Fishing in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, with its vast inland fishery Resources in the form of rivers, reservoirs, lakes and ponds and an Average rainfall of 1200 mm, offers tremendous scope for developing the Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries sector, but lags behind in harnessing the potential of these Natural Resources. The available land in most parts of Meghalaya is uneven in terrain which makes it somewhat difficult to develop fisheries on commercial lines. However, rain water can be impounded in small ponds for the production of fish and inland fisheries therefore, offering a potential that can be successfully exploited by the people of the state. Furthermore, creation of additional water area for fish culture will lead to a transformation in the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the poor tremendously.

The Government of Meghalaya has identified fisheries as a key sector and decided to assist the people to develop fish ponds. It has launched the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) co-terminus with the Twelfth Five Year Plan period (20 12-13 to 20 16-17).

Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM)

The Aquaculture Mission is divided into six Mini Missions for better focus and ease of implementation. Mini Mission I is related to “Area and Productivity Expansion”, which will be achieved through four sub components, viz., individual pond construction, community pond construction, development of marshy and swampy areas and bheels and reservoir fishery development. Mini Mission II is for “Critical Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development”, which has five components: fish seed production, fish feed production, fish disease management, pre and post harvesting infrastructure and creation and strengthening of fishery and multi-purpose cooperatives. Fish seed production will be achieved through Government and private hatcheries and utilizing FRP technology as also inducting Israeli technology.

Establishing sanctuaries for conserving indigenous and endemic species of fish is the focus of Mini Mission III. Surveys for identifying the endangered species, orientation workshops and media campaigns will be organised under the Mission. The Mission will collaborate with the Department of Tourism for boosting the objectives and targets of the Mission related to Mahaseer and other native species conservation. Mini Mission IV is for “Capacity Building” of farmers as well as officials, programme managers, multi-service providers, co-operators, etc. Mass mobilization campaigns and skill trainings for unemployed youth will be organised under this mini mission. Mini Mission V is titled “Mass media campaigns, documentation and outreach”, which will take care of two important activities, viz., awareness building about the Mission and publicity among the public and process documentation of the implementation and preparation of success stories.

Mini Mission VI deals with “Emerging opportunities in the fisheries sector”, which is an exclusive visionary component envisaged for tapping the emerging opportunities and addressing them with scientific backstopping. Ornamental fisheries, trout farming, introduction of freshwater prawn culture and new table species of fish and aqua tourism/ aqua parks/ sport fisheries will be the components under this mini mission.

Other Initiatives

Water development

The Department of agriculture has given emphasis in utilizing micro-watershed Irrigation projects towards development of fisheries to optimize production of fishes from such Rain Water Harvesting projects. Training and demonstration has been disseminated at the fisheries training institute to villagers 12 Small Reservoirs Multipurpose Development Projects and other communities who own these watershed project for utilizing modern technologies and identification of fish species which are suitable for culturing in these small reservoir.

Sustainable diversification

Fish species diversification is a common practice by the fish farmer of the state and has been carried out in an extensive way with or without any assistance from the Government. It has been noted that this has helped the farmer particularly in Ri Bhoi District and in Garo hills District having the favourable climatic condition that culture of Air breathing fishes as other minor carps like Labio Gonious, Labio Bata, Cirhinus Cirhosa and others have improved the livelihood condition of the farmer in these regions.

Seeds

Seeds are the major requirement by the fish farmer of the state. Since time immemorial the state is dependent on neighbouring state of Assam and West Bengal and this is a major drawback as the seeds supplied are not upto the desired quality. Looking into this sector with serious concern the state fisheries Department during the 12th Plan period has established 12 nos. of Circular Eco-Hatcheries and 14 nos. of FRP hatcheries to augment fish seed production and to supply good quality seeds to the fish farmers. These hatcheries have been established in the private sector with 60% subsidy to the total unit cost. Further, under the funding of RKVY and NFDB schemes the Department is able to upgrade several Departmental fish farms which will serve the purpose of producing quality seeds in the state. The problem encountered in this field is the high mortality during fry stage which ultimately leads to low production of fingerling stage.

