FUTURE SCOPE OF SPORT FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: A REVIEW - Indian Journal of Animal Health
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Indian J. Anim. Hlth. (2018), 57(1) : 01-16 Review Article
FUTURE SCOPE OF SPORT FISHERIES
DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: A REVIEW
A. MANDAL, S. K. DAS1*, B. BISWAS1 AND S. O. KAIRNAR
Department of Aquaculture
College of Fisheries, GADVASU
Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Sport fishing is one of the most adventurous activities throughout the world. Most of the developed and
developing countries have the modern tools and techniques for catching the fish. In the developing country
like in India, there is a huge gap on information, scientific knowledge about sport fish as because the
sport fishing activities is region and species specific. Though few states in India follow the Government
rules and regulation but there is a lack of awareness about sport fishing activities to conserve the
threatened and going to endanger fish species. Also the activity will help to mitigate unemployment
problem through income generation; simultaneously catering ecotourism avenues. Moreover Government
interference is also necessary for sustainable development and management of sport fisheries activity in
India.
Key words: Conservation, Employment opportunity, Rules and Regulation, Sport fishing,
Sustainable development
Recreational fishing, also called sport black markets (FAO, 2012). The most
fishing, is fishing for pleasure or common form of recreational fishing is
competition. It can be contrasted done with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any
with commercial fishing, which is fishing one of a wide range of baits. Other devices
for profit, or subsistence fishing, which is commonly referred to as terminal tackle are
fishing for survival. Recreational fishing also used to affect or complement the
can be defined as fishing of aquatic animals presentation of the bait to the targeted fish.
(mainly fish) that do not constitute the Some examples of terminal tackle include
individual’s primary resource to meet basic weights, floats and swivels. Lures are
nutritional needs and are not generally sold frequently used in place of bait. Some
or otherwise traded on export, domestic or hobbyists make handmade tackle
*Corresponding Author
1
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, WBUAFS, Kolkata, West Bengal2 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018
themselves, including plastic lures harbour plentiful gene pool are conducive
and artificial flies. The practice of catching to conservation and growing interest of
or attempting to catch fish with a hook is people in fish farming, ornamental fish
known as angling. Big-game fishing is keeping and eco-tourism including angling
conducted from boats to catch large open- (Singh, 2015).
water species such as tuna, shark
and marlin. Noodling, an art of capturing Rules and Regulations of game fishing
mainly large bodied catfish with bare hand Fishing in general and sport fishing in
and trout tickling are also recreational particular is not a new venture especially in
activities. India as it is referred in the Ramayana and
Sehgal (1987) defined sport or game fish Mahabharata periods. Regulatory measures
as the fish caught or angled on rod and line primarily intended towards conservation of
putting up some fight and not thrown back fishes dates back to 300 B.C. during the
in disgust by the angler or sportsman. In Maurya Dynasty when there was
sport fishing, both the choices of gear and prohibition on fishing including angling
the target species for their fighting qualities extended from full moon day of Ashar
contribute to the sport of the activity, as the month (mid June) to full moon day of Paush
fish is played by the angler until landed or month (mid December) to ensure breeding
lost (IGFA, 2016). A classification divides and protecting the juveniles. Further back,
sport fishes into small and big ones during the reign of King Asoka (269–232
depending upon the weight of the catch; BC), fishing was prevented during July and
50kg being the dividing point in between. November because fish breeding occurred
As a result, mahseers, trouts and snow-trouts during these months.
belong to the former category whereas, In sport fishing, both the choices of gear
large mahseers, goonch catfish (Bagarius and the target species for their fighting
sp.) etc. comes under the next. Depending qualities contribute to the sport of the
upon the methods used, there are again a activity, as the fish is played by the angler
number of nomenclature viz. fly-fishing, until landed or lost (IGFA, 2016). Sport
still-fishing, plug-casting, surf-casting, fishing generally adheres to a particular set
trolling, launch fishing, shore fishing of rules and regulations set by governing
spinning etc.
bodies such as the International Game Fish
The vast fishery resources of India in the Association (IGFA) (Whitelaw, 2013).
