gears of the Brahmaputra drainage system

There is paucity of reliable catch statistics as well as economic value of the freshwater diversity of the Indian rivers. Only some sporadic reports on the fish catch statistics are available from the Brahmaputra drainage system (Sengupta and Jacob, 1968; Biswas et al., 1995). The catch composition of fish from flood plain wetlands of Assam is very alarming in terms of reduced species availability, under size fish and declining production. Fish production of river or beel largely depends on the gears and devices applied for fishing (Lagler, 1978). The study for development of capture without taking into consideration of fisher and the devices they use will not be fruitful. The earliest record of conventional fishing gear and their mode of operation in Assam was probably that of Day (1877) whose work was based on a survey conducted by F Buchannon-Hamilton during 1807-1813 (Boruah, 1999). As fishing is carried out almost throughout the year barring the ‘closed season’(1st May to 15th July) in some places only and fishing methods vary in different stretches of the river, major fishing devices and operational methods have been documented in this book that has been carried out between 2006 and 2013. Information on , size and span of gears, mesh size, size and type of fish species caught and fishing time were recorded following Gulland (1975). However, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Prior Informed Consent (PIC) technique has also been applied to validate the collected data. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the major gears was calculated following Biswas (1993).

Fishing: The age old practice and its need for documentation

Fishing is an ancient practice that dates back at least to the paleolithic period which began about 40,000 years ago. There are many techniques of fishing in Assam that form the livelihood for the fisher, some of which are unique and represent the culture too. The traditional wisdom of the fisher of Assam and the fishing crafts and gears designed by fisher explicitly show the traditional wisdom perpetuated through generations. Unfortunately, these practices which are in vogue in throughout rural Assam, are little documented and there is a danger of extinction of this knowledge. Though these methods of fishing needs further investigation and proper validation, it is imperative to record the information that has passed on from their ancestors and may disappear in course of time.

Fishers may use fishing nets, traps, hooks as well as fishing rods and line to capture fish. The method of fishing in the in the river Brahmaputra are diverse and broadly 8 major categories of gears, mostly indigenous are used throughout the valley (Jhingran, 1991). Again, Boruah (1999) recorded 24 numbers of fishing gear from upper Brahmaputra basin. Recently, Baruah et al. (2010) reported 30 varieties of fishing traps from the Brahmaputra valley where as Bania (2011) and Bania and Biswas (2011) reported 34 fishing gears with five broad groups from upper Brahmaputra valley. Many of the gears reported are indigenous in nature but many of the gears are yet to be explored and reported. Moreover, the rich diverse fish fauna of the state of Assam is concentrated in major rivers, its tributaries, reservoirs, flood plain wetlands, etc., but the detailed study of fishing methods, may be traditional or not, with respect to their operation and rationale behind their use is lacking, therefore a endeavour has made to furnish the details about fishing knowledge of the Brahmaputra basin.

Fishing gear: Criteria for selection

Selection of fishing gear is a significant criterion to have a good catch. It is influenced by various factors such as topography of water body, nature of fish stock, behaviour of fish and the characteristics of the raw material from which the gears are fabricated (Sinha, 1994). In Assamese, the fishing nets are called as jal- which is broadly of two types- stationary or fixed and moving type. In case of stationary gears, the nets are kept fixed at a particular position. The upward or downward movement of nets helps to entangle fish that are strolling near the net. In moving types, nets are operated mostly from a boat. Besides, some gears are used in both lentic and lotic water systems, whereas some gears are specific to the wetlands or the shallow water bodies and still others are specific to deep, flowing waters. Along with the nets, a wide array of traps is commonly used in the shallow water bodies of the Brahmaputra basin. All of these traps are made up of either bamboo slips or cane except the cylindrical nylon mosquito net trap. On the other hand nets are of plastic or nylon made. Traps are usually fixed at a convenient place for days and periodical checking is made for any trapped organisms which can be retrieved alive without any damage. Many of fishing methods are location specific, species specific, (targeting a particular species) and resources specific. Further, some gears are used in specific season while others are operated round the year. Evidences are in favour of fishing by traditional devices which will not give any ill effect to the ecosystem. Economically backward population of fisher can not afford the high cost fishing devices. So the traditional fishing practices can give livelihood for a large section of poor fisher (Prasad et al., 2013).

