10.6.Estimation of inland fish catch

Unit 10 - Estimation of Total Marine Fish Landings

10.6.Estimation of inland fish catch
Diverse nature of inland fisheries resources has been causing of problem in evolving standard methodology for estimation of fish catch. Important resources of inland fisheries include rivers and canals, reservoirs, ponds and tanks, estuaries, beels, oxbow takes and derelict water bodies. Methodology evolved for one resource may not apply for the other. Fish landing places are also scattered and sometimes it is difficult to access them. Harvesting operations in culture fisheries are staggered and the fish catch that reaches markets is after taking care of house hold requirements. An allowance for poaching also needs to be considered while estimating fish catch.

Realizing the need for developing a uniform and standard methodology for estimation of inland fisheries resources and catch, a pilot investigation was launched as early as in 1955-56 by ICAR in two districts of erstwhile Hyderabad state. Later on, the Government transferred the work from ICAR to the Directorate of Nation Sample Survey (NSSO) in April, 1956. In September, 1958 the Directorate of the National Sample Survey took up the survey work in Orissa to evolve suitable sampling techniques for estimation of fish production.

By the end of 1958, basic information on various inland fisheries resources and their relative importance fish practices etc., were available which later formed the basis of the pilot survey undertaken by the NSSO in 1962-63, in 3 districts of Orissa viz. Cuttach, Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj. Indian statistical Institute, Calcutta made an attempt for evolving sampling methodology for inland fisheries during 1960-61. Field problems came to light during the study and no estimation was attempted.

The Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore made an attempt the area and catch from ponds in the district of Hoogly. West Bengal during 1962-63, which was not successful due to some administrative difficulties. The NSSO conducted a survey in 1973-75 covering 3 districts one each in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for estimating the catch from impounded water as well as riverine resources by enquiry method. The estimates worked out were not satisfactory particularly form riverine resources.

Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI). New Delhi and CIFRI, Barrackpore carried out a pilot survey during 1978-81 in one district of West Bengal. The data were collected both by enquiry and by physical observations. The study covered only ponds in the district of 24 Paragans in West Bengal. The catch estimate of other important resources viz., estuaries, rivers, brackish water impoundments beels etc. could not be carried out due to limited manpower.

As scientifically designed method for collection and estimation of inland fisheries statistics did not emerge in spite of all these attempts, a centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 1984 in 8 states to evolve standardization methodology for collection of inland fisheries statistics in the country and its implementation was entrusted to CIFRI, Barrackpore. The resources assessment survey work and catch assessment survey work have been completed in 158 and 56 districts respectively till 1998-99 under this scheme. The scheme has enabled preparations of a uniform and sound data collection methodology on the basis of sample surveys conducted in various states. Estimation procedures have also been formulated for different ecological environments in inland fisheries. The CIFRI Barrackpore has brought out a bulletin number 58 (revised) in 1991 on methodology for collection and estimation of inland fisheries statistics in India, to provide guidelines on collection of data and estimation procedures with associated degree of reliability at national level. Inspite of all these efforts, standardization of methodologies for estimation of catch from diverse inland aquatic resources and establishing mechanism for regular collection and dissemination of data by the states and union territories are yet to take place.
The Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore made an attempt the area and catch from ponds in the district of Hoogly. West Bengal during 1962-63, which was not successful due to some administrative difficulties. The NSSO conducted a survey in 1973-75 covering 3 districts one each in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for estimating the catch from impounded water as well as riverine resources by enquiry method. The estimates worked out were not satisfactory particularly form riverine resources.

Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI). New Delhi and CIFRI, Barrackpore carried out a pilot survey during 1978-81 in one district of West Bengal. The data were collected both by enquiry and by physical observations. The study covered only ponds in the district of 24 Paragans in West Bengal. The catch estimate of other important resources viz., estuaries, rivers, brackish water impoundments beels etc. could not be carried out due to limited manpower.
As scientifically designed method for collection and estimation of inland fisheries statistics did not emerge in spite of all these attempts, a centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 1984 in 8 states to evolve standardization methodology for collection of inland fisheries statistics in the country and its implementation was entrusted to CIFRI, Barrackpore. The resources assessment survey work and catch assessment survey work have been completed in 158 and 56 districts respectively till 1998-99 under this scheme. The scheme has enabled preparations of a uniform and sound data collection methodology on the basis of sample surveys conducted in various states. Estimation procedures have also been formulated for different ecological environments in inland fisheries. The CIFRI Barrackpore has brought out a bulletin number 58 (revised) in 1991 on methodology for collection and estimation of inland fisheries statistics in India, to provide guidelines on collection of data and estimation procedures with associated degree of reliability at national level. Inspite of all these efforts, standardization of methodologies for estimation of catch from diverse inland aquatic resources and establishing mechanism for regular collection and dissemination of data by the states and union territories are yet to take place.
Last modified: Thursday, 8 September 2011, 4:39 AM