Well, after introducing ourselves with a few fish species of Manipur that are endangered, it now comes down to knowing why they met this bad situation and to what effect the impact has reached.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed at least 50 fish species of North-East India that are Vulnerable which is just close to endangerment. So it’s time for us to find out the reasons.
Freshwater is required for human beings for drinking and sanitation and of course many other useful purposes like irrigation, household chores, cooking etc. But it also supports various aquatic lives including fish. However this precious commodity is in crisis. Some among the many reasons are explained below:
Five threats to freshwater
Water Pollution: Water receives all sorts of domestic and industrial effluents. In addition, pesticides used in the paddy field are also washed down to drainages and rivers. People use poisons for fishing. Thus water gets heavily polluted. Training in the development and implementation of water quality monitoring, assessment and control and investment in pollution reduction technologies may improve the situation.
Fishing with plant poisons
Over-exploitation: The ever increasing human population and demands for fish as food has given great pressure to fisheries. Overfishing in inland fisheries can have severe consequences for the freshwater ecosystems and in the process include the human inhabitants in the area due to the unregulated behaviour of fisheries over the area.
Introduction of invasive species: In order to meet the increasing demand, exotic fish species have been introduced. The Bighead, Tilapia, Common carp which are more adaptive have caused threats to the native species, making them diminish in population and become endangered. Strict legislation to minimize the movement and introduction of invasive species should be enforced.
Flow Modification: Flow modification is the change of direction, geography and surroundings of rivers or lakes by building water dams, barrage infrastructures, etc. which disturbs the natural course and direction of flow of water bodies. Many locally migrating fishes to breeding and feeding grounds are blocked. Engineers should discuss with biologists and environmentalists to solve such problems, say inclusion of fish ladders while construction dams.
Loss of habitat: Loss of habitat is caused by encroachment of habitat of fishes, disposal of waste in the catchment area, human settlements, etc. Sand and pebble mining for construction works have also led to the habitat loss. Such activities should be stopped in the breeding and feeding grounds of the fishes.
Having skimmed to what effect it has reached, it’s time to show our consciousness by safeguarding our environment and not simply nodding on government’s plans or anyone else's initiatives. It is through participation and incorporation of people and government altogether regulating their use of natural resources and introduction of rights and steps for natural conservation that will save our precious fishes.
The ultimate conservation action will come from people’s participation. Thus awareness of all concerned is the prerequisite call for action.
