention to the need to Dr. V V Sugunan, Assistant Director protect the range of biodiversity General (ADG), Inland Fisheries, that fishing communities depend Indian Council of Agricultural on for their livelihoods, as Research (ICAR), well-known as well as the rights of communities to an expert on reservoir fisheries; access these resource. The workshop, Dr. P Das, ex-Director, National Bureau said Ms. Sharma, should provide of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), the opportunity to highlight the the guest of honour; Ms. Chandrika important role of small indigenous Sharma, Executive Secretary, ICSF; freshwater fish species (SIFFS) and Prof. A P Sharma, President, IFSI, in providing a unique source of and Director, Central Inland Fisheries nutrition, especially to disadvantaged Research Institute (CIFRI). He also populations in the eastern extended a warm welcome to all the and northeastern States of other participants, including scientists, India. It should also provide the non-governmental organizations opportunity to debate on ways of (NGOs), farmers, and the media. ensuring that such species are Following the welcome address, better conserved and promoted, both Dr. N P Srivastava, Principal Scientist, in capture- and culture-fisheries CIFRI, recited a poem written by him systems, as well as on policy and in Hindi, which set the tone for the legislative measures needed to ensure workshop. The poem emphasized access of disadvantaged groups, and

SIFFS Workshop 15 Report

particularly women, to such species, any amount of progress made in the both for purposes of nutrition and aquaculture of large and fast-growing livelihoods. fish and prawn, however much it may Ms. Sharma noted that the lead to an increase in overall production, workshop had been made possible could not replace the utility, free due to the financial and other support accessibility and assured mass benefits extended by the Ministry of Agriculture that come from the large diversity of (MoA); the National Fisheries the country's SIFFS. The conservation Development Board (NFDB); the of these species could not, therefore, be Ministry of Environment and Forests relegated to the backburner any longer. (MoEF); the Government of West There is need to discuss the threats Bengal; ICAR; IFSI; CIFRI; and the facing the habitat of these species, Government of Orissa. She also due to, among other things, dams thanked Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted from and barrages, run-off of pesticides the Department of Human Nutrition, and chemicals from agricultural Faculty of Life Sciences, University of fields into aquatic systems, and Copenhagen, Denmark, for her unique encroachment of wetlands and other work in highlighting the nutritional water bodies for human settlement perspective on small indigenous species, and other developments. The impact a major influence in the design of the of anthropogenic activities needs to be workshop. better understood in order to propose remedial measures. The debates Inaugural Address during the workshop should pave by A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI, and way for formulating strong policy President, IFSI guidelines for the conservation and rational exploitation of these species, Dr. A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI, Dr. Sharma concluded. and President, IFSI, pointing to the contemporary importance of the Special Address workshop, said that SIFFS, considered by P Das, Ex-Director, NBFGR ‘trash’ fish until the 1980s, are slowly being recognized as valuable from Dr. P Das, Ex-Director, NBFGR, said that economic, livelihood, nutritional and the term 'conservation' was not new in environmental perspectives. Adequate an Indian context. Texts indicate that attention to their rational exploitation as early as 321 BC there was concern and conservation is needed, to maintain about conservation of some fish species. the health of the ecosystem and to During the rule of Emperor Ashoka in ensure that such species continue 245 BC, conservation measures in the to contribute to the livelihoods and form of specific laws were in place. nutritional wellbeing of disadvantaged With respect to SIFFS, a recent study populations. Dr. Sharma drew attention by NBFGR has documented their rapid to the studies undertaken by CIFRI that decline, which could be indicative of have indicated that traditional fishers degradation of their habitats. If urgent in the floodplain wetlands of the Ganga corrective measures are not taken, and Brahmaputra river basins depend, these species will disappear in due to a large extent, on small indigenous course, Dr. Das warned. He emphasized varieties of fish for their daily earnings, that for the purpose of the workshop, especially during the lean season and it is important to define SIFFS. fishing holidays. It has been estimated Dr. Das noted that India has been that, on average, almost 30 per cent of promoting composite fish culture. daily income comes from sale proceeds However, polyculture with SIFFS is of SIFFS, as these species have high viewed with caution due to the belief market value and are preferred by that these species will compete with consumers. Dr. Sharma stressed that commercially cultured fish, that is, the

16 SIFFS Workshop Report

IMCs, for space and feed, hampering touching upon its social and economic the growth and production of the latter relevance, production systems and species. He pointed out that SIFFS fetch trends, the current research and very high prices: while carps are sold development scenario, areas for future for Rs60-80 per kg, a kilogram of mola research, and the major issues facing (Amblypharyngodon mola) can fetch as the sector. India is the third-largest fish much as Rs300-350 per kg. High prices producer and second-largest inland fish make it a lucrative species for culture producer in the world and the fisheries and the Central Institute of Freshwater sector is estimated to contribute 1.07 Aquaculture (CIFA) should look into per cent to the country's gross domestic possible culture protocols for these product (GDP). This, however, is a glaring species. Efforts could also be made underestimate, given the poor valuation to enhance their production in their techniques currently employed, stressed natural environments, such as paddy Dr. Sugunan. Fish, whose per capita fields and wetlands, he concluded. consumption in India is nine kg per head (as against one kg for meat), remains Special Message the most affordable form of protein for by Kiranmoy Nanda, Minister in Charge the people at large. Dr. Sugunan pointed of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal to the importance of fish as food for the (Delivered by Madhumita Mukherjee, poor, since, unlike mutton and chicken, Additional Director, Directorate of which are sold at a uniform price, Fisheries, Government of West Bengal) different types of fish are available for Shri Kiranmoy Nanda, Minister in different income groups at different Charge of Fisheries, Government price levels. The fisheries for SIFFS also of West Bengal, in his message, provide an important livelihood safety highlighted that SIFFS are traditionally net, he observed. known to contribute to the nutritional With respect to production, fish security of people living in the vicinity production in India has risen from 0.75 of water bodies. They are also known mn tonnes in 1950-51 to 7.6 mn tonnes to play important roles in supporting in 2008-09. While in 1950-51, about the livelihoods and incomes of poor 29 per cent of production was from fishers, contributing to poverty inland fisheries, in 2008-09 the level alleviation. These species are also had risen to 60 per cent. The increase vital in sustaining biodiversity and in inland production is mainly due to maintaining environmental balance. the growth of inland aquaculture However, due to growing urbanization According to projections, to meet and the indiscriminate use of pesticides growth in consumer demand, fish and insecticides in agriculture, production needs to increase to 11.8 mn tonnes by 2020-21. Hopes such freshwater fish species are for this huge jump in production are being threatened and their habitats pinned on aquaculture in a scenario destroyed and limited. The workshop, where production from capture the Honourable Minister's message fisheries is stagnating or decreasing. stressed, should help to throw light on While production from freshwater the prospects and problems of SIFFS. aquaculture is expected to increase Keynote Address from 3.7 mn tonnes to 6.37 mn tonnes, “Fisheries, a Driver for the production from coastal aquaculture Livelihood and Nutritional is expected to grow only from 0.10 mn Security in India” tonnes to 0.40 mn tonnes. by V V Sugunan, Assistant Director The challenges in achieving the above General, Inland Fisheries, ICAR targets are: Dr. V V Sugunan, Assistant Director • attaining a growth rate of 6 per General, ICAR, provided a brief cent per annum—a difficult but overview of the Indian fisheries sector, accomplishable task;

SIFFS Workshop 17 Report

• coping with the decreasing Presidential Address availability of natural water bodies by G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary, and land, brought on by habitat Department of Fisheries and Animal degradation; and Resources Development (FARD), Government of Orissa • managing environmental concerns like climate change. Dr. G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary, Fisheries and Animal Dr. Sugunan said that the above Resources Department (FARD), targeted growth rate is achievable Government of Orissa, pointed out through increase in production from that the focus of culture has mainly been capture fisheries and aquaculture, and on well-known commercial varieties, through the enhancement of fisheries such as carps. Indigenous varieties and integrated farming systems. There of fish have not been considered, is need, however, to ensure a balance though they are important from a between production enhancement nutritional and livelihoods perspective. and environmental sustainability. Dr. Mohan Kumar drew attention to Aquaculture, for instance, could take the example of China, where the the form of extensive, semi-intensive, diversity of species in culture is much intensive and hyper-intensive systems. While hyper-intensive aquaculture may higher. While trials are underway in help meet production targets fast, it Central Institute of Freshwater could result in problems of sustainability. Aquaculture (CIFA) for incorporating The coming years will see plans for small species in culture, there is still horizontal and vertical expansion a long way to go before such practices in aquaculture so as to increase fish can be widely propagated, he noted. production. It is planned to bring more There is need to discuss how the process area under culture, since currently only of diversification in aquaculture can 40 per cent of the available potential of be accelerated. Drawing attention to 2.4 mn ha for freshwater aquaculture practices commonly adopted during is being utilized. It is also planned to pond preparation—such as the use of include more species under culture. pesticides, insecticides and piscicides While there are 15 to 20 species that to eradicate naturally occurring are available for commercial culture, species from the water body— about 87 per cent of freshwater Dr. Mohan Kumar said there is need to aquaculture production in India is from review whether such practices should only three species of IMCs (catla, rohu be continued or discontinued. The and mrigal). workshop should pave the way for fresh Citing the example of the State of thinking in aquaculture, he observed. Andhra Pradesh, which, despite being Dr. Mohan Kumar also stressed the one of the driest regions of India, tops importance of protecting SIFFS in their inland fish production, Dr. Sugunan natural habitats. underscored the importance of having Vote of Thanks an enabling policy environment. by Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF He also underlined the importance of an effective governance regime that Thanking all the speakers at the promoted the active participation of inaugural session, Ms. Nalini Nayak, stakeholders within a co-management Member, ICSF, said that there are framework, ensuring a sustainable various challenges to increasing and equitable management system. fish production, while keeping in Leasing policies for inland fisheries mind social, scientific, technical, need attention, as in some States the ecological and ethical issues. It is benefits from fisheries accrue mainly to important to examine whose needs individual contractors, not fishers, he are going to be met and at what cost, concluded. she stressed. 

18 SIFFS Workshop Report Technical Session I: Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species and Their Role in Ensuring Nutrition to the Local Community

Chair: Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF Rapporteurs: S K Manna and B K Behra, CIFRI

Presentation on “The Role of Experiments undertaken on SIFFS in Improving Nutrition the micronutrient content of locally in Rural Populations” available fish and cultured species by Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, in Bangladesh, found that mola, a Department of Human Nutrition, locally available small indigenous fish, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of contained about 89 times more vitamin Copenhagen, Denmark A than did grass carp, a fish that is r. Shakuntala Haraksingh widely cultured in Bangladesh. Most of Thilsted, Department of the vitamin A found in mola occurs near DHuman Nutrition, University the eye. Traditionally, mola is cooked of Copenhagen, Denmark, spoke about whole, boiled along with vegetables the importance of SIFFS as a source of to form a curry savoured by the local nutrition. The importance of fish as a people. This form of cooking, where source of protein is often highlighted. the fish is boiled and consumed whole, While fish is undoubtedly an important ensures maximum nutritional benefit. source of animal protein, in south The process of cooking and cleaning, and Southeast Asia, where the diet and which part of the fish is eaten is mainly cereal-based, the principal or discarded, determines how much source of protein is actually rice, which nutrition is actually derived from fish, contributes about 8-10 per cent of an noted Dr. Thilsted. individual's average protein intake. This, In countries of south and Southeast along with other foods like pulses, milk Asia, SIFFS form a major component and milk products, is often adequate of the food consumed by families, to meet the total protein requirement especially by those living closer to of an individual. By concentrating on freshwater resources. This locally fish as a source of protein, one really available, highly nutritious component misses the point that it is an important adds diversity to the rice-based diet. source of micronutrients—minerals like National statistics, however, usually calcium and zinc, and vitamins such fail to take into account the production as vitamin A. Dr. Thilsted pointed out and consumption patterns of these that with respect to human nutrition, species, as production and marketing though protein is essential, it is not take place at a very local level, a limiting nutrient. Micronutrient carried out by family members. deficiency, sometimes termed 'hidden There is need for better information hunger' since it is difficult to see, is a big on the production, marketing and problem in south and Southeast Asia. consumption of SIFFS. It is equally About 250 mn children worldwide, for important to get information example, are estimated to be at risk of about intra-household consumption vitamin A deficiency, and an equal or patterns, particularly on who more number are at risk of deficiencies consumes what within the household, of other minerals like iron, zinc and with a particular focus on women calcium. and children.

SIFFS Workshop 19 Report

Studies on 16 varieties of fish The importance of SIFFS as a in Cambodia have shown that most carrier for nutrients contained in other of the indigenous varieties of fish ingredients used in the fish preparation have great iron content, which is also was also highlighted. highly bioavailable. (Bioavailability is Taking these points into consideration, the degree to which an agent, such as Dr. Thilsted proposed areas for future a drug or nutrient, becomes available research on SIFFS: at the site of activity in the body.) Out of the 16 varieties screened, • Data and analyses on fish Esomus longimanus (Mekong flying consumption are needed to barb) had the highest content of iron, determine their contribution to with the highest bioavailability. Iron micronutrient intakes. is one of the key essential limiting • Advocacy, awareness raising and nutrients for humans. The same degree nutrition education at all levels of bioavailability was also found for on the importance of small, zinc. In Cambodia, the World Food nutrient-dense fish to increase Programme (WFP) is, therefore, diet diversity and combat promoting the use of Esomus micronutrient malnutrition, and longimanus as supplementary food the importance of cleaning and for small children. Research has also cooking practices, should be shown that if one adds fish to rice promoted. (the way fish is usually consumed), • Sustainable, low-cost, large- the bioavailability of iron increases scale strategies to increase the considerably. management, conservation, Studies in Bangladesh have production and accessibility of shown that a minimal production of micronutrient-dense small fish 10 kg of mola per year from a pond, species should be developed and in a country where there are about implemented. 1.3 mn household ponds, could meet Dr. Thilsted pointed out that with the vitamin A requirement of two increasing food prices, a higher million children. Though mola is only proportion of household expenditure available seasonally, studies have goes towards basic foodgrains like shown that adequate intake of mola rice, while less money is spent on during the available months could purchasing nutrient-rich food meet the vitamin A requirements of an such as fish. This has a direct and individual for the rest of the year. adverse effect on the diet diversity of Calcium is known to be important people, especially the poor, and could for children, and for pregnant and lead to micronutrient deficiencies. lactating women. All small fish are In such a context, it is very important good sources of calcium, given that to enhance poor people's accessibility they are eaten whole (with the bones). to locally available and preferred Calcium is also available in bigger fish, fish species, so as to maintain the though the bioavailability is not as micronutrient intake of the population high as in the case of small fish. and prevent hidden hunger. It Studies comparing mola and milk is important that policymakers as sources of calcium have shown concentrate on micronutrient that though the bioavailability from availability, and not only on both sources are almost the same, availability of proteins. Preventing mola is a much better source micronutrient deficiencies will also because of the higher concentration of help in meeting the Millennium calcium. Development Goals (MDGs) as well as

20 SIFFS Workshop Report national development goals, concluded gene pool of freshwater fish, which Dr. Thilsted. is virtually neglected. It is time that the possibility of culturing SIFFS is Panel Discussion explored, given their contribution P K Mukhopadhyay, Principal Scientist, to food and nutritional security, CIFA, Rahara biodiversity conservation and Dr. P K Mukhopadhyay, Principal poverty alleviation, Dr. Mukhopadhyay Scientist, CIFA, Rahara, said that fish concluded. is known to be an important source of myofibrillar proteins of high biological B P Mohanty, Senior Scientist (Biochemistry), CIFRI value. Fish also provides essential components for the human body, Dr. B P Mohanty, Senior Scientist namely polyunsaturated fatty acids (Biochemistry), CIFRI, pointed to (PUFAs) and highly unsaturated fatty studies that have shown that minerals acids (HUFAs), which fight illnesses and vitamins contained in one kg of like cardiovascular disease and SIFFS are equivalent to those contained osteoporosis. Fish is also the only in 40 kg of big fishes, such as IMCs. naturally available form of omega 3 It is traditional knowledge that some fatty acids, essential for health. Small of these species are good for improved fish are also a rich source of potassium, health and eyesight. Nutrient profiling with the highest concentration of of different fish species is now being potassium seen in small fish such as undertaken by ICAR as part of a mola, murrels, catfishes, climbing five-year study in the Eleventh perch, etc. Efforts at enhancing Plan period. Studies are also being fish production from freshwater conducted on how to enhance the aquaculture have mainly focused on bioavailability of nutrients in fishes, for increasing carp production, despite example, through appropriate cooking the fact that India has a very strong practices. 

