Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Ichthyofaunal diversity of the Kattampally wetlands, Kannur and conservation challenges

Volume 65 Issue 1

R. Roshnath, P. V. Nisha and Anvar Ali

doi:10.6024/jmbai.2023.65.1.2331-19

Abstract

Kattampally wetland is a large swamp located on floodplains of the Valapattanam River in the Kannur District of Kerala. Two systematic fish surveys were carried out in four sampling stations spread across the marine-to-freshwater gradient from March 2019 to March 2020. Experimental fishing operations were carried out using mosquito nets, scoop nets, cast nets and gill nets of various dimensions. A total of 75 fish species belonging to 45 families representing 16 orders were recorded. Fifty-six per cent of the species recorded were found to be migratory. The study also recorded the presence of threatened, endemic and exotic species. The conservation status of 49.3% of the species recorded was found to be ‘Not Evaluated’ category pointing to the need for urgent scientific studies. Along with the encroachment and reclamation of wetlands, illegal fishing practices, restricting the natural tidal actions using the regulator cum bridge and local check dams are found threatening to the fish fauna of Kattampally. Considering the diversity and migratory status of the fishes, we propose Kattampally wetlands be designated as a Ramsar site.

Keywords

Fish diversity, migration, Ramsar site, threats, wetland conservation

Date : 03-05-2023