Environment and fish fauna of the Atrai River: global and local conservation perspective

Abstract

The fish fauna of the Atrai River were studied for a period of two years from January 2011 to December 2012. Sampling was carried out by several fishing nets and traps on fortnight basis. A total of 74 fish species belonging to 27 families and 52 genera were recorded. Cyprinidae was the most dominant family contributing 18 species in 9 genera. Two alien species were found- Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Hypostomus plecostomus. Thirty locally threatened species (Vulnerable 13.51%, Endangered 18.92% and Critically Endangered 8.11%) were recorded. But, no globally threatened species was found. Relative abundance of majority 36.49% species was rare. Global population trend of 24.32% recorded fish species was Declining. The highest number of species (42) was recorded in the November 2011. Whereas, the lowest the number of fish species (12) recorded in June and August 2011. Very high correlation was found between fish species and physical environmental parameters (air temperature, water temperature, and water transparency). This study concluded that Atrai River could be an excellent place for natural conservation of fish species. Nevertheless, efforts to maintain a sustainable fishing pressure, removal of existing alien species and avoiding further introduction of such species are recommended.

Fish fauna of the Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh: richness, threats and conservation needs

“…The number of fish species recorded in the present study (67 species) was found higher than the fish species recorded in the Andharmanik River of Patuakhali district and Bookbhara Baor of Jessore district, where 53 and 38 fish species were found respectively (Mohsin et al 2009. Quite similar number of fish species was recorded from the Halti Beel (63) (Imteazzaman and Galib 2013), Atrai River (74) (Chaki et al 2014) and Padma River (Joadder et al 2015).…”

“…In a more recent research, Hossain (2014) declared that a total of 30 riverine finfish species have been extinct from Bangladesh. Several research findings confirmed that loss of aquatic biodiversity, in terms of species composition and abundance, is very much conspicuous in the freshwater habitats of Bangladesh, primarily in rivers (Chaki et al 2014;Galib et al 2013;Joadder et al 2015;Mohsin et al 2013Mohsin et al , 2014.…”

“…Failing to do so, it would not be possible to implement sustainable management techniques. and wetlands (locally known as beel) of north-west part of Bangladesh have been surveyed to list down the available fish and other species (Chaki et al 2014;Galib et al 2009aGalib et al , 2013Joadder et al 2015;Mohsin et al 2013Mohsin et al , 2014 but less or no emphasis was given to the rivers of northern part of Bangladesh.…”

Impacts of water regulation on Tenualosa ilisha in the Narmada Estuary, Gujarat, India

“…In comparison with present study with Nath (2001), water temperature and salinity were found higher with similar pH but lower DO, total alkalinity and transparency. Similar water quality is also reported in the Atrai River (Chaki et al 2014).…”

A study on sutijal (purse net) in the Chalan Beel

“…Results obtained through studies undertaken by several researchers have revealed same scenario (Galib et al 2009aSamad et al 2010;Chaki et al 2014;Mohsin et al 2013Mohsin et al , 2014Galib 2015;Joadder et al 2015).…”