SIFFS Workshop 21 Report

SUJITH CHOWDHURI/CIFRI

Dr Shakuntala Thilsted, Dept of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, making her presentation

SUJITH CHOWDHURI/CIFRI

Dr Abdul Wahab, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, making a presentation on livelihoods

22 SIFFS Workshop Report Technical Session II: Conservation of Biodiversity and Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species

Chair: P Das, Ex-Director, NBFGR Rapporteurs: B P Mohanty and A K Sahoo, CIFRI

Presentation on “Diversity NBFGR, 62 species were seen as and Conservation of Small important for food security, while 42 Indigenous Freshwater Fish were seen to be good as ornamental Species of India” species. Some of the fish species are by U K Sarkar, Senior Scientist, NBFGR, also an important source of medicine. Lucknow The northeastern parts of India and he presentation by Dr. U K the Western Ghats are the biodiversity hotspots for SIFFS. Sarkar, Senior Scientist, NBFGR, TLucknow, focused on the status The threats to SIFFS include and diversity of SIFFS in India, on the factors that threaten the biodiversity research carried out on SIFFS and on and ecosystem stability of aquatic issues related to their conservation. environments, such as loss of habitats, India, noted Dr. Sarkar, is one of the overexploitation, agro-chemical and 17 mega-biodiversity hotspots in the industrial and domestic pollution, world. NBFGR has recorded about illegal fishing methods such as poison 2,246 species of finfish, of which 765 fishing/dynamite fishing, siltation of are freshwater fish. India has the water bodies, fish diseases and the largest number of endemic freshwater introduction of exotic species of fishes. finfish species, contributing 27.8 It is important to prioritize SIFFS per cent of the native fish fauna, for conservation and restoration followed by China, Indonesia and programmes or enhancement Myanmar. Of 765 freshwater fish programmes, stressed Sarkar. NBFGR species, about 450 could be has prioritized a list of 100 SIFFS that classified as SIFFS, as they do not are important for their food value and grow beyond 30 cm in length. that need to be conserved. In terms Dr. Sarkar said that the definition of of resilience, 62 per cent of SIFFS small indigenous species is still moot are highly resilient (in which the though, in general, they would include population doubling time is two years those fishes that grow up to a maximum or less), while 38 per cent have medium of 25-30 cm in length. Of the 296 resilience (with a population doubling species recorded from the northeast, time of over five years), making it about 216 are SIFFS. In the Western important to consider conservation Ghats, the proportion is 196 of 287 and measures for these species. in Central India, it is 120 of 175. Dr. Sarkar said that though there About 23 per cent of small is a lot of traditional knowledge on indigenous fish species provide food the benefits of SIFFS, this is poorly and nutrition, and are of economic documented. There are also major data value as ornamental fish, supporting gaps with regard to species distribution, livelihoods and nutrition, especially abundance, endemism, etc. While for people of the eastern and SIFFS are important from livelihood, northeastern parts of India. nutritional security, and biodiversity Of the 104 SIFFS studied by points of view, research on SIFFS in

SIFFS Workshop 23 Report

India is very limited. There is need for and reservoirs to conserve endemic research on, for example, the nutritional biodiversity . Promoting intensive carp value of species other than mola, such as culture in wetland areas to increase Ompok pabda (pabda, a catfish species) fish production should be avoided, as it known to be nutrient-dense. may put undue pressure on indigenous Lack of research and information varieties. A balance between the has led to limited propagation of SIFFS, culture and indigenous species would most of which are hardy in nature and be essential. adapt easily to shallow water conditions. It is also proved that these species can W Vishwanath, Professor, Life Sciences, be cultured without any supplementary University of Manipur, Manipur feed. Small-scale aquaculture of The northeastern part of the Amblypharyngodon mola (mola), Puntius country is a biodiversity hotspot, said sophore (puti), Osteobrama cotio (dhela), Prof. W Vishwanath, Professor, Life Cirrihinus reba, Labeo bata (bata), Sciences, University of Manipur, with Gudusia chapra (chapila), along with many of the small fish being very high IMCs, has been reported. There are also in terms of nutritional value. Fish is reports of successful captive breeding of a highly preferred food in the region, some SIFFS. and is consumed in fresh and processed Dr. Sarkar said that it is essential (sun-dried, smoked and fermented) to maintain ecological, nutritional forms. There is need to conserve and socioeconomic equilibrium biodiversity, also as a way to meet food- with respect to conservation and security needs, said Dr. Vishwanath. management of species. Species Measures adopted for the conservation diversity and genetic variability of SIFFS should not have negative are necessary for the long-term impacts on the food security and maintenance of stable, complex livelihoods of dependent populations. ecosystem and species, he emphasized. Conservation of biodiversity should The current approach to conservation ultimately aim for the sustainable of SIFFS is substantially lacking in utilization of the species. effectiveness—an integrated systems approach adopting in-situ and Discussion ex-situ measures including 'conservation Commenting on the presentations, aquaculture' is needed. The conservation Dr. Sugunan said that the important policy should promote management contribution of SIFFS with respect practices that maintain the integrity of to capture fisheries should not be aquatic ecosystem. There should also overlooked when the option of its be an effective legislative framework for inclusion in aquaculture is mooted. the conservation of SIFFS, and Sharing his experience of working at coordinated action by different the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, he said ministries and agencies, he concluded. that official records showed a production of 140 tonnes. This included Panel Discussion only the catch of big fish—catches of B C Jha, Principal Scientist & Head smaller species were not reflected in the (R&WF Division), CIFRI official statistics, especially as the Dr. B C Jha, Professor and Head, demand for them was very local. CIFRI, said that the greatest threat to However, in economic terms, it was seen biodiversity of indigenous fish is the that these small species contributed introduction of exotic species. There about three times more income than is need to adopt extensive forms of the species accounted for in official fisheries enhancement in wetlands records. This underlines the need to

24 SIFFS Workshop Report take into account the existing Some participants at the workshop contribution of these species, while underlined the need for a proper discussing the need to integrate them definition of what constitutes small into culture systems. If the actual indigenous species. Some others contribution of these species is not proposed that the focus should be on fully appreciated, there is a danger all indigenous species, given that that they, now seen as ‘trash fish’ by several of them—not only those some, could be used for the aquafeed that are small—are under threat. It industry. This could lead to a 'protein was suggested that the focus could trap’ that would divert the protein differ, based on whether the issue is and micronutrient sources of the being discussed from a biodiversity poor to make protein-rich feed for the perspective, or from a livelihood and aquaculture industry. nutritional perspective. 

SIFFS Workshop 25 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

Houses in the ﬂ oodplain regions of Orissa and West Bengal, built on raised mud platforms. The adjacent land, from where the mud has been excavated, forms a pond rich in SIFFS

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

A mother and child cleaning mola. This ﬁ sh is usually cooked along with its head, which contains plenty of vitamin A. Small indigenous ﬁ sh species are usually sold in the market by women and contributes to the family income

26 SIFFS Workshop Report

Technical Session III: Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Ensuring Livelihoods

Chair: Dipankar Saha, Development Consultant Rapporteurs: Anjana Ekka and M Aftabuddin, CIFRI

Presentation on “The Role of cent in 2009, even as catches of exotic SIFFS in Livelihoods of Inland species increased from 18.7 per cent to Fishers” 40.3 per cent. This is due to fisheries by P K Katiha, Principal Scientist, enhancement programmes that gave CIFRI prominence to the introduction of exotic r. P K Katiha, Principal species. Scientist, CIFRI, pointed out Dr. Katiha also drew attention Dthat the vast inland water to the case of the Pahuj reservoir, resources of India provide immense which had seen a drastic decline in livelihood opportunities for a large the share of SIFFS—from 96.6 per cent number of fishers. The common-pool in 1995-96 to 18.6 per cent in nature of inland water bodies allows 2007-2008. That, again, was mainly for multiple users; this has also led, in due to enhancement procedures that cases, to overexploitation and declining heavily favoured the stocking of the production of fisheries resources, reservoir with IMCs. Similar trends particularly of commercially important were observed in the Dahod reservoir. fish species. SIFFS are very crucial for In floodplain regions, the livelihoods, nutrition and employment. contribution of SIFFS to total catches is However, research and policy have seen to be high. For example, in certain mainly concentrated on commercially beels of Assam, where stocking of carps important species like the IMCs. was either absent or negligible, SIFFS Dr. Katiha provided information contributed between 53 and 83 per cent on a study undertaken in selected of the total fish catch. Katiha also gave rivers, floodplains and reservoirs with the example of the Chandania the objectives of: (i) investigating the beel (U-shaped oxbow lake) in contribution of SIFFS in the fisheries of West Bengal that supports about rivers, reservoirs and floodplains; and 250 fishers per day on an average. (ii) comparing the fishers’ remuneration They fish for both stocked fish, for SIFFS with other commercially mainly the IMCs, and SIFFS. It is seen important fish species in these inland that stocked species are fished for waters. The trend in riverine catch between 30 to 65 days, while SIFFS in Allahabad clearly indicated a shift are fished throughout the year. The towards SIFFS. Major carps, that were livelihoods of fishers are very dependent about 45 per cent of the total catch in on the availability of SIFFS in these the 1961-68 period, were drastically floodplain systems, as the price of SIFFS reduced to 11 per cent of the total catch is very high in these parts of the country, in the 2001-2009 period. During the he said. The water body yielded about same period, the contribution of SIFFS 48.02 tonnes of stocked fish, valued at showed an increase from 9 per cent to Rs21.91 lakhs, while the yield of SIFFS 36 per cent. However, when the data from the same water body was about 20 for 2004 and 2009 were compared, it tonnes, valued at Rs24 lakhs. The data was seen that the contribution of small clearly indicates the high contribution fish species to the total catch reduced of SIFFS to the livelihoods and incomes from 36.3 per cent in 2004 to 27.2 per of fishers throughout the year.

SIFFS Workshop 27 Report

Furthermore, it was seen that the Prof. Wahab stressed the need fishers got better remuneration in the for a new approach to aquaculture, case of SIFFS, as compared to stocked with a focus on nutrient-dense fish. species, i.e., profit to actual fishers For this, it is important to screen and is higher in case of SIFFS. It was also identify such nutrient-dense species, seen that the share of fishers in the and to integrate large and small fish Dahod reservoir, Uttar Pradesh, which within the same culture system, while is under a royalty system, was higher, ensuring that access of rural households as compared to the share of fishers in to such fish is secured. Mola, for the Pahuj reservoir, which was under example, can be considered a vitamin a private contractor system. Thus, the capsule, being rich in vitamin A and system of rights (whether it be royalty calcium. The use of piscicides to clear or contract system) that exists over a ponds off ‘weed species’ (usually SIFFS) water body, plays an important role needs to be phased out. in the actual remuneration that the Prof. Wahab dwelt on laboratory fishers get, he said. The profits accruing and field experiments in Bangladesh to fishers could be further improved that have shown SIFFS to be suitable through post-harvest interventions and for polyculture along with carps, appropriate institutional arrangements, and with minimal or no effect on concluded Dr. Katiha. commercial carp production. That calls for partial harvesting of SIFFS after Presentation on “Small Fish breeding on a periodic basis, which Production through Aqua- will enhance the yield of SIFFS culture and Conservation Measures for Household and minimize any effect on carp Nutrition Security” production. Given that SIFFS are by Mohammed Abdul Wahab, Professor, self-recruiting, fish farmers are not Bangladesh Agricultural University required to invest money every year for fish seed. Even maintaining a Prof. Mohammed Abdul Wahab of the small pond with a water depth of 1 m Bangladesh Agricultural University during the dry season is adequate in provided an overview of freshwater terms of providing refuge for SIFFS, aquaculture in Bangladesh, a country for purposes of fish seed, said with immense water resources and high Prof. Wahab. It was also seen that aquatic biodiversity. The aquaculture sector, he said, focuses on a few species, consumption of mola in pond- with a major emphasis on exotic fish owning households increased, species. There is also widespread as did its availability in rural and use of chemicals for cleaning ponds urban markets. before preparing them for commercial There is need to train governmental aquaculture. The above practices greatly and nongovernmental agencies as well affect the biodiversity of indigenous as rural stakeholders for increased species in inland water bodies. At the acceptance of an integrated approach same time, they deprive the poor of in aquaculture. Several technologies their source of food and livelihood, as have been tried and tested in locally available species, preferred for Bangladesh—for example, carp- consumption, give way to exotic species mola polyculture, carp-mola-prawn that often cater to external/urban polyculture and other SIFFS-based markets. The degradation of aquatic technologies. These need to be widely environments and loss of wetlands in disseminated in south and Southeast Bangladesh is also affecting SIFFS in Asia, where people are known to very adverse ways, and, in turn, local suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, communities. concluded Wahab.

28 SIFFS Workshop Report

Panel Discussion their nutrient content and suitability Bill Collis, Director, South Asia, for promotion in culture, capture and WorldFish Center conservation. Dr. Bill Collis, Director, South Asia, On the question of hatchery WorldFish Center, said that in the technology for mola, Dr. Wahab stressed early 1990s, when he started work in that since most SIFFS, including mola Bangladesh, it was seen that though and puti, are self-recruiting, there is fishers were making money from no need for hatcheries. Mola seeds are carp culture, most of them were available in any natural water body, malnourished as they were mainly and to sustain mola in aquaculture, it selling the fish. Adding SIFFS to the should be ensured that there is at least culture system partly solved the one perennial pond in the village. There problem, as these species were used is also need to take policy decisions on for family consumption. The dilemma better management, such as ending today is different. While in the 1990s practices like using piscicides that SIFFS were valued at 15 to 20 taka eradicate SIFFS from aquaculture per kg, they are now valued at double ponds and natural water bodies. the price of carps. Selling at 250 to 300 Other workshop participants felt that taka per kg, they are now a rich man’s a hatchery technology is important, food. Discussions at the workshop, especially if culture of such species, and said Collis, should concentrate on demand for them, increases. Capturing how to promote those species that are seeds from the wild may not be affordable, nutrient-rich and preferred sustainable as water resources are also by the rural poor. dwindling, it was pointed out. Where hatchery technology is not available, A K Roy, Former Principal Scientist, CIFA a central pond that stocks seeds of Prior to 1985, even carps, which were SIFFS could be encouraged. State-run the major produce from aquaculture, farms, now used only for breeding of were not documented systematically, carp, could dedicate a small unit for noted Dr. A K Roy, Principal Scientist developing stocks of SIFFS that need (Retd.), CIFA. In such a context, it specific conditions to breed, for example, is not surprising that SIFFS, which the much-preferred Ompok pabda. were not considered important Dr. Biswas from the Department from a market point of view, were of Fisheries (DoF), West Bengal, largely invisible. Though the said that in North 24 Parganas, a importance of SIFFS was mooted two district that has many water bodies, decades ago by Dr. V Jhingran of CIFRI, there are many unidentified SIFFS. work on these species has not been Fisher co-operatives catch at least undertaken. 10-20 per cent of such fish, collectively called raani machch, a combination of Discussion different species that are not Mr. Vivekanandan drew attention to commercially valuable. Raani machch the situation in the Bundelkhand is given to workers as an incentive region of Madhya Pradesh, where for dragging nets through the water SIFFS species are almost exclusively bodies. Dr. Biswas also described earmarked for women, who are the how the National Rural Employment ones who process and trade in SIFFS, Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) was being supplying to local markets. Such used to clear ponds of water hyacinth, species are thus very important in enhancing fish production and as well providing livelihoods to local women, as local livelihoods. He stressed the and fish to local consumers. Dr. Mohan need for scientific institutions to work Kumar pointed out that SIFFS other together with fish farmers, fishers and than mola also need to be assessed for departments of fisheries. 

SIFFS Workshop 29 Report

B K BHATTACHARJYA/CIFRI (ICAR), GUWAHATI CENTRE

A livelihood basket. Small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species can help meet the nutritional needs of poor communities

B K BHATTACHARJYA/CIFRI (ICAR), GUWAHATI CENTRE

A catch of small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species from a beel in Assam, India

30 SIFFS Workshop Report Technical Session IV: Signiﬁ cance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species with respect to Capture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India

Chair: A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI Rapporteurs: R K Manna and A Roy, CIFRI

Presentation on “The overfishing and/or disruption of the Signiﬁ cance of Small natural stock replenishment process Indigenous Freshwater of major fishes. To counter this trend, Fish Species with respect to IMCs and exotic carps have been used Capture Fisheries in Eastern to stock beels and other water bodies. and Northeastern States of Dr. Bhattacharjya pointed out that India” exotic species pose a threat to the by B K Bhattacharjya, Senior diversity of native fish fauna. For Scientist, CIFRI Regional Centre, example bighead carp is being stocked Guwahati in place of catla, as in the Raumari beel, r. B K Bhattacharjya of the Nagaon District, Assam. Catches of the CIFRI Regional Centre, highly carnivorous Clarias gariepinus, DGuwahati, said that the an exotic species, have been reported northeastern States of India, with their from a few open beels and from the immense water resources, were home Umiam reservoir in Meghalaya. to about 200 SIFFS. Almost the entire Traditionally, floodplain lakes were population ate fish, and most species, the mainstay of capture fisheries since with the exception of two or three, are these were either directly connected consumed. In that sense, there are no to their parent rivers or received species considered as ‘weed species’. floodwaters and natural fishes from Demand for fish is high, as are prices. the adjacent rivers, as is the case even It is common for local communities, now in open beels. However, after the including women and children, to construction of riverine floodplain catch fish for their own consumption. embankments during 1954-56 and As a consequence, actual production is 1964-65, the majority of beels have lost not reflected in official statistics. Little their riverine connections and major information is available on the riverine riverine fish inflow. Over the past fish catches along the hill streams of the decade, stock enhancement is being region owing to the inaccessible nature practised in many beels mainly because of the terrain, and the prevalence of clan of reduced auto-stocking, overfishing ownership and absence of organized and increasing lease value arising commercial fishing in most places. from competitive bidding. Extensive It is estimated, however, that SIFFS field studies conducted during 2007 contribute about 15-20 per cent of the in 164 beels of Assam showed that total output from water bodies. In larger stock enhancement was practised in rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak, the 59 beels (36 per cent), out of which 33 contribution of small indigenous fish were regularly stocked and 26 were species to total fish catch has shown an occasionally stocked. In addition to IMCs increase over the years. This could be (catla, rohu, mrigal) and exotic carps due to the decline in resources of major (grass, silver, common, bighead carp, carp and catfish species due to selective silver barb), minor carps like Labeo

