Syllabus: GS– III & V: Agriculture 

Why in the News?

Growing concern over declining fish stocks and degradation of floodplain wetlands in Assam has renewed focus on sustainable aquaculture practices. Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, fisheries and livelihoods, especially in the Brahmaputra basin.

Wetlands: Nature’s Productive Ecosystems

Wetlands are shallow water bodies linked directly or indirectly to rivers.

• India has nearly 3.54 lakh hectares of floodplain wetlands, mainly along the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
• Assam alone has around 5 lakh hectares of surface water resources, including about 1.5 lakh hectares of wetlands.
• Wetlands provide ecosystem services such as flood control, groundwater recharge, fish production, biodiversity conservation and livelihood support.

The potential fish productivity of wetlands is estimated at 1–1.5 metric tonnes per hectare per year under proper management.

Types of Wetlands and Management Approaches

1. Open Floodplain Wetlands

• Connected to rivers for longer periods.
• Suitable for capture fisheries, which depend on natural fish recruitment.
• Requires protection of brood stock and breeding grounds.

2. Closed or Derelict Wetlands

• Limited river connection and often weed-infested.
• Suitable for culture-based fisheries, which involve stocking fingerlings and recapturing grown fish.
• Faster growth due to rich natural food like plankton and detritus.

Biodiversity and Livelihood Importance

Wetlands support small indigenous fish species like Anabas, Magur, Mola and Puntius.
Institutions like ICAR Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute have identified ornamental fish species and demonstrated pen culture techniques for increasing income.

Freshwater prawns such as Macrobrachium rosenbergii play a key role in nutrient recycling and food chains.

Key Concepts Explained

• Floodplain Wetland: A water body formed in a river’s floodplain during seasonal flooding.
• Capture Fisheries: Harvesting naturally available fish stocks.
• Culture-Based Fisheries: Stocking fish in natural water bodies for later harvest.
• Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by nature, such as food and flood regulation.
• Community-Based Management: Local stakeholder participation in resource governance.

Policy and Sustainable Approach

Wetland conservation is supported under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and the National Fisheries Policy, 2020.

For sustainable aquaculture:

• Balance fish production with ecosystem conservation.
• Regulate open-access fishing.
• Promote community-led governance.
• Integrate scientific research with traditional knowledge.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Assam holds a major share of India’s floodplain wetlands.
• Sustainable aquaculture combines production enhancement with conservation.
• Community participation is crucial for long-term success.

Mains Question

Discuss how floodplain wetlands can be managed for sustainable aquaculture while ensuring ecological balance and livelihood security.

One-line wrap: Sustainable wetland aquaculture in Assam offers a path where ecological conservation and rural prosperity grow together.

SOURCE