Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences Vol. 45(10), October 2016, pp. 1292-1298

Check list of fish species availability in Rupsha River, : Threat identification and recommendation for sustainable management

Md. Yeamin Hossain1,*, Md. Mosaddequr Rahman2, Mir Mohammad Ali3, Md. Alomgir Hossen1, Fairuz Nawer1, Ali H. Bahkali4, Mohamed S. El-Shikah4, Md. Mahmudul Islam5, Abdallah M. Elgorban4 & Zoarder Faruque Ahmed6

1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh 2Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan 3 Faculty of Fisheries, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh 4Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 5Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh 6Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh *[E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]]

Received 11 February 2015; revised 21 December 2015

Present study was conducted to assess fish species availability in the Rupsha River during February 2012 to January 2013. A total of 64 species of fish under 11 orders and 30 families were documented during the study period. Perciformes was the most dominant order constituting 34.38% of the total fish population followed by the Cypriniformes (25%), Siluriformes (18.75%), Clupeiformes (4.69%), Synbranchiformes (4.69%), Mugiliformes (3.13%) and Tetraodontiformes (3.13%). Osteoglossiformes, Beloniformes, Anguiliformes, and Aulopiformes were the least numerous orders constituting only 1.56% each of the total fish population. Among them, 5 species were vulnerable, 8 species were endangered and only 1 species were critically endangered. In addition, 48.43% of the available fishes are categorized as rare or very rare in the present study while only 23.44% species were available in large quantities throughout the year.

[Keywords: Conservation policy, Fish availability, Rupsha River, Threat]

Introduction Bangladeshi rivers and streams5,6. This status also Rupsha River runs by the side of city and resembles in the overall fish production of the country connects to Poshur River at Mongla channel before where the contribution of inland capture fisheries has finally falls into the Bay of . Many factories significantly declined from 50% to 35% in recent including fisheries, dockyard, shipyard factories are years7. situated on the bank of this river. This river also To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no supports livelihood and nutritional security of the previous studies regarding fish species availability in people living alongside through different fisheries the Rupsha River, which is a barrier to the activities. Rupsha River acts as a breeding ground for implementation of National Biodiversity Strategy and various freshwater and marine water species. Action Plan8. In addition, to manage fisheries The management and conservation of aquatic resources of Rupsha River effectively, it is necessary biodiversity have gained great ecological importance to find out the threats to the resources. This study over recent years1,2. For sustainable exploitation and aims to provide information on fish species proper management of resources it is important to availability, threats to the fisheries resources and to know the variety of the resources types and their provide recommendations for sustainable fisheries availability. This sense is more significant when we management in Rupsha River, Bangladesh. know that the freshwater fisheries resources are in threat all over Bangladesh where 12 fish species are Materials and Methods critically endangered, 28 are endangered, 14 are The present study was conducted in the Rupsha vulnerable3,4. It is also pointed out that because of River, southwestern Bangladesh from February 2012 over-exploitation accelerated by different ecological to January 2013. Samples were collected fortnightly changes and natural habitats' deterioration, most of from pre-selected fishermen’s catch from the Rupsha the wild populations have severely reduced in River landed at different fish landing centers (Custom HOSSAIN et al.: FISH SPECIES IN RUPSHA RIVER: THREATS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT 1293

ghat, Rupsha ghat, Shipyard and Labanchara) (Figure Siluriformes (18.75%), Clupeiformes (4.69%), 1). Synbranchiformes (4.69%), Mugiliformes (3.13%) and Tetraodontiformes (3.13%). Osteoglossiformes, Beloniformes, Anguiliformes, and Aulopiformes were the least numerous orders constituting only 1.56% each of the total fish population (Figure 2). In our study, 14 species were identified as threatened, among them 5 (35.71 %) species as vulnerable, 8 (57.14 %) species as endangered and 1 (7.14 %) species as critically endangered were categorized3 and presented in figure 3. However, alarmingly 31.25% of the fish species found during the study are categorized as very rare while 17.18% species were grouped as rare due to low catch amount. On the other hand, 28.13% species were found in small quantities while only 23.44% species were available in large quantities throughout the year (Figure 4).

