Nagaland fisheries dept releases 1 lakh fingerlings in river to boost aquatic biodiversity

    Kohima, Jun 18 (PTI) In an effort to enhance fish population, the Nagaland government released around one lakh fingerlings into the Doyang river on Wednesday, officials said.
    The release by the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources was part of the first phase of the awareness programme-cum-fish ranching exercise held at Aghakupu, Doyang.
    The initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices and enhancing aquatic biodiversity in the region, they said.
    As part of the programme, indigenous fish species, including the Nagaland State Fish 'Mahseer', were released into the river.
    Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema noted that fish ranching, when combined with public awareness, can help restore natural fish population, improve river ecology and contribute to food security.
    He urged local communities to refrain from harmful fishing practices such as use of chemicals, explosives and fine-meshed nets, which severely damage aquatic ecosystems.
    Sema also emphasised the importance of conserving native fish species and supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities through scientific interventions and responsible resource management.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)