SIFFS Workshop 31 Report

gonius and L. bata are also being stocked Centre in Guwahati, as part of an in beels in recent years. Fortunately, the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries small indigenous fishes have not been management, efforts are being made eradicated in the stocked beels, unlike in to strike a balance between production aquaculture ponds, for several reasons: enhancement—for example, with pen • In the northeast, these fishes are not aquaculture or stock enhancement with considered as trash/weed fishes as other species in seasonal enclosures— they fetch good prices. and conservation of SIFFS in the remaining areas. • They provide income to the lessees and fishers during the monsoon and Presentation on “The Fishery post-monsoon seasons. of Wetlands in West Bengal Beel• Beel• s have sufficient and varied and Contribution of Wild Fish natural foods like detritus, Stocks to Production and submerged macrophytes, Fishers’ Income” phytoplankton and benthos/ by V R Suresh, Principal Scientist, CIFRI macrophyte-associated fauna. Dr. V R Suresh, Principal Scientist, • The fishers’ co-operative society/ CIFRI, presented the findings of a lessee does not have to spend case study covering eight flood plain money to get natural fishes, unlike wetlands spread across three districts— for supplementary stocking. The Nadia, Hoogly and North 24 Parganas only occasional expense incurred District. Fisheries in the wetlands of is for removing water hyacinths West Bengal can be grouped into two from the water body, especially distinct components: unmanaged for better catches of SIFFS like fisheries for wild fish stocks, which Amblypharyngodon mola or Gadusia include SIFFS, and managed culture- chapra. based fisheries for major carps. Fishing of wild fish stock is carried out • The riparian communities can catch throughout the year, and supports the these small fishes for their own livelihoods of thousands of people. consumption, thereby avoiding With respect to managed fisheries, conflict between lessees and local fishery co-operatives stock the wetlands villagers. once or twice a year, usually with major • In seasonally open beels (like carps such as catla, rohu and mrigal, as Samaguri, Baskandi and Damal), well as grass carp. These are harvested considerable quantities of small about two to three times a year. indigenous fishes, especially Gudusia Catches from unmanaged chapra, are landed during August- fisheries are diffused and, therefore, September, which help the lessee underestimated. Estimation is all the in paying the first quarter’s lease more difficult as the catch goes mainly amount to the government and also for domestic consumption, rather than to meet the cost of supplementary to the market. However, it is estimated stocking. that wild stocks contribute about Regarding threats to SIFFS, 0.1-0.4 t/ha/yr, while stocked fish Dr. Bhattacharjya cautioned that produces 0.4 -1.6t/ha/yr. In the eight stocking of water bodies with major wetlands studied, it was seen that in carps and exotic species could have some of them the contribution of SIFFS a negative effect on SIFFS in the long to total catch is almost 50 per cent. The run. Other threats include the major species caught are Puntius (puti), widespread use of destructive, small- channa, colisa and mola. It is seen that meshed nets. At the CIFRI Regional the majority of SIFFS are caught before

32 SIFFS Workshop Report they are mature, which is a cause for of IMCs. When the incomes of concern. The use of hundreds of small- fishers across the eight wetlands meshed lift-nets, called mayajal, puti jal were compared, it was found that the and vassal jal, to catch SIFFS is exerting income through sale of SIFFS varied high pressure on the resource. from Rs9,000 to Rs39,000 a year. Marketing chain of SIFFS: In some In the case of stocked fishes, the cases, fishers catching SIFFS sell to income ranged from Rs12,000 to agents who then sell the produce in Rs18,000 a year. fish markets. When fishers take their catch to the market directly, they get a Discussion better deal. The catch is auctioned by On the issue of exotic species, a an agent, to whom five per cent of the participant asked about the impact of proceeds are given. It is seen that the these on biodiversity. There is little difference between the farm gate price information or research on this aspect, and the market price is, on average, it was pointed out. Exotic species find 50 per cent in the case of wild stock their way into water bodies in various (in the case of Puntius spp. the ways. Some, for example, are brought difference was almost 100 per in as ornamental fish, and accidentally cent) and 33 per cent in the case escape into the wild. 

SIFFS Workshop 33 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

An old vendor selling small ﬁ shes in the village of Bhadrak in Orissa State

34 SIFFS Workshop Report

Technical Session V: Signiﬁ cance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species with respect to Culture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India

Chair: V V Sugunan, Assistant Director General, ICAR Rapporteurs: A K Sahoo and B P Mohanty

Presentation on “The Culture of If the low-lying fallow water Some Economically Important resources of the country, presently Small Fish: A Prospective largely unutilized, are brought under Approach” need-based culture practices, with a by A K Dutta, Principal Scientist, CIFA, focus on locally important SIFFS, the Rahara Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal food security of the country could be increased. Incorporation of medium r. A K Dutta, Principal carps (namely bata and reba) in such Scientist, CIFA, Rahara, systems, using a double cropping drew attention to India's D pattern, may offer higher returns, ‘aquaplosion'—the vertical and with reduced risk factors. For this, it is horizontal expansion of aquaculture important to initiate a mapping of the in the country. One million ha are country’s vast fallow low-lying areas, under aquaculture and culture-based at the block or district level. Bringing fisheries, which includes ponds, tanks, them under need-based culture beels, baors—a baor is an abandoned systems could enhance food security meander isolated from the mainstream and employment, especially for rural channel through deposition, and people, including women, and lead filled with water—and other water to their socioeconomic upliftment. bodies. Small indigenous species can An appropriate policy framework have production levels comparable to is necessary to create an enabling those of carp, he observed. Species environment. Extension work to increase such as bata and reba can be reared in awareness among marginal farmers composite fish culture (CFC), along about the advantages of incorporating with prawns. Low-cost fish culture, local, economically important medium which includes locally important carps and minnows in home-based small fish, could be promoted. Such culture systems should be taken up, culture could be encouraged in States Dr. Dutta concluded. like Bengal, Orissa and Assam, where almost every rural household, especially those in the floodplain Presentation on “Small regions, has a small kitchen Indigenous Fish Species by pond around 0.05 ha in Management in Orissa” Ishaque Khan, Department of Fisheries, area that can be stocked with species Orissa like bata, reba and mola at a stocking density rate of 150-200 per ha for bata Dr. Ishaque Khan of the Department of and reba, and 100-200 per ha for mola. Fisheries (DoF), Orissa, provided a brief Assuming a survival rate of 80 per outline of the present status of fisheries cent, this could result in a production and aquaculture in the State. Giving a that could meet the protein and list of SIFFS found in Orissa, he said that micronutrient demands of a family, SIFFS resources are declining mainly added Dr. Dutta. due to the degradation of their habitats,

SIFFS Workshop 35 Report

and indiscriminate technologies used in various places in West Bengal. modern aquaculture and agriculture. These include pabda (Ompok pabda), Though there are advantages in nadosh (Nandus nandus), tangra culturing SIFFS—such as greater (Mystus gulio), chela (Chela bacaila), economic benefits for fishers and sarpunti (Puntius sarana), mourala/ minimal negative impact on the mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), chanda environment—no major research (Chanda nama and Chanda ranga), koi has been conducted on the topic so (Anabas testudineous), magur (Clarias far. Efforts will be taken by the DoF batrachus) and singhi (Heteropneustes to culture SIFFS and to gauge the fossilis). The Directorate is also pushing economic viability of such practices. for the creation of aqua-sanctuaries This could be first introduced in rural to build up a bank of indigenous fish areas, he said. species of the State, towards in-situ germplasm conservation. Since 1984 West Bengal has also been observing 2 Presentation by L Vaiphei, Project February as Wetlands Day. Ofﬁ cer, Department of Fisheries, Manipur According to Dr. Biswas, the Local people in Manipur prefer culture of indigenous species among indigenous fish species to carp species, progressive fish farmers of the State pointed out L Vaiphei, Project Officer, is popular, because these species are DoF, Manipur. It is also seen that dry locally preferred for consumption and fish is more expensive than fresh fish. because they fetch good prices in the People also like fermented fish, which market. is considered of high medicinal value. Although small indigenous species The advantage of SIFFS is that people, are important, they are largely ignored. even the poor, can buy them in CIFA should be requested to develop quantities they can afford. However, a package for fish farmers for culture these species seem to be declining, as of small indigenous species, especially compared to the past. For example, for integration of bata and mola in they are now no longer found in composite culture, Dr. Biswas suggested. paddy fields, due to the use of Such packages could be implemented pesticides and fertilizers. There is under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana urgent need to enhance stocks of these (RKVY) and NREGS, and with the species, said Vaiphei. assistance of NFDB. Dr. Biswas pointed out that there Presentation on “The is a good demand for several SIFFS Indigenous Freshwater as ornamental fish. Excessive pressure Aquatic Species in West can threaten species biodiversity. Bengal with Special There is need to strengthen Reference to North Bengal: management and conservation efforts The Complexities and that address the threats to biodiversity Responsibilities” and livelihoods. He stressed the by Saptarsi Biswas, Assistant Director, Directorate of Fisheries, Government of importance of a participatory approach for conservation and management West Bengal of fisheries and biodiversity. People Resource diversification has already should be taken into confidence and been taken up by the West Bengal should be encouraged to protect government, said Dr. Biswas, Assistant biodiversity. Beel co-operative societies, Director, Directorate of Fisheries, for example, could be an instrument Government of West Bengal. Many for implementing conservation and small indigenous species are already management measures, Dr. Biswas bred and successfully cultured at concluded.

36 SIFFS Workshop Report

Presentation by Subul More clarity is needed on this issue. Choudhury, Aquaculturist, Tripura Species that need to be prioritized must be identified, and farmers need Subul Choudhury, a farmer practising to be convinced about the feasibility small indigenous fish culture, shared of introducing such species in culture his experience of culturing SIFFS systems. Currently, SIFFS are found in species in Tripura. He has been culturing natural water bodies; they are not part mola and puti for over 12 years. He was of culture systems. It is important to drawn into mola farming through a clarify the strategy with regard to SIFFS request from a local tribal community. in water bodies. In reservoir systems, In four months Choudhury can raise more money is generated from SIFFS 10 kg of seed to 100 kg. Single stocking than from stocked carp species. suffices for three to four years, he said. Therefore, rather than focusing on He uses rice bran as feed. Mola fetches stocking, perhaps it is better to focus high prices, earning him an income of on protecting naturally available Rs200,000/ha/yr. He said that, if done SIFFS in these water bodies, and right, mola culture is a very successful to strengthen market linkages. business proposition. He said that For example, in Kerala, the species occasional de-weeding of the pond is Puntius sophore (puti) is not popular, very essential for the healthy growth of fetching only about Rs10 per kg; the small indigenous fish species. same species would, however, cost To a question by a CIFRI scientist Rs200-300 in the markets of Assam. about the occasional mass mortality Developing appropriate marketing of mola, which Choudhury himself linkages could help in the popularization has witnessed in his ponds during the and commercialization of SIFFS. earlier years of his venture, he attributed Therefore, it could be proposed that it to the breeding behaviour of mola. He in reservoirs and open-water systems, said that mola is a prolific breeder and SIFFS species should be given breeds about two or three times a year. importance, while in culture systems, Successive breeding seasons weaken a few species could be prioritized. the mola, making them susceptible Expertise from institutes like CIFA to mass mortality. A proper feeding needs to be sought in developing a regimen could help overcome this package of technologies and practices, problem, he said. The CIFRI scientist Dr. Sugunan said. applauded Choudhury's presentation It was noted that if the importance and said that more such grassroots of SIFFS has to be appreciated, it is experiences should be brought into crucial to document their economic scientific forums. value and their nutritional benefits. Dr. Mohan Kumar highlighted Discussion the need for research to understand the Dr. Sugunan noted that though the feasibility of incorporating SIFFS nutritive and livelihood importance of in culture systems in India and to SIFFS is quite widely accepted, if SIFFS assess their profitability for farmers. are to be introduced as part of The DoF, Orissa would be willing to polyculture systems along with carps, take up exploratory work on this in there should be a proper package the State, in collaboration with of practices, with seed production scientific institutions like CIFRI technology and supply chains in place. and CIFA. 

SIFFS Workshop 37 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

A traditional trap used to catch small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species

38 SIFFS Workshop Report Day II: 25 February 2010

Technical Session VI: Policy and Social Dimension of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Chair: Shakuntala Thilsted, University of Copenhagen Rapporteurs: P K Katiha and B K Bhattacharjya, CIFRI

Presentation on “The Small household ponds, on the other hand, Indigenous Freshwater Fish had a different orientation. They Species and their Role in were found to be already culturing Rural Lives in Orissa and SIFFS due to the high local West Bengal: Some preference and large market for Observations” these species. SIFFS were seen to be by Neena Koshy, Programme Associate, providing a ready source of fish for ICSF family consumption. SIFFS catches s. Neena Koshy, Programme sold to local markets also provided Associate, ICSF, presented a source of income, whenever Mher observations based needed—a supplementary annual on a study trip undertaken to income of about Rs7,000-10,000 Baleshwar, Orissa, and some parts of from the sales of SIFFS was reported. West Bengal, in preparation for the Women said that when the smaller workshop. The trip was to get a better species were cooked, they were assured understanding of the importance of of a share. This was not necessarily SIFFS in the lives of the rural people of the case when the bigger species the region. The visit included meetings were cooked. The intra-household with aquaculture farmers and officials distribution of fish, depending on of the departments of fisheries. It also the kind of fish cooked, is another included visits to various fish markets. important dimension that needs to It was seen that large farmers be taken into consideration when undertaking freshwater culture on discussing access of women and a commercial scale favoured IMCs to children to adequate nutrition, small indigenous species. This was stressed Ms. Koshy. It was also in keeping with the training and also seen that small species, unlike information imparted to the farmers, the larger ones, were marketed locally which focused mainly on IMCs. These within the villages, especially by women farmers were largely hesitant about and children. introducing SIFFS, even as part of a It was also seen that government polyculture system, unless it proved extension programmes are currently profitable. Catches of SIFFS from their oriented towards promoting IMCs. ponds were being given to the workers Documenting the dependence of local employed, for their own consumption, communities on small indigenous fish they said. species is very important for better Farmers with small and medium appreciation of the value of SIFFS, she holdings undertaking culture in their concluded.

SIFFS Workshop 39 Report

Presentation on “The Social and are defunct. At the same time, it is Policy Dimension of Small commonly observed that in the absence Indigenous Freshwater Fish of efficient fisher co-operatives, the Species in Inland Capture and water bodies get leased out to non- Culture Fisheries in India” fishers. This alienates the water by C M Muralidharan, National resources and the fisheries from the local Consultant, Food and Agriculture community, especially the traditional Organization of the United Nations (FAO) fishers. The recent inland fisheries Anything which threatens biodiversity policy of Madhya Pradesh (MP) is and the integrity of the ecosystem is a unique in that it gives first priority threat to small indigenous species as to traditional fishers and their well, said Mr. C M Muralidharan, co-operatives. MP has also made National Consultant, Food and changes to the lease amount, making Agriculture Organization of the United it affordable for local fishers, and Nations (FAO). Freshwater aquaculture, has extended the lease period to 10 as is currently practised, focuses on years. This is important as the lease intensive culture of three IMCs and amount is often a deterrent to many three exotic carps—there is no space for disadvantaged communities. The Tamil SIFFS. At the same time, the eradication Nadu reservoir licensing policy allows of SIFFS from natural water bodies fishers a 1:2 (fisher: government) to prepare ponds for scientific share of larger fishes and a 1:1 share of aquaculture, as well as the practice smaller fishes. The policy in Assam also of bringing open water bodies under legally safeguards the customary rights limited-species composite fish culture, of tribal people and other indigenous is leading to the systematic elimination ethnic groups. Marginal areas of beels, of SIFFS. The current emphasis on where women fishers usually fish, are eradicating 'weed' species in culture also recognized as open-access areas. ponds should be reviewed. There is no comprehensive policy Giving the example of Kolleru or legislation for the conservation Lake in Andhra Pradesh, and management of SIFFS. However, Mr. Muralidharan pointed out how there are elements in existing policies pollution and eutrophication have that are relevant to indigenous fish eliminated indigenous fish species and fisheries and to the dependent from the water bodies. There is socioeconomic systems. For example, no policy, as yet, in relation to the Indian Fisheries Act of 1897 maintaining river and environmental prohibits destructive fishing practices flow requirements in India. Chemical like poisoning and dynamite fishing. pollution from pesticides and fertilizers The provision to prohibit the use are not monitored on a regular basis. of certain fishing gears indirectly With respect to access rights helps in the conservation of SIFFS. to fisheries resources, particularly Under the United Province Fisheries SIFFS, there are no specific policies or Act of 1948, no polluted water was legislation. The most relevant policies to be released into water bodies. are the respective State-level inland The West Bengal Inland Fisheries fisheries Acts and the leasing and Act makes a reference to “proper licensing policies related to water management” of inland fisheries. bodies. In most States, specific rules It is important to develop new for specific types and sizes of water conservation and management bodies exist. Most State policies give legislation and policies for inland first priority to fishermen's fisheries and aquaculture through co-operatives for leasing and licensing, a participatory approach, and to but many of the so-called co-operatives develop enforcement mechanisms

40 SIFFS Workshop Report with community participation, water quality determinants of water Mr. Muralidharan concluded. bodies should be better understood. A participant asked about the Discussion role of NFDB in promoting SIFFS. The Should all SIFFS species (around 20 to culture of IMCs has brought about 25 species) be considered for culture the ‘blue revolution’—it needs to or should the focus be on those that be explored whether the culture of are nutritionally useful and SIFFS can complement composite fish commercially viable, queried culture. Issues related to whether Dr. M K Das. It is important to or not to integrate small species collect and collate baseline data on into polyculture systems should be production, culture methods and carefully considered. There are still consumption of these species. The concerns that SIFFS will compete habitat requirement of most species is with carps for food, affecting overall not known, he added, and this needs production. Currently, there is no to be researched on a priority basis. existing protocol for the culture of For example, it is not known why the these species; such a protocol should production of Gudusia chapra or Indian be developed on a priority basis, it was river shad spikes in beels. Habitat and suggested. 

