Journal of Fisheries

An annotated checklist of ichthyofauna and associated estuarine biota of the Manakudy