The environment and fishery status of the River Ganges

Abstract

This paper briefly describes the current status of ecology, fisheries and biodiversity of the River Ganges. Apart from being the original abode of the most prized Indian major carps, viz., Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Labeo calbasu, the river sustains fisheries of large catfish, mahseers, hilsa and other miscellaneous fishes. Over the years the fish catch per kilometre stretch in the river has declined significantly and species composition has changed more in favor of non major carp and miscellaneous species. It has also been observed that some exotic fishes have gained a foothold in the ecosystem at favorable stretches, where flows have drastically reduced as a result of abstraction of water from the main river. Changing hydrology, apart from deteriorating environmental conditions, has been to a large extent responsible for change in the fishery scenario in the river. This change has also affected the income levels of riparian fishers. Review of the data generated, over the years, also indicated deteriorating water quality at the stressed sites. The contamination of river water, sediments and fish with heavy metal and pesticide residues is also a factor of concern. With continued stress on the river system an environmental restoration plan was launched by the Indian authorities; its impacts over the years on ecosystem health is also discussed.

Heavy metal and trace element bioaccumulation in target tissues of four edible fish species from the Danube River (Serbia)

“…Watanabe et al (2003) have shown that several fish species (including carp and some catfish species) in the Mississippi River can present a concern for human consumption, and Hg and As are found in compounds that are responsible for elevated risk levels. Vass et al (2010) emphasize that large rivers, which pass through numerous cities, face the problem of heavy metal pollution.…”

Assessment of water quality and suitability analysis of River Ganga in Rishikesh, India

“…In addition to these domestic and industrial pollutants, hundreds of human corpses and thousands of animal carcasses are released to the river each day for spiritual rebirth. Studies have reported that waste discharge exceeded available river water in the state of Uttar Pradesh, just prior to the yearly monsoon (Lacy 2006;Vass et al 2010). Population pressures, lack of proper investment in water quality infrastructure, limited governmental initiatives, and a lack of empowerment of the people all continue to contribute to the deteriorating state of the Ganga (Mishra and Tripathi 2008;Rai et al 2010).…”

Influence of Ecological Factors on the Patterns of Fish Species Richness in Tropical Indian Rivers

“…The climatic and hydrological parameters data were obtained from: Anonymous (1958,1976,1981,1986,1988,1991,1993,1996,2000,2006), (1971-2009), (1985-2006), (1986-2006), (1991-2005), (2003), (2004), (2006), Dasgupta (1984), Yadava and Sugunan (1992), Chakrapani and Subramanian (1993), Singh et al (2003), Moza and Mishra (2004), Vass et al (2008). Fig.…”