Fishing gears of Brahmaputra basin Different types of fishing gears are used by the fisher operating in Brahmaputra basin depending upon the availability of water, depth and type of water body, size and type of the species intended to be caught and number of man power involved in the activity. These fishing gears are basically of four categories. These are:-

A. Nets; B. Traps; C. Hooks and lines; D. Unconventional methods

Again, the fishing nets used in the Brahmaputra basin are broadly of two types

a. Stationary or Fixed type

b. Moving type

A. Nets a. Stationary or fixed type: The types of fixed net operated in the Brahmaputra basin are briefly described below:-

Bagh jal (Funnel net): This funnel shaped net is operated in rainy months from March to October. The anterior or mouth part is too much broad (diameter 30-45m), gradually tapers at the posterior end forming a closed sac. The net is 40-45m long. But the mesh size of the net varies from anterior to posterior extremity. The mesh size is larger in extreme anterior part (3-3.5cm) than middle (2-2.5cm) and posterior end (0.5-1cm). The circumference of the mouth part is provided with thick a plastic rope which is extended in both the ends. The net is supported with 4 large sized bamboo poles- two at corner and rest two at the middle portion of the net. Another two pieces of bamboo is placed at the middle of the net which offer rigidity to the net and kept it open. This type of net is used only at night and requires 4-7 numbers of fisher for successful operation of the net. The net is set only against the water current and it is absolutely useless if there is no water current. The catch comprises of mainly large sized . The fishing intensity or catch per unit effort (cpue) of the gear ranges from 4.2 to 11.8.

Bagh jal (Funnel net) Bhor jal (Dip net): It is a type of fixed . It is hanged with 6 numbers of bamboo pools. At the time of operation two bamboo poles of one side are removed to dip the net under water. The net of this (submerged) side is made straight and rigid with the help of another piece of bamboo. After 2-3 hrs the net is lifted up to collect the trapped fishes and placed again in the same fashion. The length is 6-8m, width about 3-4m and mesh size ranges from 1.5-2.5cm. Two men are required to operate the net. The net is mostly used in winter season. Along with all kinds of medium and large sized fishes (Labeo spp, Wallago attu), turtles are also caught in this net.

Bhor jal (Dip net) operated in beel

Current jal (Gill net): This gill net is 10-50m in length whereas the width varied from 0.8-2m. The mesh size measures 3-6cm. The net is made up of nylon fibres which are quite invisible under water. That is why it is regarded as detrimental to not only fishes but also to other aquatic fauna. Two persons are required to operate the net. Though it is a fixed type net, no pole is required to fix it. In spite of that two floats are attached at both the ends of the upper line. Small sinkers are attached in an interval of about 1m. One person releases the net in the river from boat and leaves it for a minimum of 15 minutes and collects it from one end to remove the catch. Medium and even large sized fishes are trapped by this type of net. Among the catches Catla catla, Labeo spp, Ompok spp. are prominent ones. This is also a prohibited gear under Fisheries Act. The cpue was found within 8.9-12.5.

Current jal (Gill net) in operation

Dheki jal (Lift net): The triangular lift net is about 12-15m in two sides which is supported by bamboo poles, tied together in the base point through which the lift net is operated. The anterior or free portion of the net measures about 6-8m. Mesh size ranges from 1-1.5 cm. A total of thirteen numbers of bamboo poles of unequal size are required to set the net in shallow part of a river or wetland. At the time of operation the nylon ropes of the bamboo poles are kept free to dip the net in water. After 20-30 minutes, the net is lifted up and again the nylon ropes are tied to keep the net in lifted condition to collect the catch. The catch comprises of diverse groups of fishes. A square type net locally called as “geoli” is attached at the base portion to keep the trapped fish alive. The size of geoli measures 0.8-1m in length and 0.7-0.8m in width. This lift net is used during receding flood mainly in August-September and also during pre monsoon rain (March-April). A single fisher can operate the net. The cpue was recorded as 1.2-5.8.

