S. K. Karna

Paradigm Shift in Fishing Technology of Chilika: The Largest Brackish Water Wetland of Asia

Chilika is the largest brackish water wetland of Asia and well known for its fish and fisheries. Traditional fishing methods in Chilika were of specific characters and endemic in nature and quite different from the fishing practices found in other parts of the country. With change in time and advancement of technology, the materials being used have been changed though methods of fishing are almost similar. The traditional fishing methods were (1) Bahani (net fishing), (2) Jano fishing (enclosure fishery), (3) Dian fishery (peripheral fishery near Jano), (4) Uthapani fishery (catching of landward moving fishes during early monsoon) and Prawn khati (trap fishery). Modern fishing gears like Khanda (filament twine net box), Gill net, Drag net, Almi net (boat seine), Hooks and line, Cast net, Bag net and various traps are in operation in the lagoon, replacing the traditional fishing gear. Out of the new fishing gears few are detrimental to the fisheries of the Chilika. Suitable policy guidelines may be implemented for regulating the mesh size and the operational area for improving the fisheries resources of Chilika.