Himalayan and peninsular region in which Given the IGFA’s recent inclusion of
indigenous mahseer, snow trout, exotic trout lagoon, estuarine and freshwater species as
and common carp are commercially game fish (IGFA, 2016); this definition is
important (Singh et al., 2014) and also wide extended beyond the blue water species
climatic diversity of the cold water sector usually referred to as game fish in theFuture scope of sport fisheries development in India 3 Pacific (IGFA, 2016; Whitelaw, 2003). The for long. It has been emerged as a means of most relevant points of the regulation outdoor recreation and became popularized include (i) fishing methods must minimize as go-fishing during vacations in the fish stress and (ii) catch mortality by occident resulting in tourism ventures. applying catch-and-release. Also, the Since trout and mahseer fishing satisfies tourism venture must contribute to diverse tastes and pursuits it has become a biodiversity conservation and poverty source of recreation of the tourists attracted alleviation through the provision of to the hills of northern and southern uplands alternative livelihoods and increased of India (Shegal, 1987). Both social and income. Therefore, the enhancement of the economic benefits associated with value of living fish and their supporting recreational angling worldwide have been habitat to local communities is protected recognized (Arlinghaus and Cooke, 2009), (Holland et al., 2009; Everard and Kataria, and these benefits may be substantial in 2011). developing countries (Pinder and Although ecotourism emerged as a potential Raghavan, 2013; Bower et al., 2014). facet for added household income, complete However, information regarding issues and dependence on this sector should be avoided opportunities for anger associations and because it is highly sensitive to global participants are extremely meager as the financial shocks (Bohensky et al., 2011; focus of national survey is very poor for Cinner and Orjan, 2010). Instead, to buffer the anglers as well as the stakeholders. against periods of adverse market Recreational angling in India started in conditions a diversity of household British Empire when worldwide anglers livelihood strategies should be encouraged visited with their angling skills (Everard to allow switching to activities unaffected and Kataria, 2011). by market shocks (Allison and Ellis, 2001; Though recreational fishing has created Pomeroy et al., 2006). Sport fishing income for regional and national economies projects should encourage other livelihood (Everard and Kataria, 2011), its negative strategies and options to minimize risk. The impact have been noticed on biodiversity introduction of new fishing technologies and ecosystems (Lewin et al., 2006) and practices used for sport fishing could regarding issue like conservation of also be adopted by local fishers for other threatened and endangered species (Cowx species, increasing fishing success and et al., 2010). Therefore, recreational hence pressure on fish stocks. fisheries should be conscious about species- Benefits of recreational fishing specific and better management process Recreational fishing particularly angling (Gupta et al., 2015b). Regrettably, due to has been recognized by so many medical poor policy regarding recreational fishing authorities in the West as a healthy pursuit in India (Pinder and Raghavan, 2013) there
4 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018
is enough scope for development of better historically ambiguous when exactly
management practices of this emerging recreational fishing began. Fishing purely
sector of fishery activity (Gupta et al., for fun and releasing caught fish is a much
2015a). Catch-and-release angling has the more modern development. The evolution
potential to provide socio-economic of sport fishing to big game fishing was
benefits to local stakeholders (Pereira et al., made possible by the motorized boats. The
2008; Barnett et al., 2015), generate income invention of big game fishing is largely
for national economies (Suski and Cooke, attributed to Dr. Charles Fredrick Holder,
2007; Cowx et al., 2010; Danylchuk and who in 1989 published several articles and
Cooke, 2011; Everard and Kataria, 2011) books on the subject.
and facilitate both species and ecosystem
King Somesvara’s (1127 AD) has
conservation (Arlinghaus, 2006; Granek et
mentioned about angling (Matsyavinoda) in
al., 2008; Pinder and Raghavan, 2013).
his treatise “Manasollosa” in India about
Genesis of sport fisheries in India recreational fisheries (Hora, 1951). Mahseer
The history of angling is as old as the world (Tor spp) were first described in the Ganges
and the earliest known references of fishing in the early 19th century (Hamilton, 1822)
dates back to the ancient world. Among the and attained popularity as an angling species
Greeks, great philosophers like Aristotle and through the efforts of the Oriental Sporting
Plato referred to the sport of angling, while Magazine (Nautiyal, 2014). H. S. Thomas
historian Plutarch offered advice on fishing has pointed out angling in 1873 (Tank
lines. From Greece and Rome to the ancient Angling in India), and 1897 (The Rod in
civilizations of India and Egypt, fishing India). Edward James “Jim” Corbett (1875–
played an important role and amalgamated 1955) dealt with mahseer in many of his
works besides dealing with tigers and
with the creed and culture of the society.
leopards in India. The Angler in India on
The early evolution of fishing as recreation
the Mighty Mahseer authored by Dhu
is not lucid in the history of sport fisheries.
