12.2.3(ii). INLAND FISHERIES

Fresh water resources include canals, ponds, reservoirs and rivers. Brackish water resources, where seawater and fresh water mix together, such as estuaries and lagoons are also important fish reservoirs. While capture fishing is also done in such inland water bodies, the yield is not high. Most fish production from these resources is through aquaculture.

Inland fisheries involve the use of freshwater resources like canals, ponds, reservoirs, and rivers for fishing. Additionally, brackish water areas where saltwater and freshwater meet, such as estuaries, are also significant for fish farming. Capture fishing, which is the act of catching wild fish, is feasible but typically yields lower amounts compared to fish farming, or aquaculture. Thus, aquaculture is primarily utilized to enhance fish production in these inland environments.

Imagine a local pond where fish can thrive with the right conditions. Just like a garden needs nurturing to produce vegetables, these water bodies require management and care to foster fish populations. By cultivating fish in controlled environments, similar to planting crops in a farm, we can ensure a more reliable food source.

Fish culture is sometimes done in combination with a rice crop, so that fish are grown in the water in the paddy field. More intensive fish farming can be done in composite fish culture systems. Both local and imported fish species are used in such systems.

Composite fish culture is an effective way to raise fish in conjunction with other crops, particularly rice. In this method, fish are raised in the water of rice paddies, allowing for synergy between both crops. Various species of fish, both local and imported, can be raised together without competing for the same food sources, maximizing the use of available food and space in the pond. This method enhances production while efficiently utilizing natural resources.

Think of how a mixed salad is more nutritious than a bowl of just one vegetable. Similarly, in composite fish culture, using different species of fish is like including a mix of vegetables that complement each other in nutrition, allowing for a richer harvest and better resource usage.

One problem with such composite fish culture is that many of these fish breed only during monsoon. Even if fish seed is collected from the wild, it can be mixed with that of other species as well. So, a major problem in fish farming is the lack of availability of good-quality seed. To overcome this problem, ways have now been worked out to breed these fish in ponds using hormonal stimulation. This has ensured the supply of pure fish seed in desired quantities.

Despite its benefits, composite fish culture faces challenges such as the seasonal breeding patterns of many fish species, which primarily breed during the monsoon. This can lead to a scarcity of healthy fish seed when needed. Additionally, when wild fish seeds are collected, there is a risk of mixing different species unintentionally. To counter this, advancements have been made to breed fish artificially in controlled settings using hormonal stimulation, ensuring that the desired species are bred, thereby improving the overall health and quantity of fish available for farming.

Imagine trying to grow a specific type of flower from a mixed bag of seeds; you may end up with a garden full of different species that do not match your original intent. By using hormonal techniques, it's akin to ensuring that you only plant the seeds of the desired flower species, giving you the garden you envisioned.

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