Research Article
Santoshkumar Abujam, Ram Kumar
Abstract
An investigation was conducted on fish diversity and livelihood of fishermen residing in and around of Tezu river at Tezu in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh, India during August, 2016 to March, 2017. Altogether, 49 species has been recorded under 33 genera belong to 17 families. Cyprinidae was the dominant family (36.73%) followed by Nemacheilidae and Bagridae (16.33%); Cobitidae and Siluridae (12.25%); Amblyciptidae, Mastacembelidae, Badidae, Belontidae and Chandidae (20.4%); the rest of the families (14.29%). According to IUCN, 35 species listed in Least Concerned (71.4%); 7 in Not Evaluated (14.28%); 3 in Near Threatened (6.12%); 2 in Data Deficient (4.08%); 1 was in Vulnerable (2.04%) and 1 in Endangered (2.04%). A total of thirty five (35) households of fishermen comprised of 97 males and 93 females were surveyed for their socio-economic status. Majority of the household had joint families (100%) comprising more than 5 members and none of the families were nuclear. Only 25 fishermen have been engaged actively in fishing activity from 35 households. The age of the fishermen was 28% for up to 25 years; 60% for up to 60 years and 12% for up to 60 years. As far as educational status, illiteracy rate was 21.05%; 42.10% for primary level; 21.05% for high school level, and 15.80% for higher secondary. Fishing activity was the key source of their income for 25 families (71.42%) and daily wages work for 10 families (28.58%). The main use of waterbodies was bathing/ washing (100%) and drinking at some extent (negligible). The monthly family income was Rs. 6,000 (14.29%); Rs. 10,000 (34.29%) and for Rs. 10,000 (51.42%) of total household. The fishermen (100%) also opined that the present status of the fisheries in the area was declining in trend.