ASSESSMENT OF FISH BIODIVERSITY IN THE TEESTA RIVER OF BANGLADESH

MJ Aktar1, MJ Islam1*, SK Barman2 and M Kunda1
Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2020, Pages 95-114

Abstract:

The study investigated biodiversity, and the present status of the Teesta River fishery in Rangpur and Nilphamari district, Bangladesh, from November 2018 through October 2019. Questionnaire Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with Key Informant Interviews (KII) and a catch assessment survey were carried out in the study. A total of 45 fish species were identified under 17 families and ten olders. Fishes were categorized as commonly available (24.44%), moderately available (26.66%), less available (22.22%), and rarely available (26.66%). A total of 8 fishing gear were identified. The highest and lowest level of gear efficiency was recorded from Gill net and Dhoar (Fish trap) in May and June as 0.501 kg and 0.000209 kg, respectively. In October, all gear’s maximum average gear efficiency (1.039 kg) was recorded, and the minimum average gear efficiency (0.309 kg) was recorded in June. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) was found to range from 1.11 to 2.42. Highest Margalef Species Richness (d) (3.24) was in April and the lowest (1.86) was in September. The highest Pielou’s Evenness Index (J’) (0.78) was documented in January, and the lowest (0.36) in August. The highest fish production was in April (592±65.30 kg/day), and the lowest in July (112±12.24 kg/day). Significant threats to fish biodiversity, habitat, and overall fish production of the Teesta River were identified. However, the establishment of the sanctuary, control of pollution, maintenance of fishing gear, and the implementation of the fish act is necessary for the conservation of fish biodiversity of this River.

Keywords:

Fish biodiversity, abundance, CPUE, threats, Teesta River


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MJ Aktar1, MJ Islam1*, SK Barman2 and M Kunda1. 2020. ASSESSMENT OF FISH BIODIVERSITY IN THE TEESTA RIVER OF BANGLADESH, Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University 7(2): 95-114.