Livestock and fishery

The state has so far developed an approximate area of about 2500 hectare to support fish culture and production form individual as well as community fishery project. An approximate 8000 MT of fishes is being locally produced and consumed. Apart from this the state also has various fishery resources in the form of rivers and lakes which offers tremendous scope for developing the fishery sector but harnessing the potential of these natural resources is a major problem. The topography of the region makes it somewhat difficult to develop fishery on a commercial line. However rain water is being impounded through development of Rain water harvesting structures and small ponds for the production of fishes in the state. There are number of bheels and wetland in the plain areas of Garo Hills that have great potentiality for increasing the fish production.

Research and Extension

The State Department has one Research and Training Institute which carries out Extension and Training to Fish farmers as well as Fishery Supervisors and Demonstrators. However, various problems arise due to the absence of advance instruments in detecting and to carry out research in fish diseases. It is suggested that the State should have mobile laboratories so that analysis of water and Soil may be carried out at the village level to upgrade and to standardize fish culture for optimum Growth and production. One laboratory is also required for Fish disease management and Research and Analysis Unit for identification of Fish Genetics.

Fishing in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state in north-eastern India. It is known for its beautiful scenery, its unique culture, and its abundance of wildlife. Fishing is a popular activity in Meghalaya, and there are many different places to fish, as well as a variety of fish to catch.

Best time to fish in Meghalaya

The best time to fish in Meghalaya is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the rivers are full and the fish are more active. However, it is important to note that the weather can be very wet and humid during the monsoon season.

Types of fish found in Meghalaya

There are many different types of fish found in Meghalaya, including:

Mahseer: Mahseer are a type of carp that are found in rivers and streams throughout India. They are a popular game fish, and can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds.
Catfish: Catfish are found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. They are a popular food fish, and can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds.
Carp: Carp are a type of fish that are found in freshwater habitats throughout the world. They are a popular food fish, and can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds.
Barbs: Barbs are a type of fish that are found in freshwater habitats throughout the world. They are a popular food fish, and can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 5 pounds.
Loaches: Loaches are a type of fish that are found in freshwater habitats throughout the world. They are a popular food fish, and can grow up to 1 foot long and weigh up to 1 pound.

Fishing spots in Meghalaya

There are many different places to fish in Meghalaya, including:

The Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River is the largest river in India. It flows through Meghalaya and is a popular spot for fishing.
The Umiam Lake: The Umiam Lake is a large artificial lake in Meghalaya. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The Mawphlang Wildlife Sanctuary: The Mawphlang Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Meghalaya. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish.
The Nokrek National Park: The Nokrek National Park is a protected area in Meghalaya. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish.

Fishing gear and tackle

The type of fishing gear and tackle you need will depend on the type of fish you are trying to catch. However, some basic items you will need include:

A fishing rod and reel: A fishing rod is a long, thin pole with a handle on one end and a reel on the other. The reel is used to hold the fishing line.
Fishing line: Fishing line is a thin, strong material that is used to attach the hook to the rod and reel.
Hooks: Hooks are small, sharp pieces of Metal that are used to catch fish.
Bait: Bait is a substance that is used to attract fish. It can be anything from worms to insects to artificial lures.
Sinkers: Sinkers are small, heavy objects that are used to weigh down the fishing line and keep the bait in place.
Floats: Floats are small, buoyant objects that are used to indicate when a fish has taken the bait.

Fishing licenses and permits

In order to fish in Meghalaya, you will need to obtain a fishing license. You can obtain a fishing license from the Department of Forests and Wildlife in Meghalaya.

Fishing regulations

There are a number of fishing regulations in Meghalaya. These regulations include:

The size of the fish that you can catch.
The number of fish that you can catch.
The type of fishing gear that you can use.
The time of year that you can fish.
The location where you can fish.

It is important to be aware of the fishing regulations in Meghalaya before you go fishing. You can find more information about the fishing regulations on the website of the Department of Forests and Wildlife in Meghalaya.

