India’s Cold Water Fisheries

 Why in News?

India’s cold water fisheries sector is emerging as an important component of the Blue Economy due to its role in generating livelihoods, improving nutrition, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting sustainable development in mountainous regions. 

What are Cold Water Fisheries?

Cold water fisheries refer to fish farming and fishing activities carried out in high-altitude, snow-fed rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs where water temperatures remain low. These fisheries generally operate in:

• Water temperatures between 5°C and 25°C,
• Dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/L,
• pH levels between 6.5 and 8.0.

Key Features

• Cold water fisheries are mainly practiced in Himalayan and mountainous regions.
• The sector has evolved from traditional fishing practices into a modern aquaculture system supported by scientific farming methods.
• Important fish species cultivated include:
  • Rainbow trout,
  • Golden mahseer,
  • Snow trout.
• Specialized infrastructure used includes:
  • Hatcheries,
  • Raceways,
  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS),
  • Biofloc systems,
  • Cold chain facilities.

Cultivation Conditions

• Trout farming is generally carried out at altitudes above 1,500 metres.
• Mahseer culture is more suitable at relatively lower elevations.

Major Regions

Cold-water fisheries flourish across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, along with hill districts of West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Together, these ecosystems cover more than 5.33 lakh sq. km of mountainous terrain. 

Biodiversity Importance

• India has identified more than 278 cold-water fish species.
• The sector plays an important role in:
  • Biodiversity conservation,
  • Sustainable mountain development,
  • Ecological balance in Himalayan ecosystems.

Cold Water Fisheries Clusters

The government has notified four Cold Water Fisheries Clusters at:

• Anantnag,
• Pithoragarh,
• Kullu, and
• Kargil.

Source: PIB