Fig. 1— Map showing location of the , southwestern Bangladesh (Main source: Google map; Accessed on: 20 February 40 2014). 35

Fish were usually caught by means of the 30 traditional fishing gears such as cast net (jhaki jal), 25 square lift net (tar jal), conical trap (dughair), fish angles (Borsi), and fish barrier (Thaga). Fresh 20 ecies (%) ecies samples were immediately chilled in ice on site and 15 fixed with 10% buffered formalin upon arrival at the Sp laboratory. The collected fish samples were identified 10 by evaluating their morphometric and meristic 5 characteristics9,10,11. Availability of fish species were determined on the 0 basis of their abundance during sampling and survey through interviewing of 50 fishermen and fish traders following the questionnaire pattern4. In addition, erciformes P Siluriformes Siluriformes Clupeiformes Beloniformes necessary data and information on threats to Mugiliformes Anguiliformes Aulopiformes biodiversity and its conservation were collected Cypriniformes Tetradontiformes through the survey on the fishers, fish farmers, fish Synbranchiformes Osteoglossiformes traders, teachers, students, researchers, Government Order and NGO personnel and experienced persons related Fig. 2— Fish species composition under different order found in 4 to fisheries sectors, and available literatures . the Rupsha River, southwestern Bangladesh Data analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5 software, while figures were made by Major threats to the fisheries resources in the Microsoft® Excel 2007. Rupsha River include destructive fishing methods applied by different fishermen, indiscriminate fishing Results of fry-fingerlings and gravid females, habitat The present study reveals 64 species of fish under modification, water diversion, siltation, low water 11 orders and 30 families in the Rupsha River, velocity. In addition, a series of barrages and dams Bangladesh (Table 1). Perciformes was the most have been constructed in the upper segment of dominant order constituting 34.38% of the total fish Rupsha and adjacent linking rivers from Jessore to population followed by the Cypriniformes (25%), . Also, the construction of Khan 1294 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 45, NO. 10 OCTOBER 2016

Jahan Ali Bridge over the river Rupsha disrupts the Siluriformes and Cypriniformes. These results are water flow and by that may have a detrimental effect reasonable because these three groups are the most on feeding and spawning ground for fishes and may dominant in freshwaters of Bangladesh12,10,4. In our also interrupt the migratory routes. Additionally, the present investigation, 21.88% of the total fish species waste products of a number of factories that are from the Rupsha River is recorded as threatened3. As located on the bank of Rupsha River pollute its water. well, 48.43% of the available fishes are categorized as Also, agrochemicals including fertilizers and rare or very rare in the present study. All these pesticides washed out with the rain water and drained findings are indicating the need for urgent into the river also pollute the water. These pollutants management and conservation measures. It is could negatively affect the spawning and feeding important to address all the threats and to act behavior of fishes. accordingly in order to avoid worsening of the situation and to start improving the overall condition. Threats mentioned earlier figured out during the Vulnerable 35.71% present study are all common threats to freshwater fisheries resources all over the world13,14,15,16,17,18,19,4. Same reasons for declining the species have also found in the lower part of River, Bangladesh Endangered 20, 21, 22,23 57.14% .