SIFFS Workshop 41 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

Dried ﬁ sh on sale in a market in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Dried mola is often sold at over Rs160 a kilo

42 SIFFS Workshop Report Technical Session VII: Community Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights with Reference to Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species

Chair: A K Roy, Former Principal Scientist, CIFA Rapporteurs: V R Suresh and R K Manna

Presentation on “The in the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Strategy for Promoting which led to an increase in the natural Culture of Small Native Fish fishery, benefiting the local community Species” in terms of livelihood and food by A G Ponniah and J K Sundaray, security. Breeding of yellow catfish Central Institute of Brackishwater has also been carried out by the Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai Kerala Agricultural University, with natural stocking funded by local mall native fish species have not panchayats. so far been included as part of Saquaculture systems for a variety Dr. Ponniah explained why small of reasons, said Dr. A G Ponniah of native fish species should be included the Central Institute of Brackishwater in aquaculture and outlined the Aquaculture (CIBA). Culturing native strategies needed to promote these species is more difficult than culturing species. It is essential to put in place species like IMCs. Culture technology effective policies and programmes to for native species is not available, and support such strategies, he said. there is a lack of interest among the There is a lot of traditional government and private agencies to knowledge with respect to small native promote it, as there is no export demand fish species. He highlighted CIBA's for these species. Farmers also doubt effort to document 80 indigenous whether the culture of such species will traditional knowledge (ITK) systems. be profitable. For example, there are specially Dr. Ponniah drew attention to designed ‘holding ponds’ for rearing some initiatives being taken, nationally brood-stock of Puntius sarana and and internationally. For example, Clarias batrachus. Seed production of the Aquaculture of Indigenous Puntius sarana is undertaken in earthen Mekong Species (AIMS), a four- pots in 24 Parganas (South) District, country network, aims to develop nine West Bengal; induced breeding of IMCs indigenous species for aquaculture is done with herbal extracts in Manipur. to reduce the need to introduce alien The need for patenting these practices as organisms. The Germplasm Inventory, intellectual property rights (IPR) needs Evaluation and Gene Banking of to be explored, he said. Freshwater Fishes, a project of Regarding strategy for promotion ICAR-NBFGR-NATP (National of small native fish species, there is Agricultural Technology Project), need for (i) planning and research involving 12 local research institutions, to focus prioritization, (ii) further aims to prioritize the endemic refinement of culture technology, potential food and ornamental fishes (iii) market development and in the Western Ghats and the northeast. (iv) developing policy and support There are also localized efforts, system (for example translocation of such as the sanctuary for Etroplus native species, IPR protection etc.)

SIFFS Workshop 43 Report

Dr. Ponniah made the following for example, Etroplus maculates. recommendations: The introduction of exotic species • document and explore the nutritive represents a significant threat to value and therapeutic properties indigenous species, he cautioned. of small native fish species, also Another significant threat is that of in relation to cooking and eating habitat loss of these fish species due habits; to factors such as encroachment of wetlands by promoters and developers, • profile these species under the ICAR and digging works under the NREGS network project on nutrition; programme. • prepare State-wise endemic and endangered status reports of small Panel Discussion native species; Utpal Bhaumik, Principal Scientist and • ensure that the benefits flow to Head (REF Division), CIFRI the local community in case of any Dr. Utpal Bhaumik said that there is commercial utilization of resources; need to look into the feasibility of • compile, document, protect and patenting knowledge about the reward farmers’ innovations and medicinal value of fish and of traditional knowledge on seed cooking systems that help retain the production and culture of small micronutrient content of small native fish species; indigenous species. Dr. Bhaumik • request the Honey Bee network emphasized the need for awareness to document innovations and about SIFFS among consumers, fishers traditional knowledge regarding and the scientific community. He native fish species; stressed the importance of utilizing • develop institutional mechanisms seasonally flooded wetlands for culture to promote culture, consumption of these fish species. and conservation of small native fish species; and Discussion • encourage a network project along Ms. Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF, drew the lines of the AIMS project, for attention to women undertaking developing and promoting the subsistence food production. Many culture of small native fish species. women also practise aquaculture, and it is erroneous to assume that all aquaculture farmers are interested Presentation on “The only in maximizing income. Miscellaneous Fish in Rural Ms. Chandrika Sharma, Executive Food Baskets: Knowledge and Secretary, ICSF, said that existing Rights” by R J Ranjit Daniels, Care knowledge and practices of farmers Earth Trust should be employed to promote Dr. R J Ranjit Daniels of Care Earth the integration of small indigenous Trust highlighted the knowledge that species into composite aquaculture local communities, particularly the or polyculture systems, given that poor, have about the therapeutic value farmers themselves are highly of fish. For example, Puntius sp. knowledgeable and innovative. with some herbs is used by tribal The focus should be on promoting communities to cure gastric problems. these species in culture systems by This knowledge is not documented incrementally improving the existing due to limited interaction with local practices employed by farmers, rather communities. He also highlighted than aspiring for a ‘package’ designed the ornamental value of some SIFFS, by scientists. 

44 SIFFS Workshop Report Group Discussion

articipants were requested to • ensuring that research and policy join one of three groups on promote the integration of these P(a) biodiversity, (b) nutrition species into culture-based fisheries or (c) poverty alleviation. The groups and aquaculture systems; and were asked to discuss the given topic • strengthening appropriate and to suggest policy interventions that community institutions to protect could better integrate SIFFS from the access rights, ensure responsible perspective of the topic. ecosystem management and equitable economic benefits. Reporting Back Chair: Saptarsi Biswas, Assistant GROUP III: BIODIVERSITY Director, Directorate of Fisheries, The key recommendations were: Government of West Bengal • assess freshwater habitat, species richness, endemicity and causes GROUP I: NUTRITION of degradation, with a view to The group made three proposals: developing priorities for SIFFS • undertake studies on intra- conservation; household consumption of fish by • review the adequacy of existing season; polices, identifying gaps, conflicts, • prioritize species to be cultured, in etc., with a view to strengthening consultation with stakeholders; and policies for conservation of these • popularize the consumption of species; and nutrient-dense fish species through • develop local community awareness, awareness programmes, and, at the evolve specific recovery programmes same time, ensure that the access with local participation and develop rights to these species remain management strategies/models for with the local communities, by replication and upscaling. empowering local governments to A policy issue flagged by the take decisions on these issues. biodiversity group was the lack of The group also highlighted the need for recognition of wetlands as a multiple- policies to advocate for nutrient-dense use system. There is need to find species at all levels. a balance between conservation measures and the livelihood and GROUP II: POVERTY ALLEVIATION nutrition needs of local communities, the group said. There is also need to The group highlighted the importance protect wetland commons from being of: taken over by powerful interests at • recognizing the role of SIFFS the cost of local interests and fish in poverty alleviation, through diversity, to recognize and reward assessment of their contribution traditional knowledge and practices, to the economy and nutrition and review culture policies. The of disadvantaged populations, inadequate, or lack of, representation particularly women and children; of fishery interests in various bodies • ensuring protection/management governing wetland habitat was also of aquatic habitats, while ensuring flagged by the group. NFDB funds should that the rights of access of be channeled towards conservation and disadvantaged groups to aquatic restoration activities of wetlands, the resources are secured; group proposed. 

SIFFS Workshop 45 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

A traditional trap used to catch small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh species

46 SIFFS Workshop Report The Way Forward: Integrating Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species into Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Policies and Programmes

Chair: A G Ponniah, Director, CIBA

t this session, there were need to be assured that their production presentations from various and income will not be affected if such AState governments and from species are introduced into existing a representative of civil society. culture systems. Small indigenous fish species are The representative of the Manipur essentially poor peoples’ fish, said the DoF pointed to the decline in fish representative of the DoF, Government populations due to, among other things, of West Bengal, and it is important the use of pesticides. The cost of fish to take steps to protect their habitat. is increasing, and the poor are often The department would like to not able to afford fish. There is need to undertake a thorough study of the improve management of ponds, rivers breeding biology of small indigenous and other water bodies, and to clean species. It would have been useful to lakes and ponds of vegetation that is have invited fish farmers’ co-operatives leading to declines in fish production. to the workshop, he added, as people He stressed the protection of SIFFS in for whom policies are made should their natural habitat. More information be involved in such processes. The river is needed before culture of SIFFS is basin protection programme of the undertaken, he concluded. Government of India should also have V. Vivekanandan, Member, ICSF, the representation of fisher people, he pointed out that co-operatives are stressed. the best institutions to manage the The representative of the Orissa commons. Inland fishers have no Department of Fisheries and Animal national platform similar to the Resources Development said that SIFFS National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) in were in abundance in Orissa earlier. marine fisheries. While inland fishers There is now a marked decline in the and farmers remain largely invisible, availability of these species, in paddy collective action has made the marine fields, for example. The habitat of these fisher people more visible, he noted. species should be protected to ensure He highlighted the importance of their conservation. There is need to local action and the need to identify consider their introduction in paddy appropriate models for co-operatives fields, particularly in starvation-affected in the inland sector. Civil society areas. However, introduction of these organizations need to actively work species into polyculture or composite at the state and national levels to aquaculture should be undertaken only facilitate proper linkages in the inland after careful consideration. Farmers fisheries sector. 

SIFFS Workshop 47 Report

VISHWANATH WAIKHOM/UNIVERSITY OF MANIPUR

Women selling ﬁ sh, including small indigenous freshwater species, in a ﬁ sh market in Manipur State

48 SIFFS Workshop Report

Closing Ceremony

Chair: N K Tyagi, Member, ASRB

n the concluding session of the In his concluding remarks, workshop, a declaration was Dr. A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI, Idrafted, debated and finalized, observed that this was the first time based on inputs from all participants. the issue of SIFFS was being Dr. N K Tyagi, Member, Agricultural highlighted in India. He hoped Scientists' Recruitment Board (ASRB), that such workshops will help referring to the potential for increasing suggest different ways in which fish production in India, pointed the MDGs can be achieved by 2015, out that fish needs water but does not by enhancing food and nutritional utilize water. India’s immense water security, and by halving poverty.  resources could be better used to enhance fish production, he said.

SIFFS Workshop 49 Report

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

Workshop participants were taken on a one-day ﬁ eld trip to the villages of Basanti in the Sundarbans

NEENA KOSHY/ICSF

The fi eld trip allowed workshop participants to observe fi rsthand, farmers practising polyculture of small indigenous freshwater fi sh species

50 SIFFS Workshop Report 23 February 2010—Field Trip

he workshop started with a one- government ownership, while the rest day field trip that included a is under the management of fisheries Tvisit to the villages of Basanti, co-operatives. The region is rich in Sundarbans. The aim was to observe SIFFS, mostly from capture fisheries. firsthand, farmers practising polyculture Mr. Das shared some case studies of with SIFFS, especially mola. The farmer open water resources. He said that mola, whose farm was visited said that other puti and mystus enjoy great consumer than the annual harvest of big fishes like preference in Tripura and sell for very the IMCs, he harvests the ponds for small high prices. He said that the rate varies fishes once in three months and gets with size; a one-inch mola fetches about 50 kg, which he sells in the market Rs120-150 per kg, while two-inch for about Rs150 a kg, which fetches him specimens fetch Rs 300-400 a kg; puti a good supplemental income. The fish is also fetches more or less the same price also caught for the consumption of his as mola, while the mystus species gets own family, he added. about Rs 400-500 per kg for two-inch The field trip also had a post- samples. He also added that a project lunch session where the organization, with AwF, titled “Use of Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Trust (JGVK), Amblypharyngodon mola at a Self- which promotes fish culture work in the recruiting Level for Extra Production villages of Basanti, shared its experience in Composite Fish Culture Ponds in of experimenting with polyculture Tripura”, has shown promising results. of SIFFS, involving 30 farmers. JGVK Farmers who have stocked mola has been able to persuade about 80 reportedly improved their production farmers so far to take up polyculture and productivity, and it was found of carps, including small indigenous that these species complement one fish, especially mola, a high-priced another and do not compete. It was seen commodity in the local market. The that SIFFS were a vital source of JGVK presentation was followed by a income for small and marginal presentation by Dr. Mrityunjoy Kunda, fishermen, and contributed immensely Farm Manager, DoF, Government of to the socioeconomic uplift of Bangladesh, whose research in Basanti poor farmers. He also said that the on the inclusion of small indigenous major threat for the future of SIFFS fish culture along with carp polyculture is the lack of legislation for open initiated the project in the area. waters, especially with regard to SIFFS. He concluded by emphasizing the need Mr. Amit Das, an independent for a policy to include the potential researcher for the organization, small species in mixed, composite fish Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF), culture systems. made a presentation on “Small Indigenous Fish Species of Tripura: The presentation from Tripura was Role in Poverty Alleviation and Food followed by sharing of experiences by Security and Potential for Aquaculture”. farmers associated with JGVK, who also Sharing some statistics on the water emphasized the additional income and resources of the State, Mr. Das said that nutrition got by including SIFFS, mainly out of the 21,196.24 ha, which is 2.02 mola, in polyculture along with carps. per cent of the total area, 37 per cent The women of the group said they were are open water bodies and 63 per cent aware of the importance of including is suitable for aquaculture. About 98 per these species in the diet, especially for cent of the open water bodies are under lactating and expectant mothers. 

SIFFS Workshop 51 Report

B K BHATTACHARJYA/CIFRI (ICAR), GUWAHATI CENTRE

A scene from the Charan beel in the State of Assam

B K BHATTACHARJYA/CIFRI (ICAR), GUWAHATI CENTRE

Community ﬁ shing in progress in a water body in Manipur

52 SIFFS Workshop Report Appendix 1

International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) Trust in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI)

Workshop on “Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity” 23-25 February 2010 Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore Kolkata, West Bengal Programme

Wednesday: 24 February 2010 0900 – 1100 hrs Inaugural Session Chair : Dr G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary (FARD), Government of Orissa Welcome Address Dr M K Das, Principal Scientist and Head (FREM Division), CIFRI Introduction to the Workshop Ms Chandrika Sharma, Executive Secretary, ICSF Recital of Poem Dr P Srivastava, Principal Scientist, CIFRI Inaugural Address Dr A P Sharma, President IFSI (Director CIFRI) Special Address Dr P Das, Ex Director, NBFGR, Lucknow Felicitation Dr Madhumita Mukherjee, Additional Director, DoF, West Bengal, on behalf of Shri Kiranmoy Nanda, Minister of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal Keynote Address Fisheries, A Driver for Livelihood and Nutritional Security in India by Dr V V Sugunan, ADG, Inland Fisheries, ICAR Chair’s Address Dr G Mohan Kumar, Principal Secretary (FARD), Government of Orissa Vote of Thanks Ms Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF 1100 – 1130 hrs Tea Break

SIFFS Workshop 53 Report

1130 – 1230 hrs Technical Session I: Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species and its Role in Ensuring Nutrition to the Local Community Chair : Ms Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF Rapporteurs : Dr S K Manna & Dr. B. K. Behra Presentation The Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Improving Nutrition in Rural Populations by Dr Shakuntala Thilsted, Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Panel Discussion Panelists: Dr P K Mukhopadhyay, Principal Scientist, CIFA Dr B P Mohanty, Senior Scientist, CIFRI Discussion 1230 – 1345 hrs Technical Session II: Conservation of Biodiversity and Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species Chair : Dr P Das Ex Director, NBFGR Rapporteurs : Dr B P Mohanty & Mr A K Sahoo Presentation Diversity and Conservation of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species of India by Dr U K Sarkar, Senior Scientist, NBFGR Panel Discussion Panelists: Dr B C Jha, Principal Scienist and Head (R&WF Division), CIFRI Dr W Viswanath, Professor, Department of Life Sciences, University of Manipur Discussion 1345 – 1430 hrs Lunch 1430 – 1530 hrs Technical Session III: Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Ensuring Livelihoods Chair : Dr Dipankar Saha, Development Consultant, West Bengal Rapporteurs : Ms Anjana Ekka & Dr M. Aftabuddin Presentation The Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fishes (SIFFS) in Livelihoods of Inland Fishers by Dr. Pradeep Katiha, Principal Scientist, CIFRI Small Fish Production through Aquaculture and Conservation Measures for Household Nutrition Security by Dr Md Abdul Wahab, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University Panel Discussion Panelists: Dr A K Roy, Former Principal Scientist, CIFA Dr William Collis, Director South Asia, WorldFish Center Discussion 1530 – 1600 hrs Tea Break 1600 – 1700 hrs Technical Session IV: Signiﬁ cance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species With Respect to Capture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India Chair : Dr A P Sharma, Director, CIFRI Rapporteurs : Dr R K Manna & Dr A Roy Presentation Dr. B K Bhattacharjya, Senior Scientist, CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati The Fishery of Wetlands in West Bengal and Contribution of Wild Fish Stocks to Production and Fishers’ Income by Dr V R Suresh, Principal Scientist, CIFRI Discussion