Dheki jal (Lift net) used in shallow river

Tongi jal (Lift net): This type of lift net is square in shape. The length and width measure about 2-3m2 with very small mesh size (0.2-0.4cm). Two pieces of split bamboo is crossed in such a way that all the four sides are equal in size. Now, the square net is tied to the four corners of the bamboo split with nylon ropes. One 4-5 m long bamboo pole is tied at the centre point where the bamboo splits crossed. The end point of the bamboo pole is pressed by toe to regulate the net. Another piece of thick plastic rope is connected at the apex or cross point to lift the net up and down. This rope must be at least 2m longer than the bamboo pole. The net is dipped in water; kept for 5-10 minutes under water and lifted again to collect the catch. The net is frequently used in monsoon for catching small sized barbs and cat fishes. Another type of lift net is also found to be operated, where all the structure as well as the working principle is same, but the rope for lifting the net is missing and it is lifted up by the bamboo pole only. These nets are detachable and can be kept detached when not in use. This net is also operated by a single person.

Preparation of the Tongi jal

A tribal woman operating Tongi jal

Fisher with Tongi jal in River Brahmaputra during flood

Fansi jal (Gill net): Fansi jal is a fixed type of net. This net is used throughout the year. It is a small meshed net (2-3cm), usually tied to bamboo poles or tree branches on the river bank. The head and tail rope of the net are provided with floaters and sinkers respectively so that the net remain vertical in position and allowed to drift along with water current. The net is of varying size and usually placed in the open river or near the mouth of the channel of a wetland during evening hours. The catches are hauled in early morning. Small and medium sized fish which try to swim over are gilled in this net. Sometimes baby dolphin and snakes are also entangled in this net. This is a banned net but illegally operated under the cover of night.

Fisher putting Fansi jal Langi jal (Gill net): This type of gill net is fixed with the help of two bamboo poles. The ends of the upper line which is attached with floats are tied with the poles at the two ends. Small burned earthen petri dish or iron sinkers are attached at the base line. The size of the net measures 65-80 m having a width of 2-2.5m with a mesh size of 8-10 cm. The net is used throughout the year. Two persons are required to operate the net. The net can be checked after 1-2 hours to remove the catch or sometimes the net is kept overnight. Mostly large sized fishes are caught by this net.

Knitting of Langi jal

Langi jal in operation Ari langhi (Gill net): This type of gill net resembles the langhi jal both in shape, structure and mode of operation except in size. The length of the net measures 40-60m, width 2-2.5m and mesh size from 3-5cm. The net is designed to catch medium sized fishes. This all season net is required two persons for its effective operation. Rou langhi (Gill net): This type of gill net is designed to catch large sized fishes specially Labeo rohita (rou), hence the name. The net measures 20-30m in length, 1-2m in width and 4-8cm mesh size. It also involves two persons to operate the net. Fixed with bamboo poles the net is provided with necessary floats and sinkers. The net is operated throughout the year. The catch mostly comprises of Rohu, Mirika etc. Phelni (Triangular basket net): Locally known as phelni or thela jal, is one of the most common and widely used net in shallow waters particularly in pre and post monsoon months. It is operated by a single person and most often by a fisher woman. This fishing gear is made up of mosquito net having a broad base, triangular in shape and supported by bamboo structure with a handle of about 1m for holding the gear. The length of the phelni is about 2m and width of the mouth is about 1.2m. The advantage of the gear is that it can be operated in weed infested, swampy waterbodies for trapping air breathing and bottom dwelling fish. In shallow water, the /woman push the gear in the swampy area by trampling the weed (if needed) and lift the net every after 2-3 minutes interval. Generally, Channa, Anabus, Puntius Polyacanthus, Mastacembalus. Rasbora and other small sized fishes are caught. The cpue of this trap ranges from 0.9-1.6.

Phelni (Triangular basket net) Saru langhi (Gill net): The net is the smallest one among the gill nets operated in DSNP. Mode of operation is same as that of langhi jal. The length of the net varies from 5-15m while width is about 1m and mesh size from 1-1.5cm. This net requires two persons to operate from a country boat. Small sized fishes including Puntius spp, Mystus spp are among the catches. b. Moving type: Moving nets are mostly seine nets operated in the Brahmaputra basin. Ber Jal (Seine net): This is one of the largest fishing nets operated in the water bodies of Brahmaputra basin. Though it looks like gill net, but it is moving type and it is operated by 3-4 persons. The net is 20-30m in length and 3-4m in width. The mesh size ranges from 2-2.5cm. Empty plastic containers at regular intervals are tied with the upper portion of the net as float and iron balls are tie d with the lower portion of the net a sinker. Heavy rope is provided in the upper line of the net for convenience of pulling the net. One person along with the boatman takes to the river and slowly releases the net so that a specified portion of the river is encircled. The rest of the person standing on the bank, pulls on the net towards them. The net is mostly used to catch medium and large sized fishes and operated usually during post monsoon months.