(1923) and Circumventing the Mahseer and
It is possible that antecedents of recreational
Other Sporting Fishes by A. St. J.
fly fishing arrived in England with Macdonald (1948) are worth mentioning in
the Norman conquest of 1066 (McCully, this regard (Sehgal, 1987). British anglers
2000). Although the point in history where have introduced first time brown trout
fishing could first be said to be recreational (1860s) and rainbow trout (1909) in streams
is not clear, it became conspicuous with the and rivers of the Himalayas and Western
publication of ‘The Compleat Angler’ by Ghats (Sehgal, 1999a, b).
Izaak Walton in 1653. The book is one of
the earliest works that describes fishing’s Although recreational angling struggled to
value as a recreational pastime. It is maintain its popularity after India’sFuture scope of sport fisheries development in India 5
independence, interests of both foreign and the Beas River in the Kullu Manali
Indian anglers began to focus on Indian region are well known for Brown
freshwater systems and its fish species in Trout. The cold mountain streams
the 1970s. Established and emerging are well suited for trout, and are
angling organizations across the country home to some of the biggest varieties
invested both time and money to build on of Trout. The best beats are at Larji
the earlier foundations of sport fishing valley, situated on the confluence of
(Gupta et al., 2015a). The All India Game the river Larji and Tirthan. Sainj,
Fishing Association acting as a pivotal role which is also a trout stream, flows
in popularizing sport fishing in India with
on the other side.
its state and regional representatives. It is a
non-profit making, charitable organization Uttar Pradesh - Dodital Lake nestled
with its regional affiliates like Mustad, among the snow-clad peaks in the
Maharashtra State Angling Association Uttarkashi Himalayas is a fresh water
(MSAA)-Powai (Maharashtra), SHIMANO, lake and a tempting trout pool, where
The Rogue Angler, Anglers Association you can get a good catch, during all
(Futala Lake)-Nagpur (Maharashtra), seasons. The forest rest house at
Gypsy’s Camp-Bhakhra (Himachal) and Dodital and Barkot are ideal for the
Dasvino Town & Country Club. night stay. Other options for fishing
Mahseer in Uttar Pradesh are in the
Sport fishing sites in India Ramganga and the Sharda rivers in
The major sites of recreational fishing the range of Jim Corbett National
in India centered round the following Park. You can also go to Rishikesh
places: that offers good fishing sites.
Kashmir- with its network of rivers, South India - The best season to go
streams and high altitude lakes, all trout-fishing in the southern India is
abounding in trout, both brown and from April to September.
rainbow, has been rightly defined as Accommodation is available at the
an ‘angler’s paradise’. Major points forests bungalows. One can even go
of angling in the state are the Indus camping, if the idea is to have some
and Lidder rivers, their tributaries added adventure. Cauvery Fishing
and a network of smaller rivers and Lodge near Mysore is a great place
streams. The best time for fishing to catch Mahseer. In Kerala streams
here are early mornings and late around the hill stations of Munnar
evenings. There is an, ‘ideal’ fishing are ideal for sport fishing.