54 SIFFS Workshop Report

1700 – 1815 hrs Technical Session V: Signiﬁ cance of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species with Respect to Culture Fisheries in Eastern and Northeastern States of India Chair : Dr V V Sugunan, ADG, ICAR Rapporteurs : Dr A K Sahoo & Dr B P Mohanty Presentation Small Indigenous Fish Species Management in Orissa by Dr Ishaque Khan, Deputy Director, Directorate of Fisheries Government of Orissa The Culture of Some Economically Important Small Fish- A Prospective Approach by Dr A K Datta, Principal Scientist, Rahara Centre, CIFA Presentation from Manipur Dr. L Vaiphei, Project Ofﬁ cer, Department of Fisheries, Manipur The Indigenous Freshwater Aquatic Species in West Bengal with Special Reference to North Bengal—the Complexities and Responsibilities by Dr. Saptari Biswas, Assistant Director, Govt of West Bengal Presentation by Subul Chowdhury, Aquaculturist, Tripura

Thursday: 25 February 2010 0900 – 1015 hrs Technical Session VI: Policy and Social Dimensions of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Fisheries and Aquaculture Chair : Dr Shakuntala Thilsted, University of Copenhagen Rapporteurs : Dr P K Katiha & Dr B K Bhattacharjya Presentation The Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species and their Role in the Rural Lives in Orissa and West Bengal: Some Observations, by Neena Koshy, Programme Associate, ICSF The Social and Policy Dimension of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Inland Capture and Culture Fisheries in India by Mr C M Muralidharan, FAO National Consultant Panel Discussion Panelist: Dr M K Das, Principal Scientist and Head (FREM Division), CIFRI Discussion 1015 – 1130 hrs Technical Session VII: Community Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights with Reference to Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species Chair : Dr A K Roy, Former Principal Scientist, CIFA Rapporteurs : Dr V R Suresh & Dr R K Manna Presentations The Strategy for Promoting Culture of Small Native Fish Species by Dr A G Ponniah, Director, CIBA The Miscellaneous Fish in Rural Food Baskets: Knowledge & Rights by Dr Ranjit Daniels, CARE EARTH Panel Discussion Panelist: Dr Utpal Principal Scientist & Head (REF Division), CIFRI Discussion 1130 – 1315 hrs Tea Break and Group Discussion 1315 – 1415 hrs Lunch Break

SIFFS Workshop 55 Report

1615 – 1800 hrs Closing Ceremony Chair : Dr N K Tyagi, Member, ASRB Panelists: Dr AP Sharma, Director, CIFRI Dr A G Ponniah, Director, CIBA Ms Nalini Nayak, Member, ICSF Mr V Vivekanandan, Member, ICSF Tuesday: 23 February 2010 0700 – 0730 hrs Registration 0730 – 1100 hrs Travel to Sundarbans Field Trip 1100- 1130 hrs Tea Break 1130 – 1300 hrs Visit to farms practicing small indigenous freshwater ﬁ sh culture 1300 – 1400 hrs Lunch Break 1400 – 1600 hrs Sharing Session From the Field Mr. Biswajit, Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra Dr Mrityunjoy Kunda, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Mr. Amit Das and Mr. Subul Chakraborthy, Tripura Interaction with Farmers Associated with JGVK 1600 – 1930 hrs Return to CIFRI campus

56 SIFFS Workshop Report Appendix 2

International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) Trust in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI)

1. Dr M D Aftabuddin Tel: 033 2545 2060 Senior Scientist Fax: 033 2545 2060 Central Inland Fisheries Research Email: [email protected] Institute Monirampur (Post) 5. Dr Saptarsi Biswas Barrackpore Assistant Director Kolkata 700 120 Directorate of Fisheries WEST BENGAL Meen Bhavan, Government of West Bengal Cell: 096744 10154 31 G N Block, Salt Lake Email: [email protected] Sector V, Kolkata 700 091 WEST BENGAL 2. Dr Bijay Kumar Behera Senior Scientist (Biotech) Tel: 033 2497 8209 Central Inland Fisheries Research Fax: 033 2497 8209 Institute Email: [email protected] Monirampur (Post) Barrackpore 6. Mr Shyamalendu Biswas Kolkata 700 120 DISHA WEST BENGAL 20/4, Sil Lane, Kolkata, India Cell: 091632 09580 WEST BENGAL Email: [email protected] Tel: 033 2328 3989 3. Dr B K Bhattacharjya Cell: 94322 92130 Senior Scientist CIFRI Regional Centre 7. Mr Subal Chowdhury Housefeed Complex P O Kishoreganj Dispur, Guwahati 781 006 Silghati Village ASSAM South Tripura, TRIPURA Tel (O): 0361 222 8486 Fax: 0361 2228486 Cell: 098568 18298 Email: [email protected] 8. Dr R J Ranjit Daniels 4. Dr Utpal Bhaumik CAREEARTH Principal Scientist & Head 5, 21st Street Riverine Ecology and Fisheries Thillaiganga Nagar Central Inland Fisheries Research Chennai 600 061 Institute TAMIL NADU Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 Tel: 044 6543 5841 WEST BENGAL Email: [email protected]

SIFFS Workshop 57 Report

9. Mr Amit Das 15. Dr Surendra Kumar Ghadei C/o Sunil Kumar Das Directorate of Fisheries P C Bazaar Govt. of Orissa Kailashahar Dry-Dock Jobra Tripura North – 799 277 Cuttack (Orissa) 753 007 TRIPURA ORISSA

Cell: 09436928463 Tel (O): 0671 2414496 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0671 2410521 Email: [email protected] 10. Dr Manas Kumar Das Principal Scientist 16. Mr Ansuman Hajra Fishery Resource and Environment Scientist (S G) – Biochemistry Division, Central Inland Fisheries Research Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Institute Monirampur (Post) Monirampur (Post) Barrackpore Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL WEST BENGAL 17. Dr M A Hassan Cell: 09433562949 Senior Scientist Fax: 033 25452061 Reservoir & Wetland Fisheries Division Email: [email protected] Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute 11. Dr P Das Monirampur (Post) Ex Director Barrackpore National Bureau of Fish Genetic Kolkata 700 120 Resources WEST BENGAL A 8/4 Indralok Estate, Paikpara Kolkata 700 002 Cell: 092316 14629 WEST BENGAL Email: [email protected]

Tel (R): 033 2528 6307 18. Dr B C Jha Cell: 098311 28412 Principal Scientist & Head Reservoir & Wetland Fisheries Division 12. Mr Tejen Das Central Inland Fisheries Research Dakshin Banga Matsyajibi Forum Institute Kakdwip, North Gobindapool Monirampur (Post), Barrackpore P O Kakdwip Kolkata 700 120 District South 24 WEST BENGAL Parganas, WEST BENGAL Tel: 033 2593 5289 Cell: 09903115775 Cell: 097325 46297 Fax: 033 25935289 Email: [email protected] 13. Dr A K Datta Principal Scientist 19. Mr D Karunakaran Waste Water Aquaculture Centre of Scientist (SS) CIFA Central Inland Fisheries Research RAHARA, North 24 Parganas Institute Kolkata 700 118 Monirampur (Post) WEST BENGAL Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 Cell: 09433110135 WEST BENGAL Email: [email protected] Cell: 0943328 6866 14. Ms Anjana Ekka Email: [email protected] Scientist Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL

Cell: 098834 64018 Email: [email protected]

58 SIFFS Workshop Report

20. Dr Pradeep K Katiha 25. Ms K Sucheta Majumder Principal Scientist Technical Ofﬁ cer Central Inland Fisheries Research Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Institute Monirampur (Post) Monirampur (Post) Barrackpore Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL WEST BENGAL

Tel: 033 2592 1190/91 Tel (O): 033 25923644 (Ext 213) Cell: 09831268738 Cell: 094330 60941 Email: [email protected], Fax: 033 2592 0388 [email protected] Email [email protected] [email protected] 26. Dr Ranjan Kumar Manna Senior Scientist 21. Mr Ishaque Khan Riverine Ecology & Fisheries Division Deputy Director Central Inland Fisheries Research Directorate of Fisheries Institute Govt. of Orissa Monirampur (Post) Dry-Dock Jobra Barrackpore Cuttack (Orissa) 753 007 Kolkata 700 120 ORISSA WEST BENGAL

Tel (O): 0671 2414496 Cell: 094321 14825 Fax: 0671 2410521 Email: [email protected]

22. Ms Neena Elizabeth Koshy 27. Mr Sebastian Mathew ICSF ICSF 27, College Road 27, College Road Chennai 600 006 Chennai 600 006 TAMIL NADU TAMIL NADU

Tel: 044 2827 5303 Tel: 044 2827 5303 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

23. Dr G Mohan Kumar 28. Mr Praveen Maurya Principal Secretary Scientist (S S)/ Fisheries and Animal Resources Biotechnology 700 120 Development Department Central Inland Fisheries Research Government of Orissa Institute Secretariat Monirampur (Post) Bhubaneshwar – 751 001 Barrackpore ORISSA Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL Tel: 0674 232 2960 Fax: 0674 239 0681 Cell: 098319 43294 Email: [email protected] 24. Mr Biswajit Mahakur Secretary 29. Dr Bimal P Mohanty Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra Senior Scientist (Biochemistry) Joygopalpur Village (Post) Central Inland Fisheries Research J N Hat, Basanti Police Station Institute South 24 Parganas Monirampur (Post) Sundarbans 743 312 Barrackpore WEST BENGAL Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL

Cell: 092306 18153 Fax: 033 2592 0388

SIFFS Workshop 59 Report

30. Mr Murari Mondal 35. Ms Nalini Nayak Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra Sadanand, ANRA 62 Joygopalpur Village (Post) Choola Lane, Anayara P O J N Hat, Basanti Police Station Trivandrum 695 029 South 24 Parganas KERALA Sundarbans 743 312 WEST BENGAL Tel(O): 91 471 2460081 Cell : 098950 77961 31. Dr Sandip Kumar Mondal District Fishery Ofﬁ cer 36. Dr A G Ponniah C/o Ofﬁ ce of the DDF Director Kolkata Zone CIBA (Central Institute of 9A, Esplanade East, Kolkata 700 069 Brackishwater Aquaculture) WEST BENGAL 75, Santhome High Road R A Puram (Near MRC Nagar) Tel: 033 2497 8209 Chennai 600 028 Fax: 033 2497 8209 TAMIL NADU Email: [email protected] Tel: 044 2461 7523 32. Dr Madhumita Mukherjee Email: [email protected] Additional Director of Fisheries [email protected] (Technical) Directorate of Fisheries 37. Dr A K Roy Meen Bhavan, Government of West Ex Principal Scientist CIFA, ICAR Bengal C-70 Jal Vayu Vihar 31 G N Block, Salt Lake LB-Block, Sector 3 Sector V, Kolkata 700 091 Salt Lake City WEST BENGAL Kolkata – 700 098 WEST BENGAL Cell: 094331 04500 Fax: 033 2497 8209 Tel: 033 2335 2360 Email: [email protected] Cell: 094330 89634 Email: [email protected] 33. Dr P K Mukhopadhyay Principal Scientist 38. Dr Aparna Roy Waste Water Aquaculture Division of Scientist CIFA Central Inland Fisheries Research RAHARA Institute Kolkata 700 118 Monirampur (Post) WEST BENGAL Barrackpore Kolkata 700 120 Cell : 090383 37337 WEST BENGAL Fax: 033 2568 3023 Email: [email protected] Cell: 094343 84454 Email: [email protected] 34. Mr C M Muralidharan [email protected] FAO National Consultant Flat No. 13, No. 27 39. Dr Dipankar Saha Asian Bharati Apartments, Development Consultant Bharati Avenue 222, Kanchanpally Kottur, Chennai 600 085 P.O. Makhla(Uttarpara) TAMIL NADU Dist: Hooghly West Bengal 712 245 Tel (O): 044 4230 3551 WEST BENGAL Tel(R): 044 24403272 Cell : 098408 59888 Tel: 098301 10781 Email: [email protected] Email: dipankar.saha.consultant@ chavakatmangat.muralidharan@ gmail.com yahoo.com

60 SIFFS Workshop Report

40. Mr S K Sahoo Tel: 044 2827 5303 Scientist Email: [email protected] FREM Division Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute 46. Dr N P Srivastava Monirampur (Post) Principal Scientist Barrackpore Riverine Ecology & Fisheries Division Kolkata 700 120 Central Inland Fisheries Research WEST BENGAL Institute Monirampur (Post) Cell: 098303 43627 Barrackpore Email: [email protected] Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL 41. Dr Srikanta Samanta Senior Scientist Cell: 099433 260085 Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute 47. Dr V V Sugunan Monirampur (Post) Additional Director General (Fisheries) Barrackpore Division of Fisheries Kolkata 700 120 Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan – II WEST BENGAL New Delhi 110 012 NEW DELHI Cell: 094334 66817 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] 42. Mr Ganesh Sengupta Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra 48. Dr J K Sundaray Joygopalpur Village (Post) Senior Scientist J N Hat, Basanti Police Station CIBA (Central Institute of South 24 Parganas Brackishwater Aquaculture) Sundarbans 743 312 75, Santhome High Road WEST BENGAL R A Puram (Near MRC Nagar) Chennai 600 028 43. Dr U K Sarkar TAMIL NADU Senior Scientist National Bureau of Fish Genetic Cell : 094447 80028 Resources Email: [email protected] Canal Ring Road P O Dilkusha 49. Dr V R Suresh Lucknow – 226 002 Principal Scientist UTTAR PRADESH Reservoir and Wetland Fisheries Division Tel: 0522 2441735/2442440 Central Inland Fisheries Research Cell: 094153 28797 Institute Email: [email protected] Monirampur (Post) Barrackpore 44. Dr A P Sharma Kolkata 700 120, Director WEST BENGAL Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute Cell : 09830108768 Monirampur (Post) Fax: 033 2592 0388 Barrackpore Email: [email protected] Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL 50. Mr L Vaiphei Manipur State Fisheries Department Tel: 033 2592 0177 District Fishery Ofﬁ ce Cell : 09051787111 Bishnupur, PO Bishnupur, Fax: 033 2592 0388 MANIPUR Email: [email protected] Tel: 03852 261875 45. Ms Chandrika Sharma Cell: 09612 344343 ICSF 27, College Road Chennai 600 006 TAMIL NADU

SIFFS Workshop 61 Report

51. Dr G K Vinci 55. Dr Mrityunjoy Kunda Principal Scientist Farm Manager Reservoir and Wetland Fisheries Department of Fisheries Division Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock Central Inland Fisheries Research BANGLADESH Institute Monirampur (Post) Cell: 00 880 1712 083 003 Barrackpore Email: [email protected] Kolkata 700 120 WEST BENGAL 56. Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahab Professor of Limnology & Aquaculture 52. Dr W Vishwanath Department of Fisheries Management Dept of Life Sciences Bangladesh Agricultural University University of Manipur Mymensingh Canchipur 795 003 BANGLADESH MANIPUR Tel: 00 880 91 54927 Tel (O): 0385 2435946 Fax: 00 880 91 55810 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

53. Mr V Vivekanandan 57. Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted Advisor Department of Human Nutrition SIFFS (South Indian Federation of Faculty of Life Sciences Fishermen Societies) University of Copenhagen Karamana 1958 Frederiksberg Trivandrum DENMARK KERALA Tel: 00 45 4029 2497 Tel (O): 0471 2343 711 Email: [email protected] Cell : 098470 84840 Email: [email protected], 58. Ms Nozomi Kawarazuka [email protected] Research Assistant Policy Economics and Social Sciences WorldFish Centre, Penang, INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS MALAYSIA 54. Dr William J Collis Director South Asia Tel: 00 60 04 6202 1606 WorldFish Center: Bangladesh and (Ext 275) South Asia Email: [email protected] H 22B, Rd 7, Block F, Banani Dhaka 1213 BANGLADESH

Tel: 00 880 8813250/8814624 Fax: 00 880 2 8817300 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

62 SIFFS Workshop Report Appendix 3: Abstracts of Papers

Diversity and Conservation of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species of India W.S. Lakra and U.K. Sarkar

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow - 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India [email protected], [email protected]

iodiversity conservation fragmentation, diseases and in general and fish genetic introduction of exotic varieties. In Bresources in particular have order to achieve sustainable utilization, become an issues of great concern both appropriate planning for conservation globally and nationally. India is one and management strategies are of of the 17 mega biodiversity hot spots utmost importance. The greatest contributing 60-70% of the world’s challenge is to secure the IPRs related biological resources. In India, out of to SIFFS’ so that the country is able to 765 native freshwater fish recorded by maintain its stake on its indigenous NBFGR, about 450 may be categorized resource and their potential benefits. as small indigenous freshwater fish Conservation of SIFFS is also essential species (SIFFS) which grow to the size to maintain ecological/nutritional of 25-30 cm in mature or adult stage and socio-economic equilibrium. of their lifecycle. Of the 450 SIF about Species diversity and genetic variability 23% are highly important as food and are necessary for the long term local significance and play a significant maintenance of stable, complex role in the aquarium trade and in ecosystem and species. The potential providing local livelihood security. areas for future research includes Although rural population depend integrated system approach and highly on indigenous species of fish adopting in-situ and ex-situ measures for nutrition in many parts of India, including conservation aquaculture, very little attention has been paid on live gene banking, tissue banking, their role in aquaculture enhancement, valuation, evaluation and registration nutrition, biology, captive propagation of the genetic resources, monitoring and biodiversity conservation critical parameters and replacement research. They are quite invisible, of natural stocks through ranching, absent from statistics and community participation, HRD and indigenous knowledge about capacity building. This paper addresses the SIFFS and their benefits has the challenging issues for sustaining been poorly documented. Consequently, aquatic biodiversity, management of many small indigenous fishes have freshwater resources, and highlights the become threatened and endangered research priorities and needs to develop due to pollution, over exploitation appropriate conservation strategies coupled with habitat destruction, for small indigenous freshwater water abstraction, siltation, channel fish species. 

