Fisheries enhancement and biodiversity assessment of fish, prawn and mud crab in Chilika lagoon through hydrological intervention

摘要: The degraded state of the fragile ecosystem Chilika lagoon on east coast India caused by natural changes and anthropogenic pressure was in process restoration through an effective hydrological intervention during 2000 after thorough scientific investigation including EIA study. rich fisheries that support livelihood 0.2 million local fisherfolk dwindling eco-degradation phase. Studies fish biodiversity for 4 years before showed stark rapid recovery fishery immediately opening new mouth with sixfold increase average annual landing. productivity (11.3 t km−2) CPUE (6.2 kg boat-day−1) post phase registered 528 464% increase, as compared to Pre-intervention years. In total, 277 species shell were documented occurring intervention. Inventory survey diversity 68 97 species, respectively. New records 56 (7 freshwater, 20 brackishwater 29 marine) from Analysis commercial catches migratory contributed bulk (75% 68% catch weight). Fish yield seemed be very sensitive salinity hydrologic dynamics lagoon. Correlation analysis indicated inverse relationship between water transparency (R 2 = 0.715; d.f. = 25; P < 0.01). Positive correlation prawn landing 0.542; P < 0.01) mud crab 0.628; P < 0.001). Average whole significantly increased 42.7% (P < 0.007) pre-intervention situation. Maintenance estuarine character Chilika’s particularly gradient, un-hindered auto-recruitment prevention destructive fishing are key factors enhancement. Unless carefully planned conservation regulation measures ensured active participation communities early restoration, present scenario enhancement may not sustain longer time.