Climate Resilient Fisheries in Wetlands

The climate change is exacerbating the problems posed to the wetland fisheries by anthropogenic stressors. For enhancing adaptive capacity of wetland fishers, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, West Bengal has initiated demonstration of climate resilient adaptation strategies in wetlands which has direct involvement with the local fishermen community.

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore Farmers Sensitization Workshop on “Climate Resilient Fisheries in Wetlands” and demonstration of Climate Resilient Pen Systems (CRPS) for fish raising was organized at Mathura Beel, Kachrapara, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal on the occasion of World Wetland day.

The programme was graced by Dr. Bipul Kumar Das, Dean, CoF, WBUAFS as Chief Guest and attended by more than 200 fishers of Kanchrapara Refugee Fishermen’s Co-operative Society, Ltd (KRFCS), officials of Department of Fisheries, scientists and other staff members of NICRA project, ICAR-CIFRI.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI emphasized on conservation and restoration of high value small indigenous species of wetlands. He said the climate change is exacerbating the problems posed to the wetland fisheries by anthropogenic stressors. For enhancing adaptive capacity of wetland fishers, ICAR-CIFRI Barrackpore has initiated demonstration of climate resilient adaptation strategies in wetlands. He  also inaugurated the CRPS in Mathura Beel and released fish seed of IMCs, Bata, Mola, Puthi and Khoira in the pens. The demonstration of CRPS in Mathura beel, Kanchrapara aims to serve as a model for this region.

Dr Bipul Kumar Das, Chief Guest stressed upon depleted indigenous fish stock and supply of high priced fishes in local market. He appreciated ICAR-CIFRI for organizing this programme which has the direct involvement with the local fishermen community.

On this juncture ICAR-CIFRI also signed a MoU with KRFCS Ltd. for demonstration of climate resilient adaptation strategies in Mathura beel. A stakeholder’s interaction was also organised in which fishers raised their concern on siltation and weed proliferation in the wetlands.