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Fish Diversity of Halir Haor, Sunamganj, Bangladesh: a Checklist

Pinky Debnath
Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh.

MD. Ashraf Hussain
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh.

Shamima Nasren
Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was carried out to assess the fish species available in the Halir haor of Sunamganj district in Bangladesh from May 2019 to January 2020. A total of 68 fish species including prawn have been documented belonging to 11 orders and 25 families. Cypriniformes was found to be the most dominant order comprising 30.88%, followed by Siluriformes (25%), Perciformes (14.71%), Synbranchiformes (5.88%), Channiformes (5.88%), Clupeiformes (4.41%), Decapoda (4.41%), Beloniformes (2.94%) and Osteoglossiformes (2.94%). Tetraodontiformes and Anguilliformes were the least numerous orders constituting only 1.47% of the total number of species. Out of 68 species, 20 species belonged to the threatened where 8 species were vulnerable, 9 endangered and 3 critically endangered. A maximum number of species (51) were recorded in the month of January while the lowest number (22) was in the month of July. Additionally, based on the availability, 36.76%, 29.41%, 23.53%, and 10.29% were found to be available, less available, rare, and very rare, respectively. The present study revealed the major threats to Halir haor including habitat loss and degradation, indiscriminate harvesting of fish, fry and fingerlings, pollution, and climate change. The establishment of fish sanctuaries to conserve both threatened and non-threatened fish species is recommended.

Keywords: Halir haor, Fish diversity, Sunamganj, Threatened species, Conservation

Location: Halir haor of Sunamganj district in Bangladesh.

Start Date: 00-05-2019

End Date: 00-01-2020

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Fisheries diversity

Objectives:

To prepare the checklist of fish species in the Halir haor with special emphasis on threatened fish species in the study area.

Methodology:

The research was accomplished in Jamalganj Upazila, under Sunamganj district, Sylhet, Bangladesh from May 2019 to January 2020. The fish samples were collected twice a month from the local fishermen, fish landing centers, and also from the Suchna Bazar fish market. During the study period different types of fishing gear were found to catch fishes namely cast nets, gill nets, lift nets, and fishing traps are locally known as dohair, britti, and kholsun, etc. The fish collected during sampling were identified primarily on the spot. However, species that seemed difficult to identify on spot were preserved in 10% buffered formalin solution and transported to the laboratory of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University for identification and further study. The fish species were identified and sorted based on their external morphology. Fish species availability was determined on the basis of abundance and categorized into 4 major groups as- available (A): species found available throughout the year; less available (LA): species found infrequently; rare (R): species found periodically; and very rare (VR): species found fortuitously. Furthermore, necessary information about status and threats to fish diversity was also collected through interviews of 100 fishermen, fish traders, local people, and other key informants from the sampling areas. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared to carry out the survey works. Focus group discussion was also done in fish landing centers, fish Bazar, and fisher’s village of the selected sampling sites. After collecting the data through questionnaire interviews and FGDs, it was cross-checked through interviews of Upazila fisheries officer (UFO), local leaders, fish traders, and NGO workers in the study area. Moreover, discussions with the Upazila fisheries officer, NGO personnel, local leaders, and experienced fishers were done regarding the management of this haor. Finally, all the collected data were accumulated and analyzed by Microsoft Excel 2013 and then presented in textual, tabular, and graphical forms.

Source of Information: International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2020, 7(4): 73-80

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The present study revealed a total of 68 fish species in Halir haor where 29.41% of fish species were threatened. The study also indicated that the loss of biodiversity is alarming and recommended some management measures. The abundance of threatened fish species (29.41%) among the total catch strongly reflects its potentiality to be an excellent site for nature conservation. However, government and non-government organizations should take some important steps to carry out further studies, improve the natural habitat as well as increase people's awareness to conserve biodiversity in the Halir haor.

Knowledge Management: Journal