Nagaland University Joins Hands With Locals To Conserve Indigenous Fish Species

Researchers from Nagaland University are collaborating with the local public to study and conserve native fish species in the Dikhu River, Nagaland. This cooperative research mixes traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) from villagers to enhance understanding of fish diversity, species valuation, native fishing methods, and community-based practices—a novel method in scientific studies within the region.

The Dikhu River, a main tributary of the Brahmaputra, hosts a rich array of freshwater species vital to local biodiversity and the regional economy. The study highlights the urgent need for focused preservation efforts in Nagaland's river systems, which face increasing intimidation from human infringement and unsustainable practices. Researchers highlight the global ecological meaning of the Dikhu River, underlining its critical role in preservative freshwater biodiversity.

A joint research team from the Department of Zoology, Nagaland University (Lumami Campus), and the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, led the study.

Nagaland fish conservation research

Their objective was to address the lack of wide-ranging data on fish species and assess the impacts of anthropogenic pressures such as habitat destruction, overfishing and destructive fishing methods.

The study funded by ICAR-NBFGR recorded 28 fish species across six orders, 13 families, and three subfamilies. The Cypriniformes order emerged as the most dominant, comprising 67.9 per cent of the species.

"The Dikhu River and its fish species have received limited scientific attention. This study contributes essential data to the understanding of North Eastern India's freshwater ecosystems. Documenting fish species and their population trends is crucial for targeted conservation strategies," said Pranay Punj Pankaj.

He further highlighted the need for collaborative conservation efforts: "Sustainable river ecosystems require coordinated action from local communities, conservationists, and government authorities. Implementing stricter regulations on destructive fishing methods and promoting sustainable practices are vital for long-term conservation."

A breakthrough from the study was the first recorded presence of Garra Birostris in the Doyang and Dikhu rivers. This freshwater fish species, previously identified only in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bhutan, adds to the rich ichthyofauna of Nagaland.

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"Our findings provide essential data for sustainable fisheries policy and aquatic ecosystem protection. Future steps include habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and fostering community collaboration for sustainable resource management," said Metevinu Kechu, emphasising the policy implications of the research.

The research also documented the traditional fishing methods of the Ao and Sumi tribes, who use eco-friendly techniques such as bamboo rafts, gill nets, and handmade traps. 

These practices play a key role in local livelihoods and offer sustainable replacements for disparaging fishing. By joining native knowledge, the research aims to bridge the gap between scientific data and community-based upkeep. It underlines the rank of integrating local practices into broader conservation frameworks.

Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor at the Department of Zoology, Nagaland University (Lumami Campus), and Metevinu Kechu, Research Scholar at Nagaland University, are spearheading the research.