SIFFS Workshop 63 Report

Culture of Some Economically Important Small Fish – A Prospective Approach A K Datta

Wastewater Aquaculture Centre, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Rahara, Kolkata – 700 118, West Bengal, India

omposite culture today has production over the production from taken a shape of industry for major carps only (3.7t/ha/yr). Caquaplosion from domestic Successful rearing of these medium level where small fish like medium carps along with freshwater giant carps viz., Labeo bata (bata) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) has Cirrhinus reba (reba), hardly get any also been achieved. Annual production chance to occupy place therein though of 2.8t/ha and 1.82t/ha was achieved they fetch higher market price even where bata & reba fry were stocked at smaller size compared to same respectively with prawn juvenile. size of major carps. The fate of highly Further, culture of above priced minnow, Amblypharyngodon mentioned species in paddy plots has mola (mola) is still worse which is shown promising results when they designated as trash or weed fish were cultured with other fish and before carp culturists and supposed prawn components. Fish production to eradicate during pond preparation from modified paddy fields has been with fish toxicants. Further, recorded as 543.5 to 948.5 kg/ha/yr indiscriminately use of pesticides in of which medium carp shared 22.6 – agriculture fields is another cause 69.3%. Results focus comparatively to deplete the population of these higher revenue than that of obtained palatable commercially important through culture of major carps alone small fish from natural ecosystem. from such unit area. Culture of medium carps and Mola, a carp minnow with minnow conducted at the farm of extremely consumer’s choice species Wastewater Aquaculture Centre especially in West Bengal, Orissa and of Central Institute of Freshwater Assam, may not be the right choice to Aquaculture, Rahara was initiated culture in pond along with other carps since 1984 in paddy fields as well as as they are auto-breeder in confined in pond. In pond culture system, water and take share for space, these species can equally provide natural food as well as supplementary comparable production as observed feed with major carps. With a view to with major carps. Experiments avoid these factors, the species was in monoculture with medium introduced in modified paddy fields carps employing double as need based culture system where cropping method indicated bata major carps hardly grow normal size. production of 6.2t/ha/yr and reba Annual average fish production of 4.25t/ha/yr. in paddy fields with mola and other While assessing the performance fish species has been registered as of medium carps in composite culture 823.3 kg/ ha of which mola contributed with major carps through several trials, 6-9%, individual production it has been observed that bata being 43.4–75.8 kg/ha, averaging contributed 18.02% while reba shared 55.5 kg/ha. Observations also reveal that 16.62% of the total production of 3.5- the species offered 50–60 times number 6.6t/ha/yr. More trials on production than the initial stocked number due with major carps and medium carps to auto-breeding during monsoon in together indicated about 24.6% higher paddy plot.

64 SIFFS Workshop Report

Trials are also being made to way through culture of such small propagate and culture of another most fish species where major carps do not economically important small cat fish, get congenial atmosphere to grow Ompok pabda which has a tremendous well. Therefore, culture of these demand with high market value and species not only provides scope to success has been achieved for its enhance vertical and horizontal breeding and rearing. expansion of aquaculture but also India is bestowed with vast offers protein especially to the freshwater bodies apart from protein deficient community. Culture freshwater pond which are still will also help to conserve these unutilized. These water bodies can be species from the edge of extinction or utilized effectively in a remunerative vulnerable status. 

SIFFS Workshop 65 Report

Introduction of Carps, Mola and Prawn Polyculture in the Sunderbans Region, India to Reduce Poverty and Improve Household Nutrition* M. Kunda1, B. Mahakur2, G. Sengupta2, M. A. Wahab3, N. Roos4 and S. H. Thilsted4

1Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh 2Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra, Basanti, West Bengal, India 3Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh 4 Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark

ola (Amblypharyngodon were fed with mustard oil cake and mola), a nutrient dense fish rice bran (1:2 ratio) at the rate of 3% Mindigenous to Bengal, which body weight. Two thirds of the total was once abundant in both open waters feed were spread in the morning and and closed water bodies, declined one third in the evening. Water quality drastically in recent years depriving parameters such as water temperature, poor people from getting A vitamin dissolved oxygen, transparency and other essential micronutrients. and pH were measured fortnightly. In order to revive its population to There were no significant differences improve household nutrition, an in water quality parameters among on-farm trial was carried out to the treatments. The highest yields of accommodate mola in carp-prawn mola and prawn were observed in polyculture in the Sunderbans region, treatment I. The mola production was West Bengal, India from July to not affected by the presence of catla December 2007. There were three and silver carp. The lowest density of treatments with eleven replications catla (1,000ha-1) with highest density each. Mola, mrigal (Cirrhinus of silver carp (2500ha-1) resulted cirrhosus), rohu (Labeo rohita), and in the highest mola production. freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium There was no significant difference in rosenbergii) were stocked at 20,000ha-1, total production among the treatments, 1,000ha-1, 3,000ha-1, and 3,750ha-1 but comparatively better production

in all treatments. Catla (Catla was found in treatment I. Higher catla) was stocked at 1,000ha-1, benefit-cost ratio was also obtained 1,750ha-1 and 2,500ha-1 and silver in treatment I It may be concluded carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) that mola-carp-prawn polyculture at 2,500ha-1, 1,750ha-1 and 1,000ha-1, |may be a good option for rural in treatment I, treatment II and farmers of the Southern region of treatment III, respectively. Before West Bengal to reduce poverty stocking of the fish fingerlings, and improve household nutrition.  fertilization was done at the rate of * Oral Presentation, 8th Asian Fisheries urea: 50kgha-1, TSP: 50kgha-1 and Forum - 2007, 20th-23rd November 2007, cowdung: 1500kgha-1. Prawn and fishes Kochi, India

66 SIFFS Workshop Report

Table 1. Production (± SE) and economics of different treatments over a 155 days growth period

Treatment I Treatment II Treatment III Production Mola 286.77 ± 25.30 217.99± 27.90 193.14 ± 21.96 (kg ha-1) Catla 297.31 ± 33.76 339.61 ± 44.47 399.07 ± 48.72 Mrigal 310.90 ± 32.32 283.80 ± 37.84 295.84 ± 31.42 Rohu 665.18 ± 88.45 629.13 ± 83.93 531.09 ± 59.99 Silver carp 712.77 ± 123.4 525.10± 70.18 318.67 ± 56.57 Prawn 184.47 ± 9.73 144.68 ± 7.86 145.69 ± 9.62 Total 2457.42 ± 243.96 2140.31 ± 193.39 1883.51 ± 161.24 Total cost Economics 62,759.00 59,740.00 57,771.00 (INR)* Total return 135,455.00 114,260.00 103,835.00 (INR) Beneﬁ t- 2.16:1.00 1.91:1.00 1.80:1.00 cost ratio

* 40 INR =1 USD

SIFFS Workshop 67 Report

The Role of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species in Improving Nutrition in Rural Populations Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted

Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark E-mail address: [email protected]

isheries play an important role Iron is present in the forms of haem in the livelihoods and incomes iron, a high molecular sub-pool of Fof many people, especially rural complex-bound non haem iron and populations living in riparian and inorganic iron, the proportions vary coastal areas in some of the poorest with species. The bioavailability countries in the world. Small fish is of the first two iron fractions is a commonly consumed food, and estimated as high, 25 %, and 10 % for an integral part of the everyday the third fraction. Both species also carbohydrate-rich diets of all had a high zinc content. Studies have household members. Much of the also shown that fish protein has a small fish consumed by the rural poor possible enhancing effect on non are caught by household members haem iron and zinc absorption from and bought in local markets, and the diet in humans. All small fish therefore do not appear in national which are eaten with bones are an statistics. Small fish, as well as the extremely rich calcium source. In little oil, vegetables and spices which addition, studies in humans have are used for cooking improve diet shown that the bioavailability of diversity. Small fish is a rich source calcium from small fish is as high as of animal protein, fatty acids and that from milk. essential vitamins and minerals. Thus, small fish species have a Studies in Bangladesh and Cambodia large, untapped potential to prevent showed that small fish species make and combat micronutrient deficiencies up 50 – 80 % of all fish eaten during in rural populations. A production of the production season. Although only 10 kg/pond/year of the vitamin A consumed in small quantities, the rich small fish, mola ( Amblypharyngodon frequency of intake was high. mola) in the estimated 1.3 million As many small fish are eaten ponds in Bangladesh can meet the whole, with head, organs and bones, annual recommended intake of two they are particularly rich in calcium, million children. A traditional daily and some are also rich in vitamin A, meal of rice and sour soup, made iron and zinc. Vitamin A is present with the iron rich fish, trey changwa as dehydroretinol and retinol, found plieng, with the head intact can meet mainly in the eyes and viscera, and 45 % of the daily iron requirement of the proportions of these two Cambodian women. preformed vitamin A compounds vary To make use full use of this potential with species. Sun drying has been of small fish species for improving shown to destroy the vitamin A content. nutrition, further data on the Analyses of some common small consumption, nutrient analyses, fish from Bangladesh and Cambodia cleaning, processing and cooking showed that two species from the genus methods of small fish are needed. Esomus, darkina (Esomus danricus) Advocacy, awareness and nutrition and trey changwa plieng (Esomus education of the role small fish can longimanus) have a high iron content. play in increasing diet diversity

68 SIFFS Workshop Report and micronutrient intakes must be Thus, even more focus on small fish strengthened. Also, measures to is necessary to ensure diet diversity develop and implement sustainable, and micronutrient intakes in rural low-cost technologies for management, populations. Increased small fish conservation, production and intake, by reducing micronutrient accessibility of small fish must be deficiencies, can aid in attaining the undertaken. Millennium Development Goals; The recent global hikes in reduction in extreme hunger and food prices have resulted in a decrease poverty, reduction in childhood in the intake of non-staple foods, mortality, and improvement in including fish, in an effort to secure maternal health, and thereby contribute intakes of staple foods and energy. towards national development. 

SIFFS Workshop 69 Report

Miscellaneous Fish in the Rural Food Baskets: Knowledge and Rights R J Ranjit Daniels

Care Earth Trust, No 5, 21st Street, Thillaiganganagar, Chennai 600 061. Tamil Nadu, India [email protected]; web: www.careearthtrust.org

round 750 species of fish that cleaned and cooked. They know how to are known within Indian limits process and store the surplus for lean Aprefer inland freshwater seasons. habitats. Right habitat conditions Many of these small fish have and seasons aid the proliferation of formidable bones that it requires great some of these fish that they practically skill to eat one, without having tiny swarm our wetlands locally. Common bones stuck in the throat. In fact, many examples of super-abundant species urban fish-eaters prefer the larger are amongst Rasbora, Puntius, Esomus, species not for their taste, but for their Amblypharyngodon and Lepidocephalus. less bony flesh. The willingness to pay a These are also the fishes most relished higher price for ‘safer-to-eat’ fish is one by the rural people that have of the major factors that play against the traditionally adopted ingenious popularity of miscellaneous fish. And techniques to harvest them in driven by urban markets inland fishery substantial quantities for domestic is increasingly focused on fast-growing consumption and the local fish markets. large species (including non-native ‘Of no interest to fisheries’ is a species) that the natural habitats of common statement that most of us who hundreds of species of small native fish have used Talwar and Jhingran’s ‘Inland are being transformed and destroyed. Fishes of India’ might recognize. These Local knowledge on the nutritional and many other small-sized fish species and medicinal value of inland fishes are also branded as ‘miscellaneous’ in in India has not been given adequate standard fishery literature. Rural people importance. While there have been have however relied on the so-called sporadic efforts (example the People’s miscellaneous species for their day-to- Biodiversity Registers) to document day protein needs and have nurtured people’s knowledge pertaining to their habitats. They have also preserved fish, there is a greater focus on plants the knowledge that pertains to where, whenever the issue of indigenous when and how these fish may be caught, knowledge and IPR is discussed. 

70 SIFFS Workshop Report

Fishery of Wetlands in West Bengal and Contribution of Wild Fish Stocks to Production and Fishers’ Income V. R. Suresh, G. K. Vinci, A. Mukherjee, B. C. Jha, A. K. Das and S. K. Sahu

Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata- 700 120, West Bengal, India

loodplain wetlands play a 0.4t/ha/year, while that of the stocked key-role in the life cycle and fishes was 0.45 to 1.6 t/ha/year across Frecruitment of several fish the systems. The stocked fishes are species that support the livelihoods fished 2-3 times in a year; the rest of of thousands of people through the period the fishers depend on the commercial and subsistence fishing. natural fish stocks. The annual fishing West Bengal has more than 150 effort (fisher/day) for wild fish stocks floodplain wetlands spread across the ranged from 2940 to19635 fishers and districts of Nadia, 24 Parganas, Cooch- the CPUE was 0.8 to 5kg/fisher/day with Behar, Hooghly, Murshidabad, Malda higher values in wetlands having direct and Midnapore, covering an effective riverine connection. The number of wild area of 42500 ha, which is about 22% fish species exploited from the wetlands of the total freshwater area of the State. ranged from 5 to 28. Puntius spp. were Majority of these wetlands have two the major contributors to the catch distinct fishery components; capture (20%), followed by Channa spp. (18%) fishery for wild fish stocks, which are and prawns (12%). Among Puntius spp., unmanaged and culture based fisheries P. conchonius, P. sophore and P. ticto were through stocking of major carps by the major contributors. The management fishers’ co-operative societies. Our practices under culture based fisheries understanding on the resource size of viz. stocking density, size and species wild fish stocks, their contribution to stocked are not uniform among the fish production and fishers’ income wetlands studied. Fifty percent of in these wetlands are inadequate for the revenue from stocked fishes is suggesting management guidelines. distributed among fishers proportional Hence studies were conducted in eight to their catch. The income per fisher representative wetlands (Chandania from stocked fishes varied from Rs. 6158 (50 ha), Beledanga (60 ha), Chamordaha to 14000/year. The income from natural (38 ha), Borthy (1405 ha) and Raja fish stocks worked out to be Rs. 15000- (45 ha) wetlands, situated at 24 39000/year/fisher, spread across the Parganas North district; Khalsi (62 ha) year with daily earnings ranging from and Bhomra (45 ha) at Nadia district Rs. 25-50 to 105-520/fisher. A total of and Kol (82 ha) at Hooghly district), 79 species of fin fishes under 57 genera spread across three districts of the and 32 families have been identified, State. The yield of wild fish stocks besides five species of prawns and one from these wetlands ranged from 0.1 to species of crab. 

SIFFS Workshop 71 Report

The Social And Policy Dimensions Of Small And Indigenous Species in Inland Capture and Culture Fisheries in India C.M.Muralidharan

ndia can be proud of the rich destructive fishing, and for protection inland fishery resources of brooders and closed seasons and Iand the biodiversity of the areas, there is nothing specific to SIS. fish and fisheries. The capture The implementation is poor. fisheries in the rivers, lakes, canals, The existing policies give flood plain water bodies including preference to fisher cooperatives for beels, flood plains reservoirs, tanks lease of water bodies for culture, capture and ponds, were always been one of and capture cum culture fisheries. the rural livelihoods and food security Most of the cooperatives being weak, base. The traditional inland fishers defunct, or without financial support, depended largely in the capture the lease often goes to those outside fisheries and to some extent in the fishing communities. Madhya Pradesh capture cum culture fisheries of is a good example where the first which the small and Indigenous priority of leasing out water bodies species (upto 25cm as mature adult) is given to indigenous fishing had been an important resource. communities. Certain policies as that The success of induced breeding of of Assam, West Bengal and Tamil carps and composite fish culture Nadu give fishers a better share of the shifted the focus to composite carp small fishes. culture and now this forms the Recommendations are put forth major production from inland sector. for comprehensive inland fishery The SIS has been eradicated as weed or policy and shifting priority to bringing predatory fishes from culture systems. more water resources under fish In spite of this, the SIS species such production with equal importance to as Ompok pabda, Clarius batrachus indigenous species, from just increasing or Amblypharyngodon mola have been production and productivity of major highly preferred in capture as well carps and exotic carps. Emphasis as capture and culture fisheries along should be given to ecosystem with carps in many parts of India protection, biodiversity and above and Bangladesh especially by local all socio economic benefit. Equal fishers and farmers. These are importance to be given to capture, also known for its nutritional and capture cum culture and culture medicinal values. fisheries. Research to look into Apart from eradication from carp promoting more multi species culture ponds, degradation of water composite culture including SIS. bodies, not maintaining minimum Importance of SIS in local food environment water flow requirements, security and nutrition to be indiscriminate fishing including that recognised and the concept promoted of brooders and juveniles and pollution just not through the department are other factors threatening SIS. of fisheries, but also through The existing state inland fishery departments of health, women and policies have regulations against child welfare. 

