Migratory behaviour based traditional fish trapping devices of Jeme-Naga tribe of Dima Hasao district, Assam

摘要

The present study was carried out in the upper stretch of Jenam river, a tributary of River Barak, which flows through Dima Hasao district of Assam. Conventional fishing gears are not found to be very effective in fast flowing hill streams. Therefore, the local inhabitants of such areas generally use many traditional fish catching devices suitable to the location for catching fishes from these fast flowing hill streams. One such traditional fishing method namely Hebua and Heba operated by Jeme-Naga tribe is discussed in the present study. These traditional devices generally developed based on behavioural biology of the fish species and evolved over many generations. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodology was adopted to collect information about this indigenous fishing method. A total number of 26 fisher folks as well as village elders were consulted through one to one interaction for detail documentation of the fishing method. In both these fishing methods, fishes are trapped by altering their path of movement and using the water current to the fullest extent to prevent their escape. Upward migratory behaviour of monsoon season and downward migratory behaviour of winter of hill-stream cyprinid fishes is effectively utilised in the operation of these fish trapping devices. The present study provides an insight to these eco-friendly, cost-effective and energy-efficient indigenous fishing methods.