Fish Diversity in Selected Stretch of the River Mahanadi in Odisha and the Livelihood of Inhabiting Fisher Community

摘要

A study was undertaken during January, 2013 to March, 2014 to observe the fish diversity of the Mahanadi River in four selected areas of the Mahanadi stretch starting from Hirakud Reservoir to Banki of Odisha down stream. Besides, it was in thought to study the fisher community residing in these areas and their involvement in fishing activities for livelihood sustenance as well as their socio-economy. Based on collected data from the study, it is observed that there is an occurrence of 56 species belonging to 35 genera, 19 families and 7 orders. The present socio-economic status of the fishers of these regions reveals that the fisher communities inhabiting in the selected stretch are seasonally associated with fishing in major areas whereas some of them are fully engaged in fishing. Most of the families of these communities are falling in the below poverty line category. There is a need to develop a targeted policy by the Government to improve the socio-economic conditions of these communities keeping in view the sustainable management of the fish diversity of these areas.