Stock enhancement in reservoir fisheries

Abstract

Reservoir fisheries are one of the water resource ecosystems, which contribute to inland fish catch for family consumption and income for the poor people. To support government policy to regenerate fish species that have been lost and to increase the fish catch in the reservoir, stocking fish in the reservoir are option for consideration. A research activity on stocking of native species in Thmorda reservoir was conducted. The objective of the research was to evaluate if stocking in the reservoir could enhance the fish catch to increase food and income for the people living in the area. Twenty one thousand and five hundred fingerlings of native fish; 10,000 Barbonymus gonionotus, 10,000 Barbonymus altus, 500 Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and 1000 Trichogaster pectoralis; were stocked in Thmorda reservoir on 5 November 2002. Monthly monitoring, informal discussions and catch assessment activities with fishers were conducted to collect information on captured stocked fish. According to the survey and discussions with fishers, stocked fishes grew 5 to 6 times faster than pond based aquaculture system. Up to 30-50% of stocked Barbonymus gonionotus and Barbonymus altus were recaptured, reaching a total weight of about 1,000kg, with an estimated value of about US$1,400. Stocking fish in reservoir is widely accepted by fishers as one of the most practical option to improve the livelihood of the people living in the reservoir. However, the ecological status and constraints after stocking should be studied and research conducted on how stocking native fish in the reservoir fisheries may affect the ecology of the reservoir or the socio economic conditions of the people living in the reservoir area.