Fishing in west bengal

West Bengal has a vast water resource potentiality. By utilising these water Resources there is a great prospect of pisciculture. These resources can be divided into two categories :

1.Inland Water Resources and

Marine Water Resources

Inland resources constitute ponds, rivers, marshy lands, canals, reservoirs etc.

Development of Pond Fishery

Although there are vast water resources in West Bengal the main problem is how to utilise these water resources. More than half o f the total water area remains unused. In order to utilise the vast water resources for augmenting fish production in a scientific manner, Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDA) have been set up in 18 Fishery districts in the State. Besides giving technical guidance to the fish farmers for scientific pisciculture, these agencies also help them to get Government subsidy and institutional finance for their fishery activities. So far 106420.49 Ha. water area in the state is brought under scientific pisciculture through the FFDA assisted programmes. In the hill areas o f Darjeeling the FFDA has taken up pisciculture by impounding running water from hilly streams (Jhoras).

Brackishwater Fish Culture

The state of West Bengal has the largest impounded Brackish water area in the country. To utilise this vast water area three Brackishwater Fish Farmers Development Agencies (BFDA) have been set up in the coastal districts of Midnapore, N-24 Parganas and S-24 Parganas. The main objective of this scheme is to provide a package of technical, financial and extension support to shrimp farmers. The farmers have adopted improved traditional culture according to the guidelines of Acquaculture Authority of India to maintain the eco-system of the coastal area. Macro brachium (Galda) culture is a new idea to the fish farmers o f this state.

Development of Bee Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries

The total area under Reels (i.e. ox-bow lakes) in West Bengal is 41,781.65 Ha. i.e. 7.06% o f the total inland water resources. At first these beels were connected with rivers but latter most o f the beels lost their connections from the mother river svstem. 29 To utilize these water resources these beels have been brought under carp culture mainly to increase fish production. The commercially important species o f fish seeds (i.e. carps) are used into these beels. The productivity o f these beels is the highest in the country. The Primary Fishermen’s Co-operative Societies (PFCS) help the fishermen community giving them financial and technical supports.

Marine Fisheries in West Bengal

West Bengal has a coast lime of 158 km in the Bay of Bengal. Though the coast line is very small but it is enriched with high quality nutrient fishes which has high export value. The main productive areas are the creeks and canals of the Sundarbans in the Bay o f Bengal. In the early days, the fishermen caught marine fish by traditional crafts and boats and hence their productivities were very low. But with the passage o f time, the demand for marine fish has gradually increased. To meet this demand improved fishing techniques (i.e. the mechanization of the fishing vessels and modernization o f the fishing gears) are being used by the sea going fishermen.

To catch fish in the sea area of Bay of Bengal is too much risky for the fish farmers during the stormy period which is very uncertain phenomenon. To protect the fish farmers the use o f Satellite information service received from the National Remote Sensing Agency,Hyderabad is very effective for the development of marine fish production. Moreover, the information in daily special weather reports broadcasting by All India Radio and Doordarsan, Calcutta and the daily newspapers are also helpful media for the sea-going fishermen. The programmes o f supply of wireless walky-talky for use in the fishing boat and installation o f wireless Communication center at Digha and Fraserganj have been taken up and the work is in progress.

There are two minor fishing harbours in West Bengal : one at Shankarpur near Digha and the other at Fraserganj in the Sundarbans. The model harbour Shankarpur has all kinds of infrastructural facilities and also this place is famous as an ecotourism center. The Shankarpur Fishing Harbour with its total area of 66.56 acre is under the administrative control o f the West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Ltd. Now, more than 500 mechanised boats per day are operating at Shankarpur and has a berthing facility for 150 vessels. Fraserganj fishing harbour in S. 24-Parganas has a berthing facility for 200 vessels and also for 500 mechanised boats. Moreover, there are 53 Fish Landing Centres distributed in the coastal areas o f the districts of S-24 Parganas, N-24 Parganas and East Midnapore. The West Bengal Marine Fishing Regulation Act’93 and the Marine Fishing Regulation Rules’95 are being enforced in the interest o f poor fishermen and to utilize the Marine Resources.

Govt. measures

The Fisheries Department of the Government o f W.B. is also engaged in different welfare programmes for the fishermen under inland, marine and brackish water sectors. Group Personal Insurance Scheme as a measure of providing economic security to fishermen and their families against loss of life or permanent disablement benefit was started in 1984-85. Financial assistance of Rs. 35,000 in case o f death and Rs. 17,500 in case o f disablement is extended against annual premium of R s.l2 only, which is borne by the Government. Up to the end of the year 2000, the total number of fishermen under insurance coverage is 1,52,380, the total number of cases referred for benefits is 572 families and the total number of benefits already given is 539 families while the total amount disbursed is Rs. 12567000. The Savings-cum-Relief Scheme was introduced in 1998-99 and 5,000 marine fishermen were benefited. Under this scheme the marine fisherman has to deposit Rs. 45 per month for a period of 8 months fishing period and to get back Rs. 270 per month during the 4 months lean period.

Neel Kranti Mission(CSS)

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and Post Harvest operations.
Strengthening of Database & GIS in Fisheries.
Institutional arrangement for Fisheries Sector Monitoring Control and surveillance (MCS).
National Scheme of welfare of Fishermen.

Fishing in West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the east, Bhutan and Sikkim to the north, Nepal to the north-west, Jharkhand to the west, Odisha to the south-west, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. The state has a Population of over 91 million people, making it the third most populous state in India. The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata.

Fishing is a popular activity in West Bengal. The state has a long coastline and a number of rivers and lakes, which provide excellent fishing grounds. There are many different types of fish found in West Bengal, including carp, catfish, tilapia, and rohu.

