Considerations in evolving a comprehensive leasing policy for inland waterbodies for fish production

Abstract

Inland fishery resources can be classified in terms of river, fresh water ponds, reserveirs and brackish- water bodies(ponds for culture, farms for capture/ filteration, lakes, swamps and estuaries). (sea figure-1) Some states have made an attempt to license the river stretches to the fishermen for a small fee but in view of the declining catches from the riverine resources, it is doubtful whether riverine fishermen in gujarat can be made to pay anything. There is, however, a need for conservation of fish breeding and genetic resources in the reverine sector. The question of lease/ royalty is important for the other three sub- system of inland sector i.e. Fresh water ponds, reservoirs and brackish water waterbodies. This paper is designed to highlight some of the critical element in decision making about the leasing of these water bodies.