Critically endangered Detail information on the life history traits 7.14% including reproductive biology, growth, distribution, abundance of fishes are prerequisite for any effective management strategies planned for sustainable Fig. 3— Percentage of threatened fish in the Rupsha River, fisheries management and conservation. In addition, southwestern Bangladesh for better management of the fisheries resources in the Rupsha River the following measurements could be Throughout the year taken: establishing and maintaining available fish large quantities Very rare 23.44% sanctuaries, banning indiscriminate fishing especially 31.25% during spawning season, identification and protection of the breeding and nursery grounds, encouraging the farmers to introduce integrated pest management (IPM), reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, introduction of fish bypasses to facilitate Throughout the year Rare small quantities 17.18% fish migration, restocking economically important 28.13% fish species, training of the fishermen, encourage community-based organizations for fisheries Fig. 4— Percentage of fish on the basis of availability in the Rupsha River, southwestern Bangladesh management at community level, establishment of waste treatment plants in the factories, formulating Discussion new legislation concerning the current situation, and The number and composition of species recorded finally strict implementation of existing conservation in this study are the first documentation in the Rupsha regulations and ensuring proper punishment of the River. However, the documentation of the species culprits. Furthermore, financial assistance from found here as well as their availability is critical; this government and non-government organizations is together with the identification of the threats will help indispensable with the intension of initiating further formulating the needed conservation measures. surveys, research, monitoring and raising awareness Because of no previous information on the fish among the people for better management and availability or biodiversity of this river, it was not conservation of fisheries resources in the Rupsha possible to compare the present findings. Perciformes River, Bangladesh. was the most diversified fish group considering both the number of species and individuals followed by

HOSSAIN et al.: FISH SPECIES IN RUPSHA RIVER: THREATS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT 1295

Table 1 — List of fish species in the Rupsha River, southwestern Bangladesh

Order Family Scientific name Habit Common Local Avail Sta- S1 S2 S3 S4 -at name name - tus* abilit y Anguilliformes Ophichthidae Pisodonophis MW, Longfin Snake VR √ √ cancrivorus FW, snake-eel eel BW Aulopiformes Synodontidae Harpadon MW, Bombay- Loitta TYL √ √ nehereus BW duck Beloniformes Belonidae Xenentodon MW, Freshwater Kakila VR √ √ √ cancila BW garfish Clupeiformes Clupeidae Gonialosa FW, Ganges Chapila R √ √ √ √ manmina BW river gizzard shad Gudusia chapra FW, Indian river Chapila R √ √ √ BW shad Engraulidae Setipinna phasa FW, Gangetic Phasa TYL √ √ BW, hairfin EW anchovy Cypriniformes Cobitidae Lepidocephalichth FW Annandale Gutum VR √ √ ys annandalei loach Cyprinidae Cirrhinus FW, Mrigal Mrigal TYS √ √ √ cirrhosus BW Devario devario FW Sind danio Banspat TYS √ √ √ √ a Labeo bata FW Bata Bata TYS EN √ √ √ Labeo boga FW Bhangan Bhanga VR CE √ √ √ n Labeo boggut FW Boggut Ghonia R √ √ labeo Labeo calbasu FW Orange-fin Kalibau TYS EN √ √ √ labeo s Labeo rohita FW Rohu Rui TYL √ √ Puntius chola FW Swamp Punti TYL √ √ barb Pethia conchonius FW Rosy barb Kancha TYS √ √ √ n punti Puntius gelius FW Golden Gilipun TYS √ √ √ barb ti Puntius guganio FW Glass-barb Mola TYL √ √ √ √ punti Puntius sophore FW, Puntio barb Punti TYL BW Puntius terio FW Onespot Teri TYL √ √ barb punti Pethia ticto FW, Ticto barb Tit TYS VU √ √ BW punti Securicula gora FW Ghora Ghora TYS √ √ √ √ chela chela Mugiliformes Mugilidae Rhinomugil FW, Corsula Khorsul R √ √ √ √ corsula BW, a EW Sicamugil FW Yellowtail Kachki TYS √ √ √ cascasia mullet Osteoglossiform Notopteridae Notopterus FW, Bronze Chital VR VU √ √ √ es notopterus BW featherback 1296 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 45, NO. 10 OCTOBER 2016