The best time to fish in West Bengal is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the water levels in the rivers and lakes are high, which makes it easier to catch fish. The weather is also cooler during the monsoon season, which makes it more comfortable to fish.

There are a number of different fishing spots in West Bengal. Some of the most popular spots include the following:

The Hooghly River: The Hooghly River is one of the most important rivers in India. It flows through West Bengal and into Bangladesh. The Hooghly River is a popular spot for fishing carp, catfish, and tilapia.
The Ganges River: The Ganges River is the most sacred river in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism. It flows through West Bengal and into Bangladesh. The Ganges River is a popular spot for fishing carp, catfish, and rohu.
The Padma River: The Padma River is a major river in Bangladesh. It flows through West Bengal and into Bangladesh. The Padma River is a popular spot for fishing carp, catfish, and tilapia.
The Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River is the longest river in India. It flows through West Bengal and into Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River is a popular spot for fishing carp, catfish, and rohu.

There are a number of different types of fishing gear and equipment that can be used in West Bengal. Some of the most popular types of gear include the following:

Fishing rods: Fishing rods are used to cast fishing lines into the water. There are a variety of different types of fishing rods available, each designed for a specific type of fishing.
Fishing reels: Fishing reels are used to store and retrieve fishing lines. There are a variety of different types of fishing reels available, each designed for a specific type of fishing.
Fishing lines: Fishing lines are used to connect fishing hooks to fishing rods. There are a variety of different types of fishing lines available, each designed for a specific type of fishing.
Fishing hooks: Fishing hooks are used to catch fish. There are a variety of different types of fishing hooks available, each designed for a specific type of fish.
Bait: Bait is used to attract fish to fishing hooks. There are a variety of different types of bait available, including live bait, artificial bait, and natural bait.

Fishing licenses and permits are required for fishing in West Bengal. Fishing licenses can be obtained from the West Bengal Forest Department. Fishing permits can be obtained from the West Bengal Fisheries Department.

There are a number of different fishing regulations in West Bengal. Some of the most important regulations include the following:

The minimum size limit for fish: The minimum size limit for fish is the smallest size that a fish must be before it can be caught. The minimum size limit for fish is different for different types of fish.
The bag limit for fish: The bag limit for fish is the maximum number of fish that can be caught in a single day. The bag limit for fish is different for different types of fish.
The closed season for fish: The closed season for fish is the time of year when fishing is prohibited. The closed season for fish is different for different types of fish.

Fishing etiquette is important to follow when fishing in West Bengal. Some of the most important rules of fishing etiquette include the following:

Be respectful of other anglers: Be respectful of other anglers by not casting your line in their area.
Be respectful of the Environment: Be respectful of the environment by not littering or damaging the habitat.
Be respectful of the fish: Be respectful of the fish by releasing them unharmed if they are not legal to keep.

Fishing safety is important to follow when fishing in West Bengal. Some of the most important safety tips include the following:

Wear a life jacket: Wearing a life jacket is important to prevent drowning.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings to avoid getting lost or injured.
Be prepared for the weather: Be prepared for the weather by dressing appropriately.
Be careful with sharp objects: Be careful with sharp objects to avoid injury.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers 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, including freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, ice fishing, and fly fishing.
What are the different types of fish?
There are over 32,000 different species of fish in the world. Some of the most common types of fish include salmon, tuna, trout, bass, and catfish.
What are the different types of fishing gear?
There are many different types of fishing gear, including fishing rods, reels, lines, lures, and bait.
What are the different types of fishing techniques?
There are many different types of fishing techniques, including casting, trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing.
What are the different types of fishing regulations?
There are many different types of fishing regulations, which vary depending on the location. Some common regulations include size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons.
What are the benefits of fishing?
Fishing can be a fun and relaxing activity. It can also be a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Fishing can also be a way to connect with nature and learn about the environment.
What are the risks of fishing?
Fishing can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are not careful. Some of the risks of fishing include drowning, getting caught in fishing line, and being attacked by fish.
What are the ethical considerations of fishing?
There are many ethical considerations of fishing. Some people believe that it is wrong to kill fish, while others believe that it is a necessary part of human survival. It is important to consider the ethical implications of fishing before you go fishing.
What is the future of fishing?
The future of fishing is uncertain. The global demand for fish is increasing, which is putting pressure on fish stocks. Climate change is also having a negative impact on fish populations. It is important to take steps to protect fish stocks and the environment if we want to ensure the future of fishing.

Here are some MCQs about fishing:

What is the most common type of fishing?
(A) Freshwater fishing
(B) Saltwater fishing
(C) Fly fishing
(D) Ice fishing
What is the most popular fish to catch?
(A) Bass
(B) Trout
(C) Salmon
(D) Walleye
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?
(A) Worms
(B) Insects
(C) Fish
(D) Artificial lures
What is the best way to catch a fish?
(A) Cast your line and wait
(B) Troll your line behind your boat
(C) Fly fish
(D) Ice fish
What is the best way to release a fish?
(A) Use a net to lift the fish out of the water
(B) Grasp the fish by the gills and remove the hook
(C) Grasp the fish by the tail and remove the hook
(D) Cut the line and let the fish go
What is the best way to clean a fish?
(A) Scale the fish
(B) Gut the fish
(C) Fillet the fish
(D) All of the above
What is the best way to cook a fish?
(A) Fry the fish
(B) Bake the fish
(C) Grill the fish
(D) Smoke the fish
What is the best way to store a fish?
(A) In the refrigerator
(B) In the freezer
(C) In a cooler
(D) In a smoker
What is the best way to dispose of a fish?
(A) Throw it away
(B) Feed it to your pet
(C) Compost it
(D) Donate it to a food bank