72 SIFFS Workshop Report Appendix 4

Sommaire

ans une bonne partie des pays en pisciculteurs, membres de la société développement, notamment en civile. Ils ont reconnu qu’elles présentent DInde, les pauvres des campagnes un très grand intérêt du point de vue de qui vivent aux abords de plans d’eau l’économie, de l’emploi, de la nutrition, douce ont traditionnellement recours de l’écologie. Divers aspects ont été aux diverses espèces de petits poissons traités au cours des séances successives, autochtones qu’ils produisent afin de dont voici un résumé : satisfaire leurs besoins alimentaires. Mais dans ce pays, les politiques et Nutrition programmes des pêches intérieures, tant 1. Dans les pays de l’Asie du Sud et au niveau fédéral qu’au niveau des États, du Sud-Est, les petites espèces de ne se sont pas intéressés suffisamment poissons autochtones constituent un à elles. Dans le but de corriger cette élément important de l’alimentation anomalie, le Collectif international des familles, en particulier celles qui d’appui à la pêche artisanale (ICSF), en vivent à proximité de plans d’eau collaboration avec la Société indienne douce. L’un des avantages qu’on des pêches intérieures (IFSI), a organisé leur accorde est le fait que même les un atelier national sur le thème Les petites pauvres peuvent s’en procurer. espèces de poissons d’eau douce : leur rôle 2. Dans les communautés pour la lutte contre la pauvreté, pour la traditionnelles, les gens savent sécurité alimentaire et la conservation qu’elles sont bonnes pour la santé, de la biodiversité. Il s’est tenu à Kolkata, pour les femmes enceintes ou Bengale occidental, du 23 au 25 février allaitantes notamment ; mais il n’y 2010, à l’Institut central de recherche sur a pas beaucoup de documentation à les pêches intérieures (CIFRI). ce sujet. Il s’agissait de réunir des gens 3. En Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est, travaillant dans la pêche et l’aquaculture les carences en micronutriments en eau douce pour qu’ils puissent (qu’on appelle aussi la faim cachée) échanger leurs idées sur le rôle potentiel constituent un sérieux problème. de ces espèces dans l’amélioration de Le rôle potentiel de ces espèces en l’alimentation et des moyens d’existence est donc d’autant plus important. en milieu rural, et pour la biodiversité Il faut que les décideurs politiques biologique. Il s’agissait aussi de débattre concentrent leur attention sur les du contexte socio-économique et apports en micronutriments et culturel de l’élevage et de la capture de pas seulement en protéines. Ces ces poissons afin que les gens concernés petits poissons sont une source très (en particulier les femmes) puissent intéressante de micronutriments, de améliorer leurs revenus et mieux vitamine A et de minéraux (calcium, assurer la sécurité de leur travail et de potassium, zinc…). Des tests leur alimentation. Et on proposerait effectués au Bangladesh sur le mola des politiques appropriées pour une ont fait apparaître qu’il contient 89 exploitation durable de ces espèces. fois plus de vitamines A que la carpe Il y avait à cet atelier 58 participants : verte qui est abondamment élevée scientifiques, chercheurs, décideurs, dans ce pays.

SIFFS Workshop 73 Report

4. Il serait bon de déterminer les Biodiversité propriétés nutritionnelles des 8. Le Bureau national des ressources diverses espèces de petits poissons génétiques du poisson (NBFGR) autochtones disponibles et de retenir a répertorié 2 246 espèces de celles qui sont particulièrement poissons dans l’Union indienne, intéressantes sous cet aspect, et aussi dont 765 d’eau douce. C’est en Inde appréciées dans les populations qu’on trouve le plus grand nombre à faibles revenus, et d’un prix d’espèces endémiques d’eau douce : abordable. Ce travail est d’ailleurs en 27,8 % de la faune ichtyique locale. cours d’exécution à l’ICAR (Conseil Sur ces 765 espèces, 450 peuvent indien de la recherche agricole) être classées comme petits poissons, dans le cadre d’un programme c’est-à-dire qui ne font pas plus de quinquennal. 30 cm. 5. Comme la production et la 9. C’est surtout dans le sud-est du pays commercialisation de ces espèces et dans les Ghats occidentaux qu’on restent le plus souvent dans un cadre observe la plus forte biodiversité très local, les statistiques nationales pour ces petits poissons autochtones. n’en rendent généralement pas Environ 23 % d’entre eux sont compte. Il serait pourtant souhaitable consommés et ont aussi une certaine d’avoir des données sur le sujet et valeur comme poissons d’ornement. sur les modes de consommation Ils sont une source d’emplois et de à l’intérieur des ménages : qui nourriture, surtout dans l’est et le consomme quoi, avec une attention nord-est de l’Inde. Certains ont en particulière pour les femmes et les plus des vertus médicinales. enfants. Par exemple, on a constaté que, dans les familles pauvres, ces 10. Sur le plan de la biodiversité, il espèces étaient plus intéressantes importe de préserver diversité des pour les femmes car elles constituent espèces et variabilité génétique afin des portions plus petites qu’il est plus d’assurer l’équilibre d’écosystèmes aisé de répartir entre les différents complexes, l’équilibre entre les membres de la famille. espèces. Le NBFGR a identifié une 6. Il faudrait sensibiliser les gens à centaine de petits poissons qu’il l’intérêt que présentent ces petits faudrait conserver pour leur intérêt poissons pour combattre les nutritionnel. carences en micronutriments, et 11. Ces poissons sont exposés aux leur apprendre les façons les plus mêmes dangers que ceux qui pèsent avantageuses de les préparer. La sur la biodiversité et la stabilité valeur nutritive de cet aliment des écosystèmes aquatiques : dépend en effet des modes de disparition des habitats, préparation et de cuisson, des parties surexploitation, pollution d’origine qui sont consommées ou rejetées. agricole, industrielle et domestique, L’apport maximal est obtenu par méthodes de pêche illégales une cuisson du poisson entier dans (poison, dynamite…), envasement l’eau. des masses d’eau, maladies, 7. Il faudrait développer et mettre introduction d’espèces allogènes. Ce en œuvre des stratégies durables, dernier facteur a été signalé dans le économiques et ambitieuses pour nord-est du pays, et cela constitue assurer la gestion, la conservation, aussi une menace pour la diversité la production et la distribution de des espèces autochtones. La carpe ces espèces, petites mais riches en à grosse tête vient remplacer le nutriments. catla dans les beels (étangs sur des

74 SIFFS Workshop Report

terres basses), comme à Raumari, importe également de sensibiliser district de Nagaon, en Assam. les communautés locales à cette On a également trouvé le Clarias question, d’élaborer des programmes gariepinus très carnivore dans un de réhabilitation avec la participation certain nombre de beels ouverts et des populations avoisinantes et des dans le barrage-réservoir d’Umiam stratégies et modèles de gestion au Meghalaya. qui permettent de reproduire les 12. La démarche actuelle pour la expériences et d’améliorer les conservation de ces espèces n’est pratiques. pas efficace. On devrait se tourner vers un système intégré, avec des Moyens de subsistance mesures appropriées in situ et ex 16. Les petites espèces autochtones situ, y compris des piscicultures- présentes dans les vastes ressources conservatoires. Il faudrait que les aquatiques en eau douce de l’Inde politiques de gestion se soucient de mettent d’immenses moyens préserver l’intégrité des écosystèmes de subsistance à la disposition aquatiques. À cet égard, il faudrait des pêcheurs. Mais, à cause des sans tarder remettre en cause insuffisances des techniques certaines pratiques qui consistent d’évaluation, leur apport à la à faire disparaître ces petites production globale de poisson espèces autochtones des bassins dans le pays et à l’économie en d’aquaculture, des réservoirs et des général reste très largement sous- plans d’eau naturels. estimé. Par exemple, une étude 13. La conservation devrait se faire dans portant sur le barrage-réservoir de un esprit d’utilisation durable de la Nagarjuna a démontré que ce petit ressource, c’est-à-dire qu’il faudrait poisson rapportait trois fois plus éviter d’adopter des mesures aux pêcheurs que le gros poisson ; susceptibles de porter atteinte à la et pourtant il n’apparaît même sécurité alimentaire et aux moyens pas dans les statistiques officielles de subsistance de populations qui relatives à la production. Dans la comptent sur ces espèces. région de Bundelkhand au Madhya 14. Très peu d’études sont réalisées sur Pradesh, le petit poisson est presque ces espèces en Inde. Il serait pourtant exclusivement l’affaire des femmes, bon d’en savoir plus sur divers qui le transforment et le vendent aux aspects : habitats en eau douce, gens du coin. Dans les pêcheries des abondance des espèces, endémicité, beels (étangs sur des terres basses) causes de la dégradation, cela du Bengale occidental, on observe afin de déterminer les actions de que les petites espèces autochtones conservation à entreprendre en apportent toute l’année un revenu priorité. Pour chaque État de l’Union régulier aux pêcheurs, la plus grande indienne, il faudrait dresser un état partie de ce revenu à vrai dire. des lieux des espèces endémiques et 17. Les profits des pêcheurs dépendent menacées. aussi du système de droits d’accès en 15. Il importe de mettre en place un cadre vigueur pour le plan d’eau exploité. législatif approprié et de coordonner Des études portant sur un certain l’action des ministères et organismes nombre de réservoirs font apparaître concernés. Les intérêts des pêcheurs que leurs gains sont plus importants devraient être représentés au sein lorsqu’ils paient une simple des administrations et structures redevance sur les prises à l’autorité responsables des zones humides de tutelle que lorsqu’ils doivent et des habitats aquatiques. Il passer par le concessionnaire privé

SIFFS Workshop 75 Report

détenteur des droits de pêche dans des structures de cogestion garantes cet endroit. d’une exploitation durable et d’un 18. Le prix de ces petits poissons varie partage équitable de la ressource. nettement selon la région concernée, Pisciculture suivant la demande. Dans le nord-est du pays, où 80-90 % de la population 22. En Inde on s’est surtout intéressé consomme du poisson, où le petit à l’élevage composite des grandes poisson est très prisé, les prix sont carpes indiennes. Trois espèces (catla, très élevés. Dans les États du Sud rohu, mrigal) représentent environ (Kerala par exemple), le Puntius 87 % de ce type de production en sophore (barbeau d’Asie) n’est pas eau douce. Les exploitants hésitent vraiment apprécié et se vend à moins à pratiquer la polyculture avec des de 10 roupies (0,17 €) le kg alors petits poissons autochtones car on qu’il peut atteindre 200-300 roupies croit qu’ils disputeraient l’espace et (3,5 €-5,35 €) le kg sur les marchés la nourriture aux grandes carpes et de l’Assam. Il serait donc souhaitable que la croissance et la production de de décloisonner les marchés pour ces dernières s’en ressentiraient. populariser le petit poisson et utiliser 23. Des expériences de terrain menées au mieux cette ressource. au Bangladesh ont démontré 19. Pour toute demande ou toute que l’on peut fort bien élever ces exécution d’intervention dans petits poissons avec les carpes. Les les pêcheries de capture ou la répercussions sur la production pisciculture, il faut prendre en commerciale des carpes sont minimes compte ce que représente le petit ou carrément inexistantes. Il faut poisson autochtone pour la vie pour cela effectuer périodiquement et les moyens de subsistance des prélèvements de petits poissons des populations locales. À cet après la phase de maturation. Cela égard, il serait bon de réexaminer stimule les rendements pour les notamment certaines pratiques petits poissons et minimise toute de développement des pêches qui incidence sur le rendement des traduisent un parti pris en faveur carpes. Comme ces petites espèces des grandes carpes indiennes et qui assurent leur propre recrutement, pénalisent la production des petites l’éleveur n’a pas à dépenser pour se espèces autochtones et affectent procurer chaque année des alevins. donc l’activité des pêcheurs, des 24. L’Inde possède un patrimoine transformatrices et vendeuses. génétique très vigoureux de poissons Pêches de capture d’eau douce mais il est pratiquement négligé. Il conviendrait d’accélérer 20. Plusieurs menaces pèsent sur ces le processus de diversification des petites espèces et leurs habitats. espèces utilisées en pisciculture et Il faudrait des lignes directrices d’étudier la possibilité de protocoles claires et vigoureuses pour définir appropriés pour l’élevage de petits des politiques de préservation poissons autochtones. Peuvent- et d’exploitation durables de ce ils entrer en complément dans poisson, de protection de son habitat les élevages composites ? Il serait naturel. souhaitable de pouvoir disposer d’un 21. Il faudrait des systèmes de ensemble de pratiques concrètes gouvernance appropriés qui couvrant notamment les aspects permettent une participation active techniques de la production de des diverses parties prenantes dans géniteurs et d’alevins et de la chaîne

76 SIFFS Workshop Report

d’approvisionnement. Il faudrait polyculture, on pourrait faire appel identifier les espèces qui méritent aux connaissances et aux pratiques d’être prioritaires, et convaincre les actuelles des exploitants concernés, exploitants qu’ils auraient intérêt à en améliorant progressivement leurs les introduire dans leurs élevages. façons de faire, leurs innovations. 25. Il n’existe pas actuellement 29. Il faut remettre en question certaines d’écloseries dotées de moyens pratiques courantes de l’aquaculture techniques pour ces petites espèces commerciale et des programmes de poissons autochtones. Comme la de développement, notamment plupart d’entre elles (mola et puti l’usage de pesticides, insecticides notamment) assurent naturellement et piscicides pour se débarrasser leur recrutement, le problème peut d’espèces naturellement présentes être résolu en faisant en sorte qu’il y dans les étangs et autres masses ait à proximité de la région d’élevage d’eau. Il est à noter que, dans les un bassin permanent qui fournira au systèmes aquatiques ouverts du besoin les alevins nécessaires. nord-est du pays, on ne préconise pas 26. Dans les plaines d’inondation l’éradication des espèces autochtones de l’Inde, ces espèces étaient avant de repeupler avec des espèces traditionnellement présentes dans commerciales de plus forte taille les étangs familiaux où se pratiquait (grandes carpes indiennes, par un élevage extensif. Des expériences exemple). C’est peut-être parce que, réalisées sur douze ans par un dans ces régions, le petit poisson exploitant de Tripura avec le mola local n’est pas considéré comme du et le puri à côté d’autres espèces, poisson fourrage ou de rebut. et en utilisant du son de riz comme 30. Dans les réservoirs, ces petits aliment, il ressort que les ventes poissons génèrent souvent davantage de mola peuvent avoir une bonne d’argent que les carpes. Plutôt que rentabilité : jusqu’à 200 000 roupies d’avoir recours essentiellement (environ 3 600 €) par hectare et par à l’alevinage, il serait peut-être an, dit-on. préférable de protéger les espèces de 27. On pourrait encourager des formes petits poissons autochtones présents de pisciculture à faible coût, utilisant naturellement dans ces masses d’eau de petites espèces importantes et d’améliorer en même temps les localement. Cela conviendrait circuits commerciaux. particulièrement au Bengale, en Politiques et législation Orissa, en Assam où presque chaque ménage en zone rurale dispose d’un 31. Il n’existe aucune politique ou petit étang, surtout dans les plaines législation globale de conservation d’inondation. Il serait bon de prévoir et de gestion de ces espèces. Dans les des campagnes de vulgarisation textes en vigueur, certains éléments pour sensibiliser les agriculteurs restent cependant pertinents. Par marginaux au sujet, pour leur dire exemple, la Loi de 1897 sur la pêche qu’ils auraient intérêt à incorporer interdit des pratiques destructrices des carpes moyennes locales, (recours à des substances toxiques, économiquement importantes, et explosives, à certains engins de des vairons (minnows) dans leur capture). élevage artisanal. 32. Il serait bon de s’intéresser à 28. Pour encourager l’introduction la question des locations dans de petites espèces autochtones les pêcheries intérieures. dans la pisciculture composite ou Dans certains États, les profits

SIFFS Workshop 77 Report

vont essentiellement aux et que l’on profite ainsi davantage concessionnaires (contractors). des ressources ichtyiques. Pour la pêche en eau douce, 33. Étant donné que les petits poissons il n’existe aucune politique autochtones restent comme particulière susceptible de protéger invisibles, on ne s’est guère les droits d’accès des communautés occupé d’eux dans les politiques qui comptent sur le petit poisson et législations. Il est urgent pour se nourrir. Il y a bien sûr les d’entreprendre des études pour en législations et réglementations savoir plus sur l’intérêt économique respectives en matière de pêcheries et autre de ce poisson. On pourrait intérieures, et la plupart des ensuite fonder plus aisément des États de l’Union indienne accordent politiques appropriées sur ces certes la priorité aux coopératives données. de pêcheurs pour la location et les permis, mais beaucoup d’entre Savoir traditionnel elles n’existent plus. Faute de 34. Il serait également souhaitable de se coopératives en état de fonctionner, documenter sur les connaissances les masses d’eau sont louées à des communautés locales en matière d’autres intervenants. Du coup, de petits poissons autochtones : les communautés locales (à que savent-elles de leur intérêt commencer par les pêcheurs nutritionnel et médicinal, quelles traditionnels) sont éloignées des sont leurs pratiques et innovations ressources aquatiques et de leurs en matière de production de pêcheries. Le Madhya Pradesh géniteurs et alevins, quels sont leurs a adopté en 2008 une Politique modes de cuisson pour ce produit ? relative aux pêches intérieures Il faudrait aussi explorer la qui donne expressément la première possibilité de faire breveter, le préférence aux pêcheurs cas échéant, certaines de ces traditionnels et à leurs coopératives. connaissances via les dispositions La Politique de l’Assam dans ce même relatives aux droits de propriété domaine préserve officiellement intellectuelle afin que les les droits coutumiers des tribus communautés locales tirent et autres groupes ethniques quelque avantage de retombées autochtones. Il est indispensable commerciales éventuelles. de renforcer l’organisation des pêcheurs (en particulier en eau Les principales recommandations douce) et des coopératives afin que de l’Atelier sont reprises dans sa leurs intérêts soient mieux défendus Déclaration. 