Perciformes Badidae Badis badis FW Badis Napte VR EN √ √ √ koi Channidae Channa orientalis FW, Walking Gachua VR VU √ √ √ BW, snakehead EW Channa marulius FW Great Gozar R EN √ √ snakehead Channa punctata FW, Spotted Taki TYL √ √ √ BW snakehead Channa striata FW Snakehead Shol TYS √ √ murrel Eleotridae Eleotris fusca MW, Dusky Bhut VR √ √ √ FW, sleeper bele BW Gobiidae Acentrogobius MW, Tropical Nuna TYS √ √ caninus FW, sand goby baila BW Awaous MW, Bailla Bailla TYS √ √ √ guamensis FW, BW Glossogobius MW, Tank goby Bele TYL √ √ √ giuris FW, BW Pseudapocryptes FW, Chewa R √ √ √ elongatus BW Taenioides MW, Burmese Raja VR √ √ buchanani FW, gobyeel chewa BW Latidae Lates calcarifer MW, Barramundi Bhetki R √ √ √ FW, BW Leiognathidae Leiognathus MW, Common Tak VR √ √ √ √ equulus FW, ponyfish chanda BW Nandidae Nandus nandus FW, Gangetic Nodoi / R VU √ √ BW leaffish Meni/ Bheda Osphronemidae Trichogaster FW Banded Khailsh TYL √ √ √ fasciata gourami a Tricogaster FW Dwarf Lal TYS √ laliusa gourami kholish a Pseudosphromenu FW, Spiketail Koi TYL √ √ s cupanus BW paradisefis h Polynemidae Polynemus MW, Paradise Taposi TYL √ √ paradiseus FW, threadfin BW Sciaenidae Otolithoides pama MW, Pama Poa TYL √ √ √ √ FW, croaker BW Sillaginidae Sillaginopsis MW, Flathead Tular TYS √ √ panijus FW, sillago danti BW Toxotidae Toxotes chatareus FW, Largescale Goti VR √ √ √ BW archerfish poa Trichiuridae Lepturacanthus MW, Savalai Churi VR √ √ savala FW hairtail Siluriformes Bagridae Mystus gulio FW, Long Nuna- R √ √ √ BW whiskers tengra catfish HOSSAIN et al.: FISH SPECIES IN RUPSHA RIVER: THREATS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT 1297

Mystus vittatus FW, Striped Tengra TYL √ √ BW dwarf catfish Sperata seenghala FW, Giant river- Air TYL √ √ √ BW catfish Erethistidae Pseudolaguvia FW, Painted Kani TYS √ √ ribeiroi BW catfish tengra Heteropneustida Heteropneustes FW, Stinging Shingi TYS √ √ √ √ e fossilis BW catfish Pangasiidae Pangasius FW, Yellowtail Pangas TYS √ √ pangasius BW catfish Schilbeidae Ailia coila FW, Gangetic Kajuli VR √ √ √ BW ailia Ailiichthys FW Jamuna Kajuli R √ √ √ punctata ailia Siluridae Ompok FW, Butter Kani VR EN √ √ bimaculatus BW catfish pabda Ompok pabda FW Pabdah Madhu R EN √ √ catfish pabda Ompok pabo FW Pabo Pabda VR EN √ √ √ √ catfish catfish Wallago attu FW, Wallago Boal TYS √ √ √ BW Synbranchiform Mastacembelida Macrognathus FW, Lesser Tara VR √ √ √ e e aculeatus BW spiny eel baim Mastacembelus FW, Zig-zag eel Baim VR EN √ √ √ armatus BW Synbranchidae Monopterus FW Cuchia Kuchia VR VU √ √ cuchia Tetraodontiform Tetraodontidae Tetraodon FW, Ocellated Tepa VR √ √ es cutcutia BW pufferfish Tetraodon FW, Green Potka VR √ √ fluviatilis BW pufferfish

FW, Fresh water; MW, Marine water; BW, Brackish water, EW, Estuarine water; TYS, throughout the year in small amount; TYL, throughout the year in large amount; R, rare; VR, very rare; Status*, IUCN Bangladesh (2000); EN, endangered; VU, vulnerable; CE, critically endangered; S1, Custom ghat; S2, Rupsha ghat; S3, Shipyard and S4 Labanchara.

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