Assessment of Fish Diversity and Marketing System in Dholi Fish Market, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India

Abstract

Fish markets play an important role in the distribution and availability of fish to consumers. The current study was conducted at Dholi Fish Market, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, to examine the current marketing system, marketing activities and fish diversity observed in markets. This works seeks to identify market infrastructure, current market conditions, cost structures and factors influencing the market system. The survey was conducted in the month of November 2022 to January 2023. The objective was to evaluate the diversity and richness of fish fauna found in the area. A total of 33 fish species belonging to 13 families and 7 orders were recorded during the study period. The order Cypriniformes contributed the highest proportion (43%), followed by Siluriformes (27%) and Perciformes (12%). The dominant species observed in the market included Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cyprinus carpio and Pangasius sp. Fish prices varied depending on species, size, freshness and market demand. According to the IUCN Red List status, 25 species were categorized as Least Concern, three species as Near Threatened, two species as Vulnerable, two species as Not Evaluated and one species as Data Deficient. The study highlights the importance of improving market infrastructure, hygienic handling practices and sustainable fishery management to ensure efficient fish marketing and conservation of fish diversity in the region.