Ber jal

Ghaila ber (Seine net): This is probably the largest operated by 20-30 fishermen. This net is usually operated in the deeper pools, confluences or at river meanderings where the depth of the river is high. The Length of the net varies from 85-100m whereas the width ranges from 3-4 m. The mesh size is about 5-7cm. Necessary floats and sinkers are tied with the two vertical ends of the net to make the gear erect during operation. The mode of operation of ghaila ber is more or less same as that of the ber jal. However, more manpower and boats are required during operation of the net due to its enormous size. This net is also operated in post monsoon months from October to April. Indian Major Carps, giant catfishes, Tor spp. are usually caught by this net. Ghisa jal (Seine net): The mode of operation is same as in ber jal. 3-4 persons are required to operate the seine net along with a boat. The net is 50-60m in length and 2-3m in width. The mesh size ranges from 1-1.5cm. A person keep one end in the boat and other two persons release the net in the river while moving the boat. The entire upper side of the jal possesses heavy rope for convenience of pulling the net. It also bears sinkers at its bottom lines. All kinds of medium and large sized fishes are caught by this net. This net is operated mostly in post monsoon and winter months. Ghon ber (Seine net): This net is also resembles the ber jal. But it is much longer (60-70m) and relatively shorter in width (1.5-2.5m). The mesh size is 3-4cm. Floats and sinkers are provided to make the gear vertically straight while in operation. The mode of operation is like that of ber jal. 6-8 persons are required to operate the net. All kinds of fishes are caught by this net. It is operated in the post monsoon months.

Cast Net: This type of net is thrown in water in a circular fashion either from the bank or from a boat. The name “” is due to its mode of operation. Different types of cast nets operated in the Brahmaputra basin are described below. Khewali jal: This variety of cast net is somewhat conical in shape and arguably the most common net operated in the basin. A line is attached at the end point to pull the net. Heavy sinkers are attached in a short interval of l0-15cm above the base line forming a cavity where the fish entangles. The net measures 8-10m with a mesh size of 3-5cm. The tapering end where the line is attached is completely closed. The other broad open end measures 15-20m in diameter. The net is casted from the boat. The fishes are entangled within the circumference of the net which is retrieved by slowly pulling the line. The net is operated through out the year except in high flood. Cpue of the gear is 6.5-8.4.

Khewali jal operated in tributary of Brahmaputra in post monsoon

Fishing with Khewali jal in Maijan beel Community fishing with khewali jal

Ghon khewali: This net is also a type of cast net. It resembles the khewali jal except in length and mesh size. The mode of operation and its construction procedure is also same. But the size and mesh size varies. The name “ghon khewali” is due to its smaller mesh size. The length of the net varies from 3-5m whereas the diameter of the broader end is 7-10m with a mesh size of 0.8- 1cm. While the net, the fisher stands on the bank or on the boat. The net operated by a single person is used to catch small and medium sized fishes.

Fishing in the Brahmaputra during flood

Operation of cast net in Maguri beel, Tinsukia Fisher showing the catch

Synchronized operation of cast net in monsoon Hat jal (Scoop net)

This cone shaped net is made up of nylon net which is stitched to a bamboo ring, attached to a long bamboo pole of about 5 ft. Drag netting is one among the major fishing operation in the beels of Assam. After drag netting, the small fishes which become moribund float on the water surface. These fishes are collected basically by the children with the hat jal. This is practiced during March-April when the water level is very low in the beels (Nath, 2010) to collect small sized fishes viz. Mowa (A. mola), Dorikona (R. doniconius), Puthi (Puntius spp.) etc. This method of fishes is reported to be operated by the mainly by the Tea Garden community.

Kapda jal (Mosquito net): Mosquito net is commonly known as kapda jal. It is a type of moving gear. The mesh size of this net is very small (0.1-0.2 cm). It is a very destructive fishing gear as not even the eggs can escape from this net. Though the net is declared as banned gear, it is widely used in DSNP throughout the year. It is operated by two persons who drag the net in shallow water from both sides. Small sized fishes mostly caught by this net. The cpue of this net ranges from 1.8-2.4.

