Research Article Details

Abstract

Bihar is one of the most important inland fisheries states of eastern India because of its extensive river systems, floodplain wetlands, oxbow lakes, ponds, tanks, reservoirs and seasonally inundated lowlands. The present study examines fish species diversity and aquaculture practices in Bihar with reference to production trends, indigenous fish resources and sustainable culture systems. The study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, fisheries statistics, FAO publications, ICAR-CIFRI documents and published zoological studies. The analysis shows that fish production in Bihar increased from 4.79 lakh metric tonnes in 2014–15 to 8.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24, registering an absolute increase of 3.94 lakh metric tonnes, a decadal growth of 81.98%, and an estimated compound annual growth rate of 6.88%. Bihar’s rank among inland fish-producing states improved from 9th in 2014–15 to 4th in 2023–24. The biodiversity review indicates that Bihar’s aquatic habitats support a rich assemblage of indigenous fishes, including Indian major carps, minor carps, catfishes, snakeheads, featherbacks, small indigenous fishes and ornamental fishes. Recent studies have reported 71 fish species from the Burhi Gandak River, 25 species from the Kosi River at Supaul, and more than 40 species from floodplain wetlands and maun-chaur ecosystems. The study concludes that Bihar’s fisheries sector is entering a growth phase driven by pond aquaculture, carp polyculture, wetland fisheries, reservoir fisheries, cage culture, biofloc systems and institutional support. However, long-term sustainability requires conservation of indigenous species, scientific stocking, water-quality management, seed certification, habitat protection and climate-resilient aquaculture planning.

Keywords: Bihar fisheries, fish diversity, aquaculture, indigenous fish, inland fisheries, carp polyculture, wetlands, sustainable aquaculture, fish production.