permit that allows you to fish However, more specifically the major
exclusively, in a beat of 2 km. angling sites in India are presented in
Himachal Pradesh - Streams feeding Table 1.6 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018
Table 1. Important angling sites in India
State Location Sport Fish
Uttarakhand Ramganga River Golden Mahseer,
Goonch catfish
Himachal Pradesh Sangla Valley trout
Kashmir Gulmarg brown trout
Karnataka Kaveri River Mahseer
Andamans - Marine sport fish
Lakshadweep
Islands
Himachal Pradesh Manali trout, brown trout
Uttarakhand Beas Gha Golden Mahseert
Pancheshwar Mahakali
Saryu rivers
Uttarakhand Dakpatthar Red-finned and yellow-
finned Mahseer
River Yamuna Indian trout
Goonch catfish Mahseer
Tributaries of the Yamuna Brown trout, in upper
River Tons and Pabbar reaches
North Sikkim Teesta -
Meghalaya Ranikhor Golden Mahseer,
Goonch catfish
Assam Jia Bhoroli adjacent to Golden Mahseer, Goonch catfish,
Nameri National Park Indian trout
Arunachal Pradesh Brahmaputra and its -
tributaries Tezu
on the LohitTipi and
Bhalukpong on the
Bhoroli Pasighat, on the Siang
Developmental phages of sport fishing stocking of mahseer fingerlings, catch and
in India release angling using rod and line was
Earlier development: Wildlife Association permitted for both domestic and
of South India (WASI) has taken a 22 km international anglers (Gupta et al., 2015a).
stretch of the Cauvery River in Karnataka Local fishing guidelines were generally
through lease in 1976 to protect the mahseer followed by the anglers for sustainability.
from anthropogenic threats also, the In 1978, a collaborative venture was takenFuture scope of sport fisheries development in India 7
by the Indian Tourism Development Recent development: Through Indian
Corporation (ITDC) with Air India and Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), a legal
WASI by organizing an event with the notice was issued to Karnataka Forest
Trans World Fishing Expedition (TWFE) Department for temporary construction of
and Boote Mission to get important the privately owned Bush Betta fishing
information about mahseer (Sehgal, camp within the Cauvery Wildlife
1999b). After that, the National Sanctuary (Pinder and Raghavan, 2013) as
Commission on Agriculture recommended it helped to draw the attention to the
a comprehensive survey of mahseers in the potential violation of the WPA by
Indian water bodies. permitting angling within the boundaries
of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) began
However in due course, the Union Ministry
protecting mahseer primarily on a 28 km
of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has
stretch of the Cauvery River in 1993
stopped angling within the Cauvery
(Sehgal, 1999b) which increased to 92 km
Wildlife Sanctuary. In July 2012,
in 2006 (Dinesh et al., 2010). The
Department of Fisheries, Karnataka, set up recreational angling was prohibited in all
a mahseer hatchery during 1987 to produce protected areas (PAs) of the country as per
fingerlings for ranching in rivers and the directives of the Apex Court of India.
reservoirs in the Western Ghats (Sehgal, As of now, recreational angling is permitted
1999b). In 2004, a group of local only on river reaches outside PAs where
stakeholders from the Mahseer recreational anglers can go for game
Conservancy secured a lease from the fishing. Gupta et al. (2015a) documented a
Forest Department for a 24 km stretch of number of species which is usually targeted
the Ramganga River encompassed within by the anglers in India which include Tor
the boundaries of Corbett National Park in sp., T. putitora, T. khudree, Neolissochilus
the State of Uttarakhand (Mahseer hexagonolepis and Gibelion catla.
Conservancy, 2014). Jeremy Wade, a world Occasionally caught other Indian native fish
renowned recreational angler, helped to species include Channa diplogramma, C.
promote the mahseer and the goonch catfish marulius, C. punctata, C. striata, Wallago
(Bagarius bagarius) in his television series attu, Hemibagrus maydelli, Bagarius
“Jungle Hooks India” and “River Monsters” bagarius, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus
(Gupta et al., 2015a). In northern India, cirrhosus, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix,
special bylaws of the Indian Fisheries Act Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella
permitted capturing of brown and rainbow and Aristichthys nobilis.
