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Environment and Fish Fauna of the Atrai River: Global and Local Conservation Perspective

Nipa Chaki
Aquatic Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Sayka Jahan
Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Jessore-7408, Bangladesh

Md. Foyzul Hassan Fahad
Aquatic Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Shams Muhammad Galib
Aquatic Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

ABM Mohsin
Aquatic Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

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.

Keywords: Freshwater environment, Atrai River, Fish diversity, Fish conservation, Population trend

Location: Atrai River under Atrai Upazila (sub-district) of Naogaon district, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-01-2011

End Date: 00-12-2012

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

The present study was carried out with a view to preparing an updated checklist of fish species focusing their relative abundance in the Atrai River, global and national conservation status, and global population trend. Also, relationship between environmental parameters and availability of fishes was established in this research.

Methodology:

Study area and duration: The study was conducted at three points (site I: 88°56’ E and 24°38’ N; site II: 88°58’ E and 24°37’ N; site III: 89°01’ E and 24°35’ N) of the Atrai River under Atrai Upazila (sub-district) of Naogaon district, Bangladesh. Fish were collected for two years on fortnight basis, from January 2011 to December 2012. (cast net, seine net, drag net, and lift net) and traps (locally called Kholsun, Britti and Dohair). All these fishing gears were operated with the help of professional fishermen. Specimen preservation and identification: Fish were preserved in 5-7% buffered formalin and identified using following literatures- Rahman (1989 and 2005) and Talwar and Jhingran (1991). After identification, fish were classified following Nelson (2006). Collected fish were deposited at the Aquatic Biodiversity Lab, Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Relative abundance of fish: To measure the relative abundance of fishes, we followed Jadhav et al. (2011) with slight modification i.e. abundant (76-100% of the total catch), common (51-75% of the total catch), moderate (26-50% of the total catch), low (11-25% of the total catch) and rare (1-10% of the total catch). Global and local conservation status, and population trend: Global conservation status and population trend were detected following IUCN (2014); whereas following IUCN Bangladesh (2000), conservation status of recorded fish in Bangladesh was noted. Study of aquatic environmental parameters: Important water quality parameters were measured using standard techniques to understand the state of aquatic environment. A HACH Kit Box (Model FF-2; USA) was used for the evaluation of dissolved oxygen (DO), free carbon dioxide, alkalinity, and pH. These parameters were measured according to Hach (1991). Air and water temperature was measured by means of a thermometer and a Secchi disc was used to measure the transparency level of water. Data analysis: Statistical analyses were carried out using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.00.

Source of Information: Journal of Fisheries, Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages: 163-172 December 2014

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In conclusion, still there was a rich diversity of fishes in the Atrai River, though anthropogenic effects were much higher especially fishing pressure. The fish fauna were less threatened by alien fish species, though two exotic fish species were recorded. A major part of the total fishes were considered threatened species in Bangladesh. Environmental parameters were also more or less suitable for aquatic species. Thus, the Atrai River can be considered a refuge for conservation of threatened freshwater fishes of Bangladesh. The conservation efforts should ensure that the current status of fish fauna is maintained by minimizing anthropogenic impacts, especially the fishing pressure and introduction of alien invasive species.

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