Canals in Indian Sundarbans: Opportunities towards livelihood improvement through fisheries intervention

Abstract

The study discussed about the potential culture practice/ enhancement in canals of Indian Sundarbans. It is understood that the canals or modified irrigation systems can supply additional livelihood support through fisheries to rural poor provided attention is given to this pre-existing habitat. Restoration of productive fisheries in canals needs management regimes to save water needed for farming and conserve sustainable fish stocks. Governance of canals is the major issues due to the conflict of interest between agriculture and fisheries as these are common property resource. At the same time, the probable impact on biodiversity and ecological integrity are concern, which needs more cutting-edge research on these resources. For successful management and development in this sector, it is essential to have the appropriate understanding of these ecosystems with site-specific suitable methodologies/ enhancement practices for fish production and also plausible guidelines which can maintain the role of canal fisheries as a social “safety net†along with promotion of fishers in the locality.