Fish Biodiversity and Suggested Conservation Measures of Transboundary River Someshwari in Netrokona, Bangladesh

Abstract

Considering the importance of fish biodiversity for sustainable management of river fisheries, this study aims to explore and evaluate the fish biodiversity of Someshwari River along with conservation measures from November 2020 to October 2021. Data collection was carried out in Jaria, Susang Durgapur, Shivganj Bazar and Bijoypur of Netrokona district. Questionnaire interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Direct observations, Key Informant Interview (KII) was used to collect data. During the study period, 23 species under 12 families were determined. Among them 6 finfish species are endangered, 4 are critically endangered, 5 are vulnerable, 7 are data deficient, and 2 are not threatened, respectively which includes highest catch catfishes at about 26.62%. However, the lowest amount catch constituted the Miror carp of about 5.29%. After the catfish, the second highest catch was 15.9% of small prawn. Another dominant group major carps contained 11.26%, and barbs remained at 11% of the catch and the loaches constituted 1.3% of the total catch. In addition, other groups like Mola carplet 7%, gourami 2.20%, Spiny eels 9.86% etc. were found in the Someshwari river. There were about 81% fish for food and 17% ornamental fish. Fourteen distinct types of fishing equipment were used namely: nets, traps, hooks, and lines, and wounding equipment. Finally, indiscriminate use of harmful gear, extraction of sand and rock, inadequate supervision of Governments and Non Governemental orgazizations, pollution from the adjacent areas, high interest rate of bank loan were understood as common constraints in the study area. Therefore, recommendations were made to improve river fisheries management through habitat restoration, increasing public awareness, prohibition on exploiting brood fish and active participation for sustainable catch.