A regional workshop focusing on community-based fish conservation models in North-East India was held in St. Anthony’s College, Shillong on October 9, 2023. This workshop was organised by Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) in collaboration with Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL) and St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. This workshop was attended by researchers from IIHS, Bengaluru, Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL), Tamil Nadu, Sikkim University, Gangtok, faculty and researchers from Department of Fishery, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, Policy makers from the Fisheries Department, Government of Meghalaya, Conservation practitioners from Mahseer Trust, Village Communities from Garo Hills, Meghalaya, and the students from St. Anthony’s College, Meghalaya.
The workshop participants were welcomed by Fr. A. L. Jose, SDB, Rector, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. He spoke about the religious and historical significance of ‘Ichthys’ and the need for the conservation of fish in Northeast India. The welcome speech was followed by a talk by Dr. Jagdish Krishnaswamy, the project lead, IIHS, who gave an overview of the project and objectives of this
workshop. He explained that the Freshwater ecosystems are more threatened than any of the terrestrial ecosystems. He emphasised on the fact that the conservation of freshwater systems is not a part of any of the sustainability goals and hence, developing conservation plans for free-flowing Rivers should be a priority. He highlighted different threats to free-flowing Rivers in North-East India and explained why the study of freshwater systems and their conservation is an urgent need in the Northeast India.
Dr Bashida Massar, Project Partner, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong and Dr. James Haokip, Project Partner, Sikkim University, Gangtok, spoke about the successful implementation of the CEPF projects in Meghalaya and Manipur states, respectively. Dr. Bashida Massar spoke about her journey in establishing FCZ and the challenges she faced while establishing FCZs. Khasi tribal
community is known to eat anything that moves or crawls and Dr. Massar’s efforts in convincing the community to conserve River systems and fish is admirable. In 2021, the first FCZ was declared in Lapalang Village in Meghalaya. In two years' time, a recovery in fish numbers was observed in this FCZ. This success story inspired the surrounding villages and a second FCZ was established
along the River Rymben in a stretch shared by five village committees in October 2023. Dr. Haokip presented the challenges that he faced while setting up and after setting up the first FCZ in Khengjong- Yangoulen Villages in 2021. He said that it was easier to establish the FCZ but keeping the people engaged and interested in managing and maintaining this FCZ was a great challenge. He faced difficulties once the the Yangoulen Village Chief was changed, and it took a great effort to convince the new Chief on the importance of protecting and conserving Rivers and following the FCZ rules and regulations by the two villagers. He emphasised on the need for continuous engagement of villagers in patrolling and monitoring the FCZ sites. He and his team has managed to establish another FCZ in L. Bongjoi and Moljol Villages along the Tuivang River in 2023.
Mr. Paul Tariang, Assistant Director of Fishery, Government of Meghalaya, spoke about the State Government sponsored ‘Mahseer’ fish sanctuaries in Meghalaya. More than 100 fish sanctuaries have been declared across Meghalaya to conserve Mahseer and other fish species. These sanctuaries were initially established by village communities, and the government is now supporting these villages by providing financial aid. The establishment of Mahseer sanctuaries is a great success in the Garo Hills. They have not only provided protection to the Fish and Rivers but also managed to attract tourists and provide income to local communities. The Fisheries Department is trying to replicate these sanctuaries in Jayantia and Khasi Hills, and hope to establish more such sanctuaries across Meghalaya.
Dr. Sarah Kharbuli, the head of the Department of Fishery Science, St. Anthony’s College, spoke briefly about the fishery research being done at her department. Dr. Rabindra Nath Bhuyan from Fishery Science Department spoke about Upland Aquaculture practices in Meghalaya and said that angling and eco-tourism in community managed fish sanctuaries could help in improving rural economy.
Mr. Artibirth Ch. Marak, who represented Mahseer Fish Sanctuaries from Nengmandalgre, Rapdikgre and Rongsak Villages in Garo Hills, spoke about the Fish Sanctuaries established in their villages – their history and management. Fishing and other activities within the fish sanctuaries are strictly prohibited in these sanctuaries. The villagers impose heavy penalties for any violators.
These fish sanctuaries are a great success and attracting a large number of tourists who get to feed and even swim with Mahseers in these sanctuaries.
Mr. Derek Dsouza from Mahseer Trust, Bengaluru, provided an overview of different types of fish conservation methods followed in India and other parts of the world and he stated that the Community Conservation Model is the best model among all the conservation initiatives. He shared his experiences with Mahseer conservation across the Mahseer range countries. He provided
fascinating details on Mahseer telemetry studies and the impact dams and other constructions have on migratory fish. He advocated Angling as a way of conservation and income generation in Community Reserves and presented different ways zoning for protection and utilization in these reserves.
The presentations were followed by an open discussion where we discussed the about the management, regulations and importance of Community Managed Fish Sanctuaries. This session was moderated by Mr. Srinivas Vaidyanathan, FERAL. The village communities from Garo Hills explained on how different villages interact with each other and how they address any conflicts
arising between villages. They explained that the Fish Sanctuary rules and regulations are shared by the village committee with all the neighbouring villages. Fishing is allowed outside the Community Reserves which helps in avoiding any conflict of interests between two villages. Moreover, they said that Community Reserves helps in breeding of fish and now the fish numbers and sizes have increased in the streams outside the reserves which is helping in getting more income for all the communities.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of funds for monitoring fish population and patrolling in the Community Reserves. Mr. Paul Tariang, from Govt. of Meghalaya, said that the Fishery Department is planning to provide financial support for hiring of people for patrolling Mahseer Sanctuaries, and provide patrolling kits under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched by the Govt. of India.
One of the key things for the success of Community Reserves in Northeast India is the Chieftainship, where a village is administered by a Chief and his council ministers. We discussed about the importance of strong Chieftainship for the success of community-based models, and how this can be replicated in other parts of Northeast, where Chieftainship is still followed. The participants suggested that the Community Conservation Models can be perpetuated by creating a Working Group and the first such working group should be created in Meghalaya.