An Investigation on the Present Status of Wetlands in Majuli River Island; The World Largest River Island and Its Fishery Resources

Wetlands are widely known for its distinctive and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Assam is blessed with number of lentic systems. The beels are unique water bodies, have biologically sensitive ecosystems and containing a bewildering diversity of aquatic biota. The present investigation aimed on the exploration of potential fishery resources of Majuli Island and reviewing its status while searching for a sustainable management strategy. Study was conducted from July, 2020–May, 2022 in 10 different potential wetlands of Majuli Island. Study observed that the river island is a part of the vast dynamic river system of Brahmaputra basin with a total length of 2,706 km and a catchment area of 580,000 km² is shrinking so fast. Largest shrinkage (area-wise) was observed in Jorbeel (about 17.5 ha). Study revealed that fishery and its allied agricultural activities (> 70%) still stands as primary occupation of the people for their life and livelihood. A total number of 50 fish species having great commercial, ornamental and food value belonged to 22 families were recorded with large number of least concern rank. Cyprinids were emerged as a dominant group. Indigenous fishery technology was very rich among the local peoples. Thirty different variety of traditionally made fishing gears, traps & crafts operated in different season were found. Highly prone to flood, population explosion, siltation, construction of roads & river embankments, loss of hydrological connectivity with the river, occupancy of marginal areas for human settlement and other human encroachment activities were found to be major threats. Wetlands of Majuli acts as natural sponge. This study concludes the urgent need of proper scientific intervention & awareness programmes to stop further disturbances to the rare ecological asset.