Women operating mosquito net in river

Catch of kapda jal B. Traps

Bati mach (Bowl fishing): This gear is made up of a small disc made up of steel. This disc (bowl) is covered by thin cotton cloth and a hole is made at the middle of the disc. Atta is spread over the disc to attract the fishes. The gear is kept under water in the shallow area. When the fishes come to eat the food, they are trapped in the bowl. Generally small fishes (fry or fingerlings) are caught by this device. It has to be checked frequently (every10-15 min or whenever the entry of fish is noticed), otherwise fishes will come out. This trap is reported for the first time from River Burhi Dehing in Jeypore Researve Forest area in 2010 (Bania, 2010). The same has also been reported from Dibru Saikhowa area (Bania, 2011).

Bati mach placed in shallow part of river Borchaloni (Sieve fishing): This fishing method is operated in weed infested swamps or in paddy fields where the water level is very low. The gear used in this method is the sieve, locally called as ‘chaloni’, also used for clear out the paddy. It is made up of split bamboo, round in shape and perforated. Mesh size varies from 1-1.5cm. Small sized fishes viz. Aspidoparia sp., Puntius sp., Colisa sp. are basically caught in the gear. The gear, known to be used largely by the womenfolk is deeped in water and left for 1-2 minute, then lifted up to collect the catch. The catch is then kept in the ‘khaloi’, a special restore device, they carry with them.

Women with sieve and khaloi to catch fish

Chai: Chai is a fishing trap newly reported in September, 2012 from the River Burhi Dehing, a tributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra (Bania and Borah, 2013). “Chai” is a vernacular word used by Tie phakial community. The device is found to be specifically used by the people of phakial community of Tiphake village near Jaypore Reserve Forest of Dibrugarh district, Assam. This community people came to this valley from Saukham valley of Tibet. The distribution of these people is restricted to upper Assam only. There are only 9 villages of this community in Assam. Out of which two (Namphake and Tipam phake)) are in Dibrugarh district and rest seven (Borphake, Monmo, Longphake, Nonglai, Mounglang, Ningdam, Faneng) are in Tinsukia district with a total population of less than 3000.

Mostly indigenous traps are found to be operated in the shallow wetlands only in post monsoon and winter months. But chai is used to operate in the comparatively shallow part of the river system in monsoon month to trap the large sized fishes. This conical fixed gear is made up of split bamboo rods of varying length according to required size. These are interwoven by bamboo stripes to give it a round shape as well as rigidity. The length of the gear is 1.5-2.0m. The posterior (tapering) end of the trap is closed whereas the anterior part is open for entry of fish. Mesh size ranges from 5-8cm.

Chai: The gear

The open mouthpart is 0.9-1.4 metre in diameter and the trap valve is very unique. The trap is kept fixed in the shallower part of the river with help of 2 bamboo pools fitted at the anterior portion. This is supported by another two bamboo pools which cross at the anterior part. Tree branches are placed near the mouth of the chai. It is operated by a single person. The trap valve is fitted at the anterior open part of the gear covering almost one third of the bamboo pool. It is rectangular in shape, made up of bamboo stripes and

Chai placed in river Burhi Dehing also interwoven by bamboo stripes having a gap of 1.5 to 2.5 cm between the stripes. This valve is regulated by a piece of thread which is fitted with another small piece of bamboo placed parallel to the valve. Two three long piece of threads falls longitudinally to the round trap which is again controlled by a small lock in such a fashion that when fishes move inside and rub with the thread, the valve drops down and the fish is trapped inside. The trap remains almost under water. Periodical checking is made for any trapped organism which can be retrieved alive without any damage. In this trap only a single fish can be trapped at a time, as once the fish comes in, the door drops down preventing the entry of another fish. So, only large sized fishes are caught in this trap. The prized catch includes species like wallago, chitala, sperata, rohu etc. The catch per unit effort of this trap ranges from 1.31 -7.8.

