Experts discuss prospect of developing coldwater fisheries in Manipur

IMPHAL — Fisheries officials, aquaculture experts and scholars discussed the feasibility of developing coldwater fisheries and aquaculture in Manipur, particularly in the hill districts, during a brainstorming session held in Imphal on Monday.

The event was organised by the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur, in collaboration with the ICAR – Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand.

Speaking at the meeting, Director (ICAR-DCFR) Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey advised the fishery officers of hill districts to collect accurate data of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and water bodies with perennial water sources for exploring the feasibility of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture, as well as to bring out strategies, develop eco-tourism, fish sanctuary and ornamental fisheries for indigenous fish species and create awareness regarding ban on illegal fishing practices.

He also stressed on establishment of fish feed technology based on available local feed ingredients.

The director assured to support the officials of the Directorate of Fisheries in the form of logistics and technical assistance through the Department of Zoology, Manipur University, where a breeding unit of coldwater fish species is being set up under the sponsorship of the DCFR, Bhimtal.

He also advised the director of Fisheries to submit a proposal for setting up a Fish Pathology Laboratory in Manipur under the PMMSY scheme, for holding a state-level workshop for stakeholders in Imphal, sometime in December this year.

The Director of Fisheries, H Balkrisna Singh, lauded Dr. Pandey for visiting Manipur and inspiring the stakeholders to develop a roadmap for aquaculture and conservation strategies for the management of fish biodiversity and ecosystems.

He further said that in view of the anthropogenic activities, it has become imperative to have a discussion, debate and formulate a proper plan for the management and development of the state’s fisheries resources.

He also expressed optimism in developing coldwater fisheries in the state, citing the potentials.

Several experts and officials shared their knowledge and field experiences, as well as potential of coldwater fisheries in the state during the session.

It may be mentioned that coldwater fisheries, which deal with fisheries activity in water with temperature ranging from 5 to 25 degree Celsius, have gained economic significance in India of late.