trout in the Himalayan region with rod and
line using artificial and live baits within the In northern India, State fisheries
regulated fishing season, bag limits, and departments continuously monitor
prescribed baits. recreational fishing by providing rod8 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018
licenses on a daily basis. Sport fishing in regulations have also been formulated by
marine waters has also evolved as a popular local level anglers associations for
recreational activity in the Indian Ocean, safeguarding their interests and ecological
the Bay of Bengal and in the lagoons and concerns. Sehgal (1987) documented
seas around the Andaman Islands. In marine important issues as major constraints for
fishing, vessels have to obtain licenses from management and conservation of sport
the respective State Fisheries Departments. fishes. These are poaching, unlawful
On an average, more than 100 boats operate fishing, competitions among sport fishers
per month in the marine waters during the and local stakeholders, impact of river basin
peak angling season extending from projects on fish habitat, flow of industrial,
October to April. Likewise documentation domestic and pesticide wastes. Domestic
of fresh water game fishes, Gupta et al. waste water discharge in Dal and Wular
(2015a) documented important marine Lake in Kashmir, Naini Tal Lake in
species for sporting and gaming as Caranx Kumanon are well known which has a direct
ignobilis, Cynoglossus macrostomus, bearing upon the native aquatic fauna
Gymnosarda unicolor, Lates calcarifer, including the sport fishes. Moreover, the
Sphyraena sp., Rachycentron canadum and Ganga river system including her tributaries
Thunnus obesus. and distributaries viz. the Yamuna, the
Based on the Marine Fisheries (Regulation Sone, the Gomoti are affected by industrial
and Management) Bill, 2012, guidelines and wastes and pollutants as heavy fish
regulatory measures have been formulated mortalities during 1980 near Allahabad was
by the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of recorded (Sehgal, 1987). Run-off water
Andaman and Nicobar Islands particularly mixed with pesticide viz. DDT, aldrin,
focusing towards vessel fishing of marine BHC, malathion, parathion from livestock
sport fishes. A uniform regulation of 61 day and agriculture field adversely affects the
monsoon fishing ban upto 31st July including riverine fisheries in India. Such happenings
sport fishing has been imposed during 2017- are not uncommon in marine fisheries as in
18 throughout the Western maritime states 2017; there was high fish mortality along
viz. Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra the Mumbai coast of the Arabian Sea
and Gujarat. primarily because of oil spills.
Management measures in recreational
Major threats to sport fisheries and its fisheries are primarily focused on stock
management enhancement, increase in heterogeneity
For both freshwater and marine water sport through species introductions, habitat
fishes the rules and regulations of sport improvements, elimination of pest species,
fishing are mainly based on Indian Fisheries control of piscivorous avian and fish
Act, 1897. However, some rules and predators. Fisheries regulations areFuture scope of sport fisheries development in India 9
formulated and imposed primarily to Therefore, recreational fisheries could play
regulate fishing effort particularly during a significant role in sustaining research on
closed seasons and closed areas; catch such freshwater species which are
limits, gear restrictions and size restrictions demonstrated through a recent study using
on harvest. However, recreational fisheries angler catch data to generate biological
are constrained by conflicts with information for conservation and
commercial fisheries, other water-based management of mahseers in the Cauvery
recreational users, water resource (Gupta et al., 2015a). Lack of scientific
development programmes, ecological knowledge and co-ordination among
alterations and water quality degradation. government and anglers association/ fishing
Cowx (2000) opined that if the status of communities are the major causes of the
recreational fisheries is to be sustained, absence of a uniform strong regulatory
more appropriate techniques are developed measure for holistic management of sport
to provide sound economic valuation of the and game fishing of the country.
fisheries and an integrated approach to
Lack of perception about biotic
aquatic resource management is promoted.
responses: No studies have been conducted
on post-capture mortalities in mahseer or
Issues in recreational angling sector in
other species targeted by anglers in India,
India
but studies have implicited that high
Despite the potential benefits of recreational
mortality will be due to exhaustion, injuries,
fisheries in India, there are various issues
and associated infections (Dinesh et al.,
that need urgent attention as they could be
2010) and also due to use of different types
constraining the sustainable development
of fishing rods (Rocklin et al., 2014).
of this sector (Gupta et al., 2015a). The
Natural, worm-baited and live baits have
fisheries managers and anglers have to be
been shown to increase the higher mortality
concerned about various issues towards
rates than use of artificial lures and flies
conservation of endangered fish species and
among fish species due to deeper hooking
to maintain the natural biotic system for
(Wilde et al., 2000). Also, use of circle
sustainable development. Though, several
hooks helps to decrease angling mortality
studies are available on the natural history
among fish species in that they promote
of some mahseers (Nautiyal, 2014), the
shallow hooking (Cooke and Suski, 2004).
