Status of Fish Diversity and Capture Fisheries of Tehri Reservoir in Uttarakhand

Abstract

The Tehri Reservoir, formed by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers in Uttarakhand, is a prominent inland aquatic ecosystem in the Central Himalaya. This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of fish diversity and capture fisheries in the reservoir, synthesizing existing literature to explore ecological, socio-economic, and fish management dimensions. A total of 27 fish species, belonging to 1 order (Cypriniformes), 3 families (Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Sisoridae), and 13 genera, have been reported, with Cyprinidae as the dominant family, followed by Cobitidae and Sisoridae. Anthropogenic pressures such as damming, introducing exotic fish species and fluctuating ecological characteristics have significantly altered native fish populations and disrupted breeding patterns. The average total fish production for the six years in the Tehri Dam reservoir was recorded as 276.96 metric ton. Although capture fisheries support local livelihoods, they are increasingly challenged by declining fish yields, inadequate scientific management, and conservation policy implementation. The review paper emphasizes the urgent need for integrated, sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation strategies to ensure the ecological health and socio-economic benefits of the people of the Garhwal region.