Assessment of the ichthyofaunal diversity in the Juri River of Sylhet district, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the present status of ichthyofaunal assemblages in the Juri River of Fenchuganj upazila in Sylhet district, Bangladesh. Survey works were made in three different locations of the river during May to December, 2018 comprising direct fish catch observations, questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions with fishers, fish traders, aratders (wholesalers) and river bank community members, and key informant interviews with upazila fisheries officer, district fisheries officer, non-governmental organization officials, and local leaders. The results revealed that a total of 75 species of fishes under 25 families were available. Among these species 11 were commonly available, 32 were moderately available, 25 were less available, and 7 were rarely available. Cyprinidae was the leading family consisting of 27% of the total fish population of the study area. However, 10 vulnerable, 8 endangered and 1 critically endangered fish species were also found in small amount. During this study the highest number of species (61) was found in the catches in October and lowest number of species (22) was recorded in July. According to the perceptions of fishers and resource person degradation of habitat, climate change, and human activities are the triggering agents for declining ichthyofaunal diversity in this river. Therefore, this study recommends application of proper management measures including community participation to conserve the ichthyofaunal diversity and enhance fish production in the Juri River.