Fishing etiquette

There are a number of unwritten rules of fishing etiquette that you should follow when fishing in Meghalaya. These rules include:

Be respectful of other anglers.
Do not litter.
Do not damage the Environment.
Release fish that are too small to keep.
Cook and eat

Here are some frequently asked questions about fishing:

What is fishing?
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. It is usually done by using a fishing rod and line, but can also be done by using nets, traps, or other methods.
What are the different types of fishing?
There are many different types of fishing, but some of the most common include:
- Freshwater fishing: This type of fishing is done in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater.
- Saltwater fishing: This type of fishing is done in Oceans, seas, and other bodies of saltwater.
- Fly fishing: This type of fishing is done with a special type of rod and line that uses artificial flies as bait.
- Ice fishing: This type of fishing is done through a hole in the ice on a frozen body of water.
What are the different types of fish?
There are thousands of different species of fish, but some of the most common include:
- Bass: Bass are a type of freshwater fish that are popular among anglers.
- Trout: Trout are a type of freshwater fish that are also popular among anglers.
- Salmon: Salmon are a type of anadromous fish that live in both freshwater and saltwater.
- Catfish: Catfish are a type of freshwater fish that are often considered to be a nuisance.
- Shrimp: Shrimp are a type of crustacean that are often used as bait or food.
What are the different fishing techniques?
There are many different fishing techniques, but some of the most common include:
- Casting: This is the most common type of fishing technique. It involves casting a fishing line into the water and then reeling it in.
- Trolling: This type of fishing involves slowly dragging a baited line behind a boat.
- Still fishing: This type of fishing involves sitting or standing in one spot and waiting for a fish to bite.
- Fly fishing: This type of fishing involves using a special type of rod and line that uses artificial flies as bait.
What are the different fishing regulations?
Fishing regulations vary from place to place, but some of the most common regulations include:
- Size limits: There are often size limits on the fish that can be caught.
- Bag limits: There are often bag limits on the number of fish that can be caught.
- Closed seasons: There are often closed seasons when fishing is not allowed.
- Gear restrictions: There are often gear restrictions on the type of fishing gear that can be used.
What are the different fishing hazards?
There are a few different fishing hazards, but some of the most common include:
- Slipping and falling: This is a common hazard when fishing from a boat or pier.
- Wading in dangerous water: This is a hazard when fishing in rivers or streams.
- Being stung by a jellyfish: This is a hazard when fishing in saltwater.
- Being bitten by a fish: This is a hazard when fishing with live bait.
What are the different fishing rewards?
There are many different rewards to fishing, but some of the most common include:
- Catching fish: This is the most obvious reward of fishing.
- Enjoying the outdoors: Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
- Spending time with friends and family: Fishing is a great activity to do with friends and family.
- Relaxing: Fishing can be a very relaxing activity.

I hope this helps!

Which of the following is not a type of fishing?
(A) Fly fishing
(B) Spinning
(C) Trolling
(D) Fishing in Meghalaya
Which of the following is the most common type of fish caught in the United States?
(A) Bass
(B) Trout
(C) Salmon
(D) Carp
What is the best time of year to go fishing?
(A) Spring
(B) Summer
(C) Fall
(D) Winter
What is the best bait to use for fishing?
(A) Worms
(B) Insects
(C) Fish
(D) Cheese
What is the best way to clean a fish?
(A) Fillet it
(B) Gut it
(C) Scale it
(D) All of the above
What is the best way to cook a fish?
(A) Fry it
(B) Bake it
(C) Grill it
(D) Smoke it
What is the best way to store a fish?
(A) In the freezer
(B) In the refrigerator
(C) In the cooler
(D) In the sun
What is the best way to catch a fish?
(A) With a rod and reel
(B) With a net
(C) With your hands
(D) With a spear
What is the best way to release a fish?
(A) Gently
(B) Quickly
(C) With a hook in its mouth
(D) With a net
What is the best way to dispose of a fish?
(A) Eat it
(B) Throw it away
(C) Give it to someone else
(D) Bury it