12 hours ago
Kufos restocks native fish species in Chalakudy
Kochi: In a step towards restoring aquatic biodiversity and supporting traditional livelihoods of fisherfolk, indigenous fish seeds were restocked in Chalakudy River, which has the maximum number of fish species in the state.
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The initiative, aimed at ecological restoration and sustainable inland fisheries, is a joint effort by Annamanada grama panchayat and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos).
Under the restocking programme, 1,500 advanced fingerlings and broodstock of two native species — yellow catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma), locally known as Manjakoori, and olive barb (Systomus sarana), commonly called Kuruva — were released.
Yellow catfish is included in threatened category as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
"These species are vital components of our riverine ecosystems and local fisheries. Their restocking not only supports biodiversity but also uplifts river-based livelihoods," said Kufos vice-chancellor Biju Kumar.
Endemic to Western Ghats, yellow catfish faces increasing threats from habitat degradation, overexploitation and hydrological disruptions.
Olive barb, once abundant in river channels and paddy fields, has seen drastic population decline due to pollution, land-use changes and climate-induced stresses.
According to recent studies, these two native species contribute an estimated 1.16 metric tonnes (Kuruva) and 2.01 metric tonnes (Manjakoori) to the annual fishery yield in Chalakudy catchment.
With more than 110 recorded fish species — over 50% of which are endemic — Chalakudy River and its floodplains are recognized as a critical habitat within Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
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"This restocking programme is a model of community-driven conservation that we hope to replicate across other degraded river systems," Kumar said.
However, the river's ecological integrity is increasingly under threat from biological invasions. Chalakudy system now harbours over 15 non-native species, including at least 12 aggressive exotics such as common carp, sucker mouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp), Nile tilapia, alligator gar and giant gourami.
Many of these were introduced — often illegally — for aquaculture and ornamental purposes. The 2018 floods further exacerbated the problem, sweeping invasive species into the river in large numbers.
Influx of alien species, compounded by multisource pollution, has undermined native biodiversity and economic security of local fishing communities. In response, Kufos has been actively developing and deploying captive breeding protocols for native species. These scientifically planned stock enhancement programmes have been implemented across key inland waterbodies in Kerala, including Idamalayar and Peringalkuthu reservoirs and Sasthamkotta Lake.