Chepa (Tubular trap): The chepa is made up of split bamboo rods of varying length according to required size. These are woven in a roundish fashion with jute string or soft cane strips. The trap is dorso-ventrally flattened having the maximum girth at the middle and tapering at the ends. A bamboo-made valve is fitted in the lower middle of the chepa to allow the fishes to enter inside with no scope for coming out. The number of these trap doors varies from 1-4. The fishes are removed from an opening at the posterior end. The spindle shaped trap is generally 0.5-0.7m long whereas its diameter ranges from 0.6-0.7m. The gap between two bamboo rods ranges from 0.3-0.5cm. This device is strictly designed for the wetlands and set against the water current. This trap is also suitable for the inundated paddy fields. Along with small fishes, cuchia (eel) and snakes are also trapped.

Chepa

Cylindrical nylon trap: This trap is frequently used in flood affected areas. It is made up of small mesh sized mosquito net with a funnel shaped entrance. The entrance is supported by a round strip of bamboo or iron made rings of 0.6-0.8m diameter. The ring is stitched to the inner circumference of the body. The inner part of the net is smaller than the outer tapering part and having a hole at the posterior extremity for the entry of fishes which when opens into a closed sac. The trap net is also set against the water current in shallow water bodies. So the exit of the trapped fishes is difficult. The length of trap ranges from 0.6-0.8m whereas the length of the inner side ranges from 0.3-0.5m. The catches of this trap includes mostly small fishes like Puntius spp, Trichogaster spp, Anabas testudineus, Danio spp, Esomus danricus etc.

Cylindrical nylon trap

Derjakoi (Triangular open mouthed bamboo trap: Derjakoi is a triangular open mouthed placed item made up of fine, split bamboo pieces interwoven with fine cane slips. The length of the gear is 2-3m and mesh size 1-2cm. It is actually a hiding place prepared using branches of small tree. Mustard oil cake is also placed in the trap to lure the fishes available in the water body. Most of the fish species are trapped in this device placed usually in the shallow water. Dingora (Bamboo conical trap): Locally known as dingora and made up of fine split bamboo of jati bah (Bambusa tulda) variety. This conical, fixed trap is specially designed for fishing in beels. The thin bamboo strips are fastened with fine cane slips to give it a conical shape. The gap between two strips is very less (0.2-0.4cm). The height of the trap is 0.5-0.7m with a diameter of 1-1.2m. A valve is designed in the inner side in a zig zag fashion so that fish once entered inside cannot come out. A small outlet at the posterior end is used for removal of the trapped fishes. Only small fishes are caught by this device.

Dingora

Dori or ban (Box trap with mat): Dori or ban is a type of fixed gear. It can be used both in shallow wetlands and rivers where the depth is not more than 0.5m. A ‘dori’ is made up of small bamboo strips woven with flexible cane slips and rectangular in shape. A trap is fitted with a ‘dori’ in such a way that a bamboo-made screen is pointed inwards from either side of the oval mouth. The trap is covered with the small twigs of weeds after placing at a suitable place in the beel or shallow river. It can be operated both in day and night. However, the catch is high at night time. Fish composition is dominated by trash fishes.

Dori placed in the shallow part of river Dori placed in beel

Ghana (Box trap): Locally called ghana and is interwoven by fine bamboo or cane strips having a gap of 0.4-0.5 cm between stripes. A valve is placed at one side of the lower part of the gear just like that of dingora. Small dead or dry fishes are kept inside as bait and once the fish go inside, no scope for coming out. The height of the ghana is 0.45 to 0.60m whereas the width ranges from 0.35 to 0.45 m. This trap is also designed for small sized fishes like Puntius, Rasbora, Trichogaster, Aspidoparia etc. This device is set up against the current when the water level is low.

Ghana (Box trap)

Hukuma (Triangular bamboo trap): Hukuma is a triangular trap where provision for resting/hiding of small sized fishes by keeping tree branches and aquatic weeds inside the trap. It is slightly curved or more or less funnel shaped trap made up of bamboo splits. The device is stuffed with tree branches and weeds to provide a suitable shelter for the fishes. The diameter of the open end is 0.8-1m and the length of the trap measures 1-1.5m. The mesh size measures 0.5- 1cm. The main catches include murrels, prawns, Puntius spp, Mastacembelus spp. etc. This is a fixed trap operated by a single person.

