Resource potential of Sasthamkotta lake with reference to fish fauna and their sustainability

Abstract

The present study was to assess the Resource Potential of Sasthamkotta Lake with Special Reference to Fish Fauna and Their Sustai~mbility. 26 species of fishes belonging to 7 orders, 14 farni1ie.s and 16 genera were reported. Out of this 6 species were newly reported during the study. The lake supports a negligible fishery potential when compared to its area. Horabagrus b~.uchy~so.o~n and Etroplus surutensis were observed only rarely which were common fish in the past. The diversity indices, abundance and lake potential were assessed based on the data obtained during the study period. Ecological parameters relating to hydrography, newlinesedimentology, primary productivity and plankton composition were also studied. The nutrient status of the lake was negligible but the potassium content of the lake water increased when compared with the previous studies. This shows the silting and land erosion from the catchment area since the lake is an enclosed water body. The lake has only a thin film of plankton and low rate of productivity. As the lake is a drinking water source to lakhs of people in KoIlam District the microbiological parameters were also studied. The results showed that the drinking and bathing standards of the lake water are beyond the ISI limits. Conservation strategies were also suggested to prevent the lake from further deterioration and finally the death of the lake. newline