Fishing methods, use of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in fisheries management of Lake Kolleru

Abstract

A survey was conducted aimed at assessing the indigenous fishing methods adopted by the fishermen in Lake Kolleru, a wet land of International importance and the only Ramsar site from Andhra Pradesh. Information was collected by participatory rapid appraisal covering fifteen fishermen villages in around the lake and field visits. Study indicated that a diverse range of fishing gears and methods have been evolved over a long period of time by the fishermen of Lake Kolleru to capture a wide range of fish species and commercial exploitation of the lake. Indigenous fishing gears comprising gill nets, cast nets, traps, etc., have been discussed recorded during the study. It is evident that Dugout canoe, plank built boats are the most extensively used craft and cast net, traps are commonly used implements in fish capture. Among all indigenous fishing devices Kampagudu and Gaya are the unique and assured method of capturing fishes in the lake. No destructive methods are used in lake for fish capture.