Hukuma (Triangular bamboo trap)

Jakoi (triangular trap): The ‘jakoi’ is a type of shovel that is either dragged along the bottom or placed on the water bed to catch small fishes which take refuge in it when the weed is trampled. It is made up of bamboo strips of ‘Jati’ variety (Bambusa tulda). The shape of the main body of jakoi is triangular, but for dragging purpose, a handle is required at the upper corner. The mesh size of the gear ranges from 0.3 to 0.5cm. This type of gear can be used only in shallow waters where the depth is not more than the knee height. Small fishes are generally caught by this gear. The cpue of the gear ranges from 0.3-0.9.

Jakoi (triangular busket trap)

Thuha (Tubular trap): A thuha is a fixed gear placed against the water current. It is made up of a single piece of bamboo and is about 0.8- 1m long. The piece of bamboo is split up at the anterior end (30-40cm diameter) which acts as mouth. The strips are woven by fine bamboo or cane strips to give it a round shape as well as rigidity. The other end remains complete and united. The trap does not possess trap valve. This trap is also used for catching small sized fishes in monsoon season. Khoka (Tubular trap): The trap resembles “thuha” in its shape except the mode of operation. This trap is also constructed with a single piece of bamboo of about 1m length. The posterior (tapering) end of the trap is closed whereas the anterior (open) broad end is made up of split bamboo separated from each other by other pieces of bamboo in a roundish fashion. The mouth part (0.7-1m in diameter) is open and without a trap valve. It is also packed with twigs of trees and kept in shallow water. The trap is kept fixed with the help of bamboo pole fitted at the anterior portion. The trap is lifted periodically to remove the trapped fishes.

Khoka (Tubular trap) Pawoi (Cylindrical trap): Pawoi is a large cylindrical trap made up of split bamboo. This trap operated in the deep channels, measures 2.5-3cm in length. This trap resembles dingora but the size varies. Large sized fishes like Wallago sp., Mystus sp. are the major catches of this trap. Polo (Conical trap): This gear resembles the shape of a dome with short stem of about 15 cm diameters, open at the top. The diameter at the bottom varies from 0.6-1m and sometimes even up to 1.2m, while the height varies from 0.6-1m. It is made up of small bamboo strips fastened with fine and flexible cane slips. Polo is designed specially for fishing in shallow water bodies. It is operated by a single person. The fisher(mostly woman) hold it by the side of the stem, presses its rim on the mud, then pulls it back and lifts above the level of water and again presses it as before while moving on through water. Whenever any fish is caught, the fisher puts his/her hand inside through the stem to catch hold of the fish. Generally murrels and other air breathing as well as barbs are caught by polo. Another small version of polo (with small mesh size), called juluki is also frequently used in the area. The cpue rages from 0.85-2.2.

Polo (Conical trap) Juluki (conical trap)

Tubular Chepa: This trap is cylindrical in shape. Here, the anterior portion is slightly broader than the base portion. The device is made up of bamboo splits interwoven finely by plastic or cane strips. The mouth part is with a trap valve opening inwards which allow entry of fishes. The base portion is blocked properly by another set of bamboo splits. This is also a fixed trap and can be operated in shallow water, setting against the water current. The length of the trap measures 0.6-0.8m. Small sized fishes are usually caught by this device.

Tubular chepa

C. Hooks and Lines Borokhi (Hook and line): An iron hook with bait is attached to a line. The end part of the line is attached to a rod. Earthworms, dry or live small fishes, insect larvae etc are commonly used as baits. Borokhi can be used both in river and wetlands. But the size of the line and rod should be altered according to the requirement. Young boys are frequently observed with this type of hook and line.

A small child with Borokhi A person with borokhi in Maijan beel

Tourists with borokhi in Kalmi Nalah of Dibru-Saikhowa

Hope for a good catch in river

Chatisikali Poncha () This harpoon is made up of slender iron rods of umbrella, so the name. More than 10 iron sticks are attached to a bamboo stick of about 1.5m length to form this poncha. As the sticks are very slender, only small sized fishes can be caught with this gear. Operated mainly in inundated waters.

Gela borokhi (Hook and line)

In this type of borokhi, an iron hook with spoiled bait is attached to a long line and placed in deep water to catch large sized fish.

Hook fishing

5-6 iron hooks are attached to a nylon thread of 15-20m length. The other end of the thread is attached to a pole anchored in the river bank. Generally, earthworm or termite and more frequently small dry fishes are used as bait. After attaching the bait, the nylon thread is thrown in the river water. Rita rita, Mystus spp, Mastacembelus spp are mainly caught by this hook. This type of fishing is done mainly in the flood season.

