Application of water assessment tools for effective management of

future water needs for reservoir fisheries in India

M. Feroz Khan and Preetha Panikkar

Reservoir Fisheries Division, Central Inland Fisheries
Research Institute, Hessarghatta Lake Post,
Bangalore - 560 089

Rivers, reservoirs, water sheds and aquatic ecosystems are the biological engines of
our planet. Reservoirs transform landscapes and create risks of irreversible impacts.
Understanding, protecting and restoring reservoir ecosystems is essential to foster
equitable development and welfare of all species. The strategies required for
effective management of reservoir fisheries will focus on water availability in future.
The future water needs of the reservoirs could be assessed using suitable water
assessment tools. The major concerns include changes in global hydrological cycle,
freshwater shortages, pollution, unsustainable use of fishery resources, loss of
ecosystems etc. A detailed impact assessment, policy option analysis and
construction of casual chain could reveal the root cause of the problems involved.
Based on the projections for future, a policy option analysis is done for better action
and effective management of reservoir fisheries. A diagnostic analysis of policy
options and environmental impact assessment are put in Driving forces Pressure
State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework. This helps in solving the ecolabelling
issues and cleaner production of fishes from reservoirs in different water level
scenarios. Inappropriate harvesting practices, Resource and habitat changes,
habitat alteration and destruction, reduction of biodiversity etc are major concerns for
the future.