ambiguities contiguous species taxonomy
Barbless hooks tend to reduce the handling
and distribution make these of little value
time required to remove the hook
for practical conservation planning and
(Schaeffer, 2002) and lessen the tissue
action. The condition is related for the
damage to fish species (Casselman, 2005).
goonch, Bagarius bagarius, one of the
largest freshwater catfish occurring in the Need for best management practice for
Indian subcontinent. sustainable angling promotion: Presently,10 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018 there are no official guidelines specifically in India has been guided by stocking and focused towards recreational fisheries in introduction of both exotic species and India. In June 2014 an “All India Fresh captive bred populations of native species. Water Angling Competition” organized by Many upland lakes and upper reaches of AIGFA in partnership with Maharashtra rivers were regularly stocked with exotic State Angling Association and WASI in salmonids to develop recreational fishing River Cauvery was organized where over opportunities during the British Raj (Sehgal, 30 skilled recreational anglers participated. 1999a). Similar stocking programs have been A set of nine recreational angling guidelines carried out in the Nilgiri, Anamalai and was provided to each of the anglers as a Cardamom hills of the Western Ghats precondition to participate and stay in the (Sehgal, 1999b), with trout hatcheries set up competition. However, such practices are in Avalanche (Nilgiris) and Eravikulam- neither advocated nor used by many angling Rajamalai (Munnar, Kerala). Now a day, associations. Growing awareness through recreational trout fishing is commercially angler education and cheering fulfillment encouraged by the local angling associations through enforcement by a legal entertaining for self-sustaining populations of the exotic angling body is extremely required (Gupta species and their continuous stocking from et al., 2015a). the local hatcheries. Gupta et al. (2016) envisaged that as the A specific need to assess in detail the anglers targeting multiple fishing locations preferences and awareness among C&R throughout India, there is a need for anglers regarding the targeting of native and consistent governance structures and policy non-native fishes, to understand the extent instruments to support the development of to which anglers target non-native fish sustainable recreational fisheries while species (Nguyen et al., 2013), and to minimizing conflict with other stakeholder estimate support for stocking to enhance groups and also the impacts of catch and recreational fishing (Granek et al., 2008). release (C&R) fisheries interactions on Large-scale stock replenishment of various individuals and populations (especially for “species” of mahseer has been carried out threatened species) need to be studied in the in the Western Ghats region, particularly Indian context. Direct participation by in the Cauvery River (Ogale, 2002), which recreational anglers in C&R research could has resulted in the proliferation of hybrids strengthen broader conservation and and the suspected decline of native lineages management initiatives throughout the (Pinder et al., 2015). country by increasing stewardship (Gupta Concern about biodiversity hotspots: The et al., 2016). most popular fishing locations are mainly Unregulated stocking and introductions situated in the Himalayas and Western The development of recreational fisheries Ghats, two of the important biodiversity
Future scope of sport fisheries development in India 11
hotspots which are also currently threatened in conflicts in recreation angling areas.
by numerous anthropogenic pressures
(Dahanukar et al., 2011). Due to angling, Requirement of scientific adaptive
some species have shown a dilapidated measures: A general lack of evaluation is
population trend and are listed as threatened presently the major concern about the
in the IUCN Red List (e.g., T. khudree and condition of recreational fisheries in India.
T. putitora assessed as “Endangered”; the Few registered angling associations have
goonch catfish, B. bagarius assessed as maintained a record of effort, catch, harvest,
“Near Threatened” and Cirrhinus cirrhosus and release rates of fish species but they
assessed as “Vulnerable”), no one of these are not maintaining any record on fishing
assessments list recreational angling as a behaviors and information during angling
threat to the species (Gupta et al., 2015a). seasons (Gupta et al., 2015a). Additionally,
no scientific studies have been conducted
Poor interference of governance to understand the impacts of recreational
authorities : Raghavan et al. (2012) opined fisheries on fish population structure or
that multi-jurisdictional nature of fisheries evaluate impacts of recreational fishing
governance in India has slowed down the activity. An adaptive management approach
development of recreational fisheries is necessary from the experiences of the
sector. Majority of angling associations in stakeholders so as to build on management
India are registered and catalogue the successes (FAO, 2012). Setting up of
practice of recreational angling through freshwater fish safe zones on river reaches
paid permits, however, a number of monitored by local communities could be
unlicensed angling associations continue to an ideal solution (Gupta et al., 2014a). The
operate in major angling locations of India suggestion to Legislative support (central
(Gupta et al., 2015a). Communicational or state level) for recreational angling could
lapse among the sport fisheries management provide an overall structure to this leisure
associations and government agencies is an activity and highlight its associated benefits
additional impediment to the sustainable (FAO, 2012).
