DIVERSITY OF WETLAND FISH AND ITS IMPACT ON THE INCOME OF FISHERMEN COMMUNITY OF ASSAM

Abstract

A survey was conductd in 3,000 fishermen households surrounding 54
wetlands (Beels) of Assam. The fish diversity of the wetlands has been
decreasing during the last few years due to some extrinsic and intrinsic
factors. The total number of fish species recorded so far during the present
study is 67 belonging to 21 families. Cyprinidae is the most dominant family
represented by major group species (8), intermediate group species (3) and
minor group species (12) of high commercial value. Among these three groups,
the diversity of fish species is higher in the minor group fish. The present
paper deals with the economic condition of the fishermen who mainly fish
in the wetlands. The economic condition of the fishermen community is
found very poor. The income of fishermen varies from Rs.4,4 78.00 to Rs. 7,484.00
per annum. A regression analysis shows that the income of fishermen is not
dependent alone on the fish production but it is exclusively dependent on
the value of the fish catch. All the three groups (in terms of value) have
significant influence at 10.00% confidence level. But analysis of~ shows that
the intermediate fish group exhibits the highest influence on the variation
of the fishermen income followed by minor and major group respectively.
Keywords :Fish diversity, Fishermen, Fishing income, Wetlands