Cold water fish and fisheries in Nepal

There are fifty-nine coldwater indigenous and two exotic fish species in Nepal. Among the 59 indigenous species, Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis, Schizothoraichthys spp, Schizothorax spp and Tor spp are the most economically important fish, considering their table fish and sport fish values. Their biology, behaviour and propagation is well known and understood. More effort is needed in the direction of developing a successful technology for their reproduction under controlled conditions. Wild stocks in cold waters of Nepal need to be better protected from over-exploitation and their management could be considerably improved. Due to the lack of other economic opportunities, such as agriculture, fishing may often be the only source of animal protein for the local people of hills and mountains of Nepal. Deforestation due to the lack of other fuel and fodder resources causes soil erosion and sedimentation problems, which negatively impact fish habitats including their breeding grounds. Further constraints are the presence of hydroelectric dams on some rivers, destructive fishing methods and discharge of untreated effluents. Government assistence is needed for development of coldwater aquaculture and in production of stocking material for cold waters, as well as for raising the awareness of the fisherfolk about the danger of fish stock over-exploitation and advising on sustainability of coldwater fish stocks. In 1995/96 the annual fish production in Nepal was 10,300 t. [Continue reading at http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/x2614e/x26… ]