development of recreational fisheries sector Sport fishing should be promoted by male
in India. Even if recreational angling and female members of fishing community.
tourism provides social and economic The recreational fisheries sector in India is
benefits to some local communities (Pinder also dependent on the assistance and
and Raghavan, 2013), there is prevailing support from local communities living near
low transparency during profit-sharing the angling locations, thus recreational
stages of local stakeholders in India. fisheries associations would do well to
Moreover, preventing the artisanal fishers incorporate village communities in their
from capturing food fish from water bodies planning for the long-term success of their
protected by angling associations resulted organizations (Gupta et al., 2014b). Also12 Indian Journal of Animal Health, June, 2018
Govt. should initiate the river ranching Silver Mahseer, Silver Gray Mahseer, Black
facilities for more diversification of fish Mahseer, Trout, Rohu, Katli, Brown Trout
species to maintain the genetic viability. are found in these rivers. The coastal waters
also have some amazing variety of fishes
Eco-tourism and sport fishing like Sea Bass, Mackerel, Marlin etc.
Eco-tourism contributes to environmental Keeping in mind the potential of fishing in
conservation by providing socio-economic promoting tourism and adventure sports, the
benefits through the non-consumptive uses fishing departments of different states have
and indirect values of the natural biological started hatcheries and fish sanctuaries.
resources. Fishery based eco-tourism is an Fishing license is a major issue for
emerging potential area for employment promoting angling tourism. Also most of
generation and recreational fishing. Among the trout and mahseer farms are not well
the Himalayan streams and river, Beas and connected by roads. Therefore, institutional
its tributaries and the river Giri (Himalchal support and co-ordination is the utmost need
Pradresh), Yamuna between Tajwala to augment sport-tourism in India.
(Hariyana) to Dhak Pathar, Ganga between
Rishikesh to Tehri, river Chenab and its Conclusion
tributaries and river Jia-bhorelu, Dibang, The sport fisheries in India are confined
Subarnasiri and Manas (NEH region) are only to certain regions and the development
important fishing sites. Presently a few pattern is not uniform. As sport fishing
enthusiastic farmers in Kullu-Manali (HP) sector is still in its infancy in India with
and in Sikkim have developed their trout enough scope and possibilities, various
farms near highways or tourist places as a issues comes in the way as attributes likely
sport fishery enterprises. In Pithoragarh river ranching, genetic viability and
district of Uttarakhand has also developed stability, fish diversification, species
an excellent exotic carp based sport fishery conservation, awareness among the
enterprise with integration of boating and stakeholders etc. Also sport or recreational
swimming facilities. There are also further fishing has a great influence on the local
scope to enhance the income through fishing community as it helps to generate
additional aqua sports and adventuring employment opportunity through eco-
sports. tourism business activities and creation of
The biggest advantage in India is that all social capital. Besides, there is enough scope
the major rivers are sited in easily reachable of documentation of indigenous traditional
places and near major cities. Some major and technical knowledge particularly in
rivers and its tributaries where fishing can designing gears, formulations of baits etc.
be enjoyed are Mahanadi, Yamuna, Kaveri, as the country is extremely rich with such
Ganga, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Teseta. A knowledge with diverse topology and
wide variety of fishes like Golden Mahseer, habitats. However, the stakeholders must beFuture scope of sport fisheries development in India 13
aware of the fall-outs of overall operation and co-ordination among the
anthropogenic activities in the fishing stakeholders will be a best approach for
ground to sustain the environment and development and promotion of sport
biodiversity as a whole. Therefore, co- fisheries in various states in India.
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