Hassan: The population of indigenous fishes such as Bale Meenu and Godle among others has declined sharply in Hemavathy reservoir of Hassan district in recent years. Fisheries officials attribute the decline in indigenous species to damages to the ecosystem and erratic rainfall.
A fisherman, Subramanya, engaged in fishing activity for several years in Hemavathy reservoir told Deccan Chronicle on Thursday: “We once found Bale Meenu, Godle, Haavu Meena, Geerle, Olu Meena and all indigenous fishes in abundance in the reservoir but nowadays their numbers have come down drastically and catching Bale Meenu is a rarity.”
Giving his views on the decline of native fishes in Hemavathy, Mr Subramanaya suspected that about a decade back, diseases hit the fish population in the reservoir and that might have affected the population of indigenous fishes. He wanted fisheries officials to conduct research work to know the exact reason for the dwindling population of fishes at the reservoir.
His colleague, Jagadeesh also engaged in fishing at the reservoir said: “We find Cat Fishes, which are carnivorous, in large numbers and these fishes feed on indigenous fishes which is probably the reason for the decline of Bale Meena and others.”
These indigenous fishes are not hatched by the department of fisheries. Assistant Director of the Fisheries department, Renuka Murthy said “Because of sand mining in the Hemavathy, breeding areas of indigenous fishes are getting damaged year after year. Besides, farmers in the river basin have shifted to ginger cultivation where they suss excess chemicals for the success of the crop. Chemicals sprayed onto the crop get mixed with water which flows into the river taking its toll on the population of indigenous fishes particularly Bale Meenu.”
Not only human factors, even rainfall is affecting the fish population, the AD said. “June-July are the months conducive for fish breeding. In recent years, rainfall is usually late which also has affected breeding.”
Mr Renuka Murthy feels that since there is a ban on fishing activities for 60 days in June-July, fishes have a chance to recover and the population might increase in coming years.
