ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL FISHING IN THE BHITARKANIKA

Authors: Devaraj Asir Ramesh, Amali Infantina & Priya P

ABSTRACT

Traditional fishing communities’ livelihoods solely depend on the freshwater, estuary, brackish water, creeks and coastal areas abutting the Bhitarkanika National Park, Orissa India.  Bhitakanika Mangrove ecosystems serve as vital nursery grounds for the economically important nearshore fish and shellfish species. The freshwater rivers, channels, creeks, salt marsh wetlands, and associated coastal waters are highly productive.  The fishing community have been pressurised by the forest department to implement restrictions in the National Park Area to protect the sea turtles, crocodiles and other endangerous wild animals.  In addition to the restrictions of the Forest Department, immigrated fishermen who are using advanced instruments, crafts and gears in capture fisheries reduce the fish stock distribution and diversity.  The climate change impacts also influence the fish stock population, distribution, diversity and recruitment reducing the catch per effort of the traditional fishermen.  In this research paper, traditional fishermen of the Bhitakanika National Park Area fishing population, fishery, fishing culture, livelihoods, various issues, and recommendations to find alternative employment opportunities to reduce fishing pressure in the Bhitarkanika National Park have been discussed.

Keywords: Bhitarkanika, Fishery, Livelihoods, Climate Change

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