Exploited fisheries resources of the Pampa River, Kerala, India

Abstract

River Pampa is one of the longest river systems of Kerala. Out of the 60 species of fishes reported from the river, 26 species, belonging to 5 orders and 21 genera contributed to the exploited fishery. The landings were represented by one endangered (Gonoproktopterus curumca), two each vulnerable (Horabagrus branchysoma and Channa diplogramma) and near threatened (NT) fish species (Wallago attu and Ompok bimaculatus). The annual average landings from this river was estimated to be 394.22 t. Highest landings were recorded during pre-monsoon season (194.48 t) and lowest in monsoon (38.97 t). Labeo dussumieri (75.98 t), Puntius sarana subnasutus (39.61 t), W. attu (37.65 t), Channa striatus (36.34 t) and Amblypharyngodon microlepis (34.32 t) were the dominant fishes in the landings. Catla catla (17.28 t) and Clarias gariepinus were the exotic species observed in the landings. Macrobrachium rosenbergii was the most priced species used for export. Among the landing centers, Parumala accounted for 65.3% of total landings, followed by Edathua (14.5%). About 77% of exploited fishery was accounted from the gillnets followed by seines (19%), castnets (3%) and hooks and lines (1%). Highest catch per unit hours (CPU) was recorded in seines in respect of A. microlepis (2.40 kg unit-1). The major fishery resources, fishing methods, catch per unit hour and various biodiversity threats prevalent in the Pampa River system are discussed in this paper.