Hook fishing in the River Brahmaputra during high flood

Kali poncha or kuchia hola (harpoon): In this type of harpoon only one hook is attached to the stick. It is operated by a single person. It is used for hunting cuchia (hence the name) and large murrels (Channa marulius, Channa striata) in dry months.

Cuchia hola (harpoon)

Hendali poncha (Harpoon)

In this type of harpoon three or more numbers of iron hooks are attached to a 1.5-2 m long bamboo stick with about 2m long line. But it becomes free when a fish caught and want to escape from the hooks. The escaping movement of fish make it free from the bamboo stick. This is used to catch mostly large sized fishes.

Poncha (Multi pronged harpoon): Poncha is a type of harpoon. It is generally used to catch medium sized fishes. It has 3-9 numbers of hooks (0.3-0.45m in length) attached to the end of a stick. The stick is about 1.5-2m long. The catches include giant murrels, Wallago attu, Aorichthys spp and Monopterus cuchia.

Multi pronged harpoon

Kosh or Hana: A kind of multi pronged harpoon with 18 numbers of prongs. Each of the prongs is caped with some designable barb and measures 35-40cm in length. This type of harpoon is basically used in inundated waters. The catch comprises of Aorichthys, aor, Wallago attu, Cirhinnus mrigala, Labeo spp. etc.

Jorakata or light fishing: The tribal folks traditionally practice community fishing during night, which is locally known as Jora kata. Indigenous night lamps made up of dry jute stems, bamboo or other cheap combustible material such as discarded cloth piece is placed at the forehead of a boat. The peddler at the stern propels it slowly and quietly whiles his companion, statuesque and immobile at the prow rest a long spear or a harpoon or a sickle on his right hand ready to launch it at any fish that approaches, attracted by the blaze (Baruah et al., 2013). Being nocturnal in habit, many species of fish including cuchia comes out of holes in search of food. With this opportunity, the operation is done during Krishna paksha (the dark fortnight) Dark, moonless night enable easy catch as the fishes are lured by the flaming torch held in one of the hand of the fisher. During moon light method this period is not effective due to reflection of moon light by the water.

Jara kata

Ponga boroxi (Drift long lines): Drift long lines are long lines without a fixed attachment to the ground on shore or bottom that are free to drift with the current or tide. These are locally known as ‘nol boroxi’ or ‘ponga boroxi’. This is a single vertical line suspended from a short bamboo float of 30-35 cm length, carrying a barbed hook and operated by simply dropping it into the water and waiting for a fish to bite. The length of the vertical line is dependent on the water depth. This device is most suitable for weed chocked stagnant water bodies to catch specially murrels. Acceptable baits are earthworms, small fish, and eggs of honeybee and ants and wheat balls.

Drift long lines (Ponga boroxi)

D. Nonconventional fishing

Jeng fishing: This dangerous fishing method starts from October to first part of March when the water level as well as current flow is low. Jeng or katal fishing is observed mostly in the wetlands and also at the confluence or at river meanderings. A specific portion of the water body selected to set up the trap by duping tree branches along with the water hyacinth. Actually a shed is prepared for the fishes which look like a bed of water hyacinth. This bed is again surrounded by long bamboo rods which prevents the movement of free floating hyacinths. This set up is left for 2-3 months. When the fishes settle under the shed of water hyacinth, the 40-50 m2 area is suddenly covered by mosquito net supported by bamboo pools. The water hyacinths were removed and the trapped fishes are caught by the dragnets and cast nets. Along with the miscellaneous species of fishes, large sized fishes like Labeo spp, Catla catla, Wallago attu, Aorichthys aor, Chitala chitala are frequently caught. In jeng fishing 4-6 people are involved. This mode of fishing is identified as the detrimental, because large amount of immature and gravid fish are caught.

Jeng fishing in River Dibru at Memdubi area

Jeng fishing in Maguri beel

Barricade fishing: In the winter months, a specific device made up of bamboo and mosquito nets are used as barricades for fishing. This type of fishing is operated in the shallow parts of the river for catching diverse types of fish species.

Barricade fishing in River Dibru