FISHERIES AND FISH FARMING POTENTIAL of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

The state with an altitude range from 100 m to 7000 m (above msl) is under varied climatic conditions from tropical to alpine zone playing a dominant role in the distribution of fish species. The hot and humid climate in the foothills up to 300 m altitudes is suitable for culture of warm water species including Indian major carps, catfishes, feather backs, mahseers and the transplanted exotic carps, while the mid-altitude zone up to 1,200 m (sub-tropical zone) are admixture zones suitable for both cold and warm water species. The high altitude zone above 1,200 m or the alpine zone bestowed with fast flowing streams and lakes are potential resource for rainbow and brown trout, snow trout, Garra spp., Noemacheilus spp., Glyptothorax spp., and occasionally lesser barils. Thus, the state of Arunachal Pradesh has the potential for developing aquaculture and fisheries. This needs to be developed judiciously while conserving the biodiversity of the region and cultural sensitivities of the people.