78 SIFFS Workshop Report Appendix 5

Resumen Ejecutivo

n numerosos países en de pesquerías sostenibles de PEI. desarrollo, como la India, la Participaron en el taller 58 delegados, Ealimentación de las poblaciones entre científicos, investigadores, rurales pobres que viven en la políticos, acuicultores y miembros de la cercanía de ríos y lagos depende sociedad civil. tradicionalmente de varios tipos de La asamblea reconoció que hoy pequeñas especies indígenas de agua en día las PEI se consideran especies dulce (PEI). Sin embargo, las políticas con gran valor económico, nutritivo y y programas de pesca continental de la medioambiental, amén de un destacado Unión India y de sus estados nunca les papel como medio de sustento. Las han prestado hasta ahora la atención sesiones del seminario abordaron varios que merecen. A fin de subsanar aspectos relativos a estas especies de esta situación anómala, el Colectivo agua dulce que quedan recogidos a Internacional de Apoyo al Pescador continuación de forma somera. Artesanal (CIAPA), en colaboración con la Sociedad de Pesca Continental de Nutrición la India (IFSI en sus siglas en inglés) 1. En los países del sur y el sureste de Asia organizó un seminario nacional las PEI representan un componente titulado “Las pequeñas especies importante de la alimentación de indígenas de agua dulce y su papel muchas familias, sobre todo las que en la mitigación de la pobreza, la viven en las cercanías de los cursos de seguridad alimentaria y la conservación agua dulce. Una de las características de la diversidad biológica”, celebrado de las PEI más destacadas consiste en del 23 al 25 de febrero en el Instituto que resultan asequibles aun para las Central de Investigación de Pesquerías poblaciones pobres. Continentales (CIFRI) en Kolkata, Bengala Occidental. 2. Las comunidades tradicionales El objetivo consistía en abrir un conocen los beneficios para la salud foro para que todos aquellos de dichas especies, como demuestra involucrados en la pesca y la acuicultura el hecho de que se recomienda continentales pudiesen intercambiar su consumo a las mujeres impresiones acerca de la contribución embarazadas y lactantes, aunque este acervo tradicional apenas está de las PEI a la seguridad alimentaria, la preservación de los medios de documentado. vida de las poblaciones rurales y la 3. Merece la pena resaltar el aporte conservación de la diversidad biológica. de oligoelementos de las PEI en Pretendía asimismo discutir el contexto un contexto en el que su escasez, socioeconómico y cultural donde se la denominada “hambre oculta”, desenvuelven las actividades de captura constituye un grave problema en el y cría de PEI con miras a facilitar el sur y el sureste asiáticos. Urge que acceso de la población, y sobre todo de las autoridades presten atención al las mujeres, a una fuente de alimento y aporte de oligoelementos y no sólo de ingresos, así como proponer un al de proteínas. Las PEI constituyen espacio político para el desarrollo valiosas fuentes de micronutrientes,

SIFFS Workshop 79 Report

vitamina A y minerales como el cocinado, determinan en gran calcio, el potasio o el cinc. A guisa medida el nivel de su aporte de ejemplo, algunos experimentos alimentario. La práctica de cocer realizados en Bangladesh con la las piezas enteras parece ofrecer las mola, una especie de agua dulce de máximas ventajas nutritivas. pequeño porte y gran disponibilidad 7. Conviene asimismo desarrollar a escala local, indican que su y ejecutar medidas sostenibles y contenido de vitamina A es 89 veces económicas a gran escala con miras mayor que el de la carpa herbívora, a reforzar la gestión, conservación, una especie de uso generalizado en producción y asequibilidad de PEI la acuicultura bengalí. con alto contenido de 4. Resulta imprescindible analizar oligoelementos. el aporte nutritivo de las PEI disponibles y promover aquellas Diversidad biológica con mayor densidad de nutrientes, 8. La Oficina Nacional de Recursos que sean más asequibles y mejor Genéticos Ictiológicos (NBFGR) ha aceptadas por la población pobre. registrado 2.246 especies de peces El Consejo de Investigación Agrícola óseos, que incluyen 765 de agua de la India (ICAR) está realizando dulce. La India cuenta con un enorme el perfil nutritivo de varias especies número de especies endémicas de dentro de un estudio de cinco años. agua dulce que representan el 27,8% 5. Las estadísticas nacionales no de la fauna ictiológica indígena. Unas suelen tener en cuenta las pautas 450 especies de las 765 registradas de producción y consumo de estas pueden ser catalogadas como PEI, especies ya que los procesos de especies que no superan los treinta producción y comercialización centímetros de longitud. tienen lugar a escala muy local. Sin 9. El nordeste de la India y la embargo resulta importante conocer cordillera de los Ghats occidentales estos datos, así como recabar son auténticos hervideros de información sobre los patrones de biodiversidad de PEI. Alrededor del consumo en el seno de los hogares, 23% de las PEI sirven como fuente es decir, saber qué alimentos come de alimentación, de nutrición y de cada miembro de la familia, sobre ingresos por su valor como especies todo las mujeres y los niños. Se ha ornamentales para las poblaciones observado, por ejemplo, que en las de la región. Algunas tienen familias pobres las PEI se destinan igualmente usos medicinales. más a las mujeres, ya que vienen en porciones pequeñas que se 10. Desde la óptica de la biodiversidad, la comparten con facilidad. conservación de la diversidad de las especies y de su variación genética 6. Se necesitan campañas de defensa, cobra gran importancia con miras concienciación y educación sobre al mantenimiento a largo plazo de la contribución de los pequeños ecosistemas complejos. El NBFGR peces con alto contenido nutritivo destaca por su valor nutritivo un a la lucha contra las deficiencias centenar de PEI a cuya conservación de micronutrientes y sobre la da la máxima prioridad. importancia de una adecuada preparación culinaria. La limpieza 11. Los factores que amenazan a las del pescado, el momento en que se PEI son los mismos que ponen decide qué partes pueden comerse en peligro la biodiversidad y la y cuáles deben descartarse, y el estabilidad de los ecosistemas del

80 SIFFS Workshop Report

medio acuático, como la destrucción la conservación de las PEI de agua de hábitats, la explotación excesiva, dulce. Conviene crear a nivel estatal la contaminación agroquímica, la figura de las PEI amenazadas. industrial y doméstica, las 15. Resulta necesario contar con un prácticas de pesca ilegal como el marco legislativo eficaz y una acción uso de venenos o explosivos, la coordinada de todos los ministerios sedimentación en los cursos de agua, y órganos competentes. Los intereses las enfermedades de los peces y la de la pesca deben estar presentes introducción de variedades exóticas. en los órganos que gobiernan los Las especies exóticas, por ejemplo, humedales y los hábitats acuáticos. se han detectado ya en el nordeste Igualmente necesario resulta crear del país y su presencia supone una una conciencia comunitaria del amenaza a la diversidad de especies problema, establecer programas endógenas. En los humedales (beel), de recuperación específicos con la como el de Raumari, (distrito de participación de las poblaciones Nagaon, estado de Assam) la carpa locales y desarrollar modelos y cabezona empieza a reemplazar a estrategias de gestión que permitan la catla, mientras que en el embalse la réplica a gran escala de las de Umiam, estado de Megalaya, experiencias más interesantes. se observa la presencia de Clarias gariepinus, una especie carnívora Medios de vida exótica. Las 16. Las PEI presentes en la extensa red 12. El planteamiento actual de fluvial de la India constituyen el medio conservación de PEI no resulta eficaz de vida de numerosos pescadores. y se necesita un sistema integrado Sin embargo, las carencias en los con medidas in situ y ex situ que métodos de evaluación impiden un incluyan el concepto de “acuicultura cálculo correcto de su contribución de conservación”. Las iniciativas a la producción pesquera nacional. de gestión deben mantener En el embalse de Nagarjuna se la integridad del ecosistema observó que los ingresos que acuático. Algunas prácticas, como pescadores obtienen de las PEI la erradicación de las PEI de los triplican los procedentes de especies estanques de las piscifactorías, de mayor tamaño, y a pesar de ello los embalses y los cursos naturales las capturas de PEI siguen siendo de agua, deben corregirse sin invisibles en las estadísticas oficiales dilación. sobre producción pesquera. En la 13. La conservación debe situarse en un región de Bundelkhand, estado de marco de explotación sostenible, es Madhya Pradesh, las PEI se destinan decir, las medidas que se adopten no exclusivamente a las mujeres, deben incidir negativamente en la que las transforman y venden a seguridad alimentaria o los medios consumidores locales, brindando así de vida de las poblaciones que un medio de vida para las vendedoras dependen de estas especies. y una oferta de productos a los 14. En la India apenas se investigan consumidores. En los humedales de las PEI. Se necesita investigar más Bengala Occidental se ha observado a fin de conocer el estado de los que las PEI representan una fuente hábitats de agua dulce, la riqueza de de ingresos estable a lo largo de todo sus especies, su carácter endémico el año, aportando además mayores y las razones del deterioro, con beneficios económicos que otras miras a establecer prioridades para especies.

SIFFS Workshop 81 Report

17. El régimen de derechos que regula las partes dentro de un marco de un curso de agua determina en gran cogestión que permita una gestión medida los beneficios que reciben sostenible y equitativa. los pescadores. Los estudios realizados en algunos embalses Acuicultura indican que un sistema de cánones 22. La India ha fomentado sobre todo aporta mayores beneficios a los la acuicultura mixta de grandes pescadores que uno basado en carpas endémicas (GCE). Alrededor contratos. del 87% de la producción acuícola 18. El precio de las PEI cambia de una continental procede de tres especies región a otra y en función de la de GCE (catla, rohu y mrigal). La demanda. En el nordeste de la India, acuicultura combinada con PEI se donde entre el 80 y el 90 por ciento contempla con recelo ya que se de la población consume pescado piensa que las PEI compiten con las y existe una gran demanda de PEI, GCE por el espacio y el alimento, los precios son altos. Por otra parte, interfiriendo en su crecimiento y su especies como Puntius sophore, producción. poco populares en los estados 23. En Bangladesh algunos meridionales como Kerala, se venden experimentos de campo han a 10 rupias por kilogramo, mientras mostrado que las PEI pueden criarse que en Assam alcanzan las 200 o 300 en acuicultura combinada con las rupias. Abrir vías de contacto entre carpas sin perjudicar en absoluto los mercados permitiría popularizar o mínimamente la producción y aprovechar mejor las PEI. comercial de éstas. Para que así sea 19. La contribución actual de las PEI es necesario realizar una cosecha a los medios de sustento de las parcial periódica de las PEI después poblaciones locales debería tenerse de la cría, aumentando así el en cuenta a la hora de prever o rendimiento de las PEI y reduciendo planificar cualquier intervención su impacto sobre la producción de de captura o acuicultura. En carpas. Como las PEI se reproducen este contexto interesa revisar los espontáneamente, los acuicultores programas de refuerzo de la pesca no necesitan comprar semilla que favorecen las carpas de gran cada año. tamaño, ya que estas prácticas 24. La India cuenta con una abundante inciden en la producción de PEI y reserva genética de especies consecuentemente los medios de continentales a la que apenas se sustento de los pescadores locales, presta atención. Conviene explorar sobre todo de las mujeres que las de qué forma se puede acelerar transforman y las comercializan. la diversificación de especies en la acuicultura y desarrollar Pesquerías de captura protocolos para la cría de todas 20. Existen varios factores que amenazan estas especies, amén de investigar a las PEI y a los hábitats donde viven. si la acuicultura de PEI puede Se necesitan directrices políticas servir como complemento a la firmes para su conservación y acuicultura combinada de carpas. explotación sostenible, así como Parece importante desarrollar un para la protección de sus hábitats paquete de prácticas acuícolas que naturales. incluya la tecnología de producción 21. Se necesitan igualmente regímenes de semilla y todas las fases de la de gobernanza eficaces favorables cadena de abastecimiento. Habrá a la intervención activa de todas que identificar las especies que

82 SIFFS Workshop Report

requieren una prioridad específica y mejorarlas y aprovechar sus concienciar a los acuicultores de la innovaciones. viabilidad de la introducción de las 29. Resulta imprescindible revisar PEI en sus piscifactorías. prácticas adoptadas comúnmente 25. Todavía no existen tecnologías de en la acuicultura comercial y los incubación para PEI. No obstante, programas de refuerzo, como el como la mayor parte se reproduce uso de plaguicidas, insecticidas y espontáneamente en cautividad, piscicidas destinado a suprimir la como ocurre con mola y puti, presencia natural de especies de los esta limitación puede subsanarse estanques y los cursos de agua. En manteniendo en las zonas acuícolas los sistemas abiertos del nordeste no al menos un estanque permanente es costumbre erradicar las especies con ejemplares de PEI que pueden nativas antes de abastecer los tanques utilizarse como semilla. con especies de mayor tamaño y valor Las 26. Las PEI han estado presentes comercial como las grandes carpas tradicionalmente en los sistemas indias. Probablemente la razón de acuicultura extensiva basados consiste en que en esas regiones las en explotaciones familiares de PEI no se consideran como “plagas” las llanuras aluviales del país. o peces sin interés. Las experiencias de un acuicultor 30. En los sistemas de embalses, las PEI en Tripura, que lleva doce años generan más ingresos que las carpas cultivando mola y puti con otras cultivadas. Por esta razón, en vez de especies, utilizando como pienso obcecarse en rellenar los tanques salvado de arroz, indican que la cría con especies exógenas, sería tal vez de mola puede resultar lucrativa, con mejor centrarse en la protección de rendimientos que podrían alcanzar las PEI que se dan naturalmente en hasta 200.000 rupias anuales por esos cursos de agua y reforzar los hectárea. nexos entre mercados. 27. Podría fomentarse la acuicultura de bajo coste, que incluye a numerosas Políticas y legislación especies de escasa talla y gran 31. No existe una normativa general importancia local. Resultaría de destinada a la conservación y gran utilidad en estados como manejo de PEI. Sin embargo, Bengala, Orissa y Assam, donde sí existen algunos elementos casi todas las familias del medio de ordenación pertinentes en rural, especialmente en las llanuras algunas políticas vigentes. Por aluviales, poseen un pequeño ejemplo, la Ley Nacional de Pesca estanque. Es recomendable iniciar de 1897 prohíbe prácticas trabajos de extensión agraria para destructivas como la pesca con concienciar a los acuicultores venenos o con dinamita, así como el marginales de las ventajas de uso de ciertos aparejos. incorporar carpas de menor tamaño 32. Las políticas de concesiones en y otras especies pequeñas en sus pesquerías continentales reclaman pequeñas explotaciones acuícolas. cierta atención, ya que en algunos 28. Conviene aprovechar los estados la pesca únicamente conocimientos y prácticas actuales da beneficios a los operadores de los acuicultores a fin de promover individuales. No existen medidas la integración de las PEI en sistemas específicas para proteger el acceso de acuicultura combinada o de de las comunidades que dependen múltiples especies, procurando de las PEI a los recursos pesqueros

SIFFS Workshop 83 Report

continentales. Se aplican las 33. La invisibilidad de las PEI ha políticas generales relativas a la provocado su escasa presencia en pesca continental o a las licencias las medidas políticas y legislativas. de pesca en aguas interiores. Urge realizar estudios que La mayor parte de las políticas documenten la contribución estatales dan preferencia a las económica y de otro tipo de las PEI cooperativas de pescadores en de agua dulce a fin de establecer la asignación de concesiones y una base objetiva para el desarrollo licencias, aunque muchas de ellas no de políticas adecuadas. son operativas actualmente. Ante la ausencia de cooperativas dignas de ese nombre, las aguas continentales se Conocimiento tradicional ceden a otros actores, despojando 34. Se impone documentar el acervo a las poblaciones locales, y sobre tradicional relativo a las PEI, en todo a los pescadores tradicionales, particular los conocimientos de los recursos. En el estado de e innovaciones en torno a la Madhya Pradesh acaba de aprobarse producción de semilla y cría, a su una normativa única en su género preparación culinaria, y a su valor que da prioridad a los pescadores nutritivo y medicinal. Conviene tradicionales y a sus cooperativas. explorar la posibilidad de patentar En Assam se protegen asimismo algunos de estos conocimientos los derechos consuetudinarios de mediante el uso de los derechos los pueblos tribales y de otros de propiedad intelectual, a fin de grupos étnicos indígenas. Se impone asegurar que las comunidades reforzar las organizaciones de locales se benefician de cualquier pescadores y acuicultores de aguas posible utilización comercial de este interiores, incluidas las cooperativas, patrimonio. a fin de que puedan defender sus Los participantes en el taller intereses y extraigan el máximo elaboraron una Declaración que recoge beneficio posible de los recursos las principales recomendaciones pesqueros. acordadas. 

84 SIFFS Workshop Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity Workshop Report

This is the report on the workshop on “Small Indigenous Freshwater Fish Species: Their Role in Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Conservation of Biodiversity”, organized by the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) in collaboration with the Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI). The workshop was a forum for exchange of views on the role of small indigenous freshwater fish species (SIFFS) in enhancing rural food supply and livelihood security, and in conserving biodiversity. The workshop also discussed the socioeconomic and cultural contexts for the culture and capture of SIFFS, and how to enhance access—especially for women—to better incomes, livelihoods and nutritional security, through appropriate policy spaces.

This report provides a fresh focus on SIFFS, usually regarded as ‘trash’ fish. It urges scientists, researchers and decisionmakers to develop policy and legislative measures to ensure the conservation and promotion of SIFFS, both in capture- and culture-fisheries systems. This report will be useful for fishworker organizations, researchers, policymakers, fish farmers, members of civil society and anyone interested in fisheries and livelihoods.

The Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI) is dedicated to promoting the cause of inland fisheries in the country. It is a well-recognized scientific forum that was formed in 1969 at the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore. The Society publishes the ‘Journal of the Inland Fisheries Society of India’ as well as original research work, monographs, invited review articles and books on specialized subjects for exchange and dissemination of information both within the country and abroad. The Society also offers opportunities for infusing new interest in fisheries by organizing scientific meetings, symposia, seminars, workshops and lectures.

ICSF is an international NGO working on issues that concern fishworkers the world over. It is in status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN and is on ILO’s Special List of Non-Governmental International Organizations. It also has Liaison Status with FAO. As a global network of community organizers, teachers, technicians, researchers and scientists, ICSF’s activities encompass monitoring and research, exchange and training, campaigns and action, as well as communications.

ISBN 978-93-80802-01-5