Fishermen and contractors are using increasing amounts of chemicals like aldrin, organochlorines, metacid, malathion, DDT, BHC, Dhanustin and Methylparathion. A half kg packet of chemicals can kill all aquatic life within a two km radius in a standard size river. [break]
One study conducted by SAHAR, an NGO working in the field of aquatic resources preservation, has found that two species - tor tor and tor putitora -- of the famous mahseer family are now totally extinct from Nepal´s main rivers - Gandaki, Koshi, Mahakali and Karnali.
As per the field study carried out early this year, both these species are extinct from Likhukhola and Tadikhola, tributaries of the Trishuli River in Nuwakot district. Similarly, the study found no fish of these species in the Rosikhola, a tributary of the Sunkoshi in Kavre district.
“In two year´s time, the tor tor has completely vanished from these rivers,” Arun Rana, secretary of SAHAR, told myrepublica.com.
According to Rana, the study team had caught one tor tor in the Rosi last year, but none this year.
- Tor tor and Tor putitora of mahseer family extinct
- Only 2 of 35 fish species remain in Bagmati
- Dolphin population plummets
- Fishermen, contractors violate 1961 Act
“Those catching fish are making use of sophisticated electrocuting devices and the intensity of chemical use has also gone up,” Rana added. He said one can see people walking along the highways with such sophisticated gear. “It is only in remote places like Doti that there is no electro-fishing, but wherever there is highway access, the practice is rampant,” Rana added.
Mahseer is a rare and highly-prized game fish. It is famous as sahar in Nepal and was labeled “tiger of the water” by the legendary hunter/conservationist, Jim Corbett, in his classic book “Man-Eaters of Kumaon.”
Nepal has 2.27 percent of the world´s water resources with over 6,000 river, lakes and wetlands. According to Professor Dr Jiwan Shrestha, there are 205 species of fish found in Nepal out of which 14 are endemic species. They can be divided into 95 genera, 31 families and 24 sub-families under 11 orders.
“Conservation threats include deforestation and siltation, chemical and industrial pollution, exotic species, over-fishing and irrational fishing with use of explosives, electricity and poison as well as hydraulic engineering works,” Dr Shrestha of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology said at a function in the capital on Friday organized by SAHAR to raise awareness about saving Nepal´s unique aquatic biodiversity.
Professor Dr Tej Kumar Shrestha of Tribhuwan University emphasized the habits and ecology of migratory species in Himalayan rivers and pointed out the urgent need to preserve the two mahseer species.
The population of water dolphins is also said to be declining to about 120 for similar reasons and also due to barrage constructions. Because of dams dolphins are usually washed downstream during the monsoon season. Since they cannot return upstream, the population is now slim.
However, there is no hard data on the dolphin population in Nepal.
In yet another stunning disclosure, conservationists informed that due to pollution in the Bagmati, only two out of the 35 fish species originally found in this river now remain.
Conservationists have pointed at the lack of law enforcement in the country for the current state of affairs.
“Despite the Aquatic Animal Conservation Act 1961, there is still no implementing agency for the preservation of aquatic life,” Rana said, adding, “The fishery directorate, which handles aquatic problems, is under the National Agricultural Research Council.”
Clause 3 of the Conservation Act specifically states that anybody attempting to catch any type of aquatic animal in any water body or area surrounding the water body, may not intentionally use any kind of electric current, explosives, or poisons. And clause 8 states that anyone violating Clause 3 may be fined up to Rs 5,000.
akanshya@myrepublica.com
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