CURRENT STATUS OF FISH FAUNA OF RIVER JHELUM AND DAL LAKE OF KASHMIR VALLEY

Abstract

Fish fauna form an integral part of aquatic ecosystems and any drastic changes taking place in the medium in which they live can affect the productivity, diversity, ecology and distribution. In order to assess the current status of fish fauna of the river Jhelum and Dal lake of Kashmir valley. Study was carried out for the period of two years from January 2014-2016. Monthly samplings were carried out at 8 study sites- In upper stream of river Jhelum two sites were selected- Larkipora and Khanabal and in downstream Zero bridge and Parimpora, while in Dal lake- Hazratbal, Gagribal, Nageen and Nishat. During the study period, a total of 14 species of fishes of different genera were recorded. As we know, apparently the fishery resources of the Kashmir valley has thus declined over a period of time indicating many intrinsic and extrinsic vital disturbances which are altering the health of this vital economic, ecologic lentic and lotic water bodies.