Habitat, Fish Biodiversity Degradation and Prevailing Management System of Barni Baor and Madhumati Baor in Gopalganj District

Abstract

The study was conducted at two baors, namely Barni Baor in Tungipara Upazila and Madhumati Baor in Kashiani Upazila under Gopalganj District, during January to November 2011. This study provides an overview of the current resources and fisheries status of the baors and the existing fisheries management strategies, with a focus on fish biodiversity conservation. These are two large and important water bodies in the southwest region of Bangladesh and serve about 10,000 people, predominantly through fisheries and agricultural activities. The area of Barni and Madhumati Baor is about 121.45 ha and 191 ha, respectively. The water quality parameters of these water bodies indicated that they provide suitable habitat for freshwater inland fish species. It was also observed that the water bodies are being considerably degraded over time. A fish catch survey was carried out during the main fishing seasons, January to March and September to November, over a one-year period. Barni Baor contained around 38 species of indigenous fish, of which 33 species were available, 5 were in endangered condition, and 3 (Clupisoma garua, Gudusia chapra, and Rita rita) were found to be locally extinct. In the case of Madhumati Baor, about 47 species were recorded, of which 41 species were available, 4 species were found to be threatened, and 2 species were possibly extinct from the water body. The stocked fish species in these water bodies included Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cyprinus carpio, and Puntius sarana. A few years ago, the production rate was higher than at present, and this declining trend has continued. At present, there is no effective fisheries management system in either baor. However, a few years ago, both baors were managed through a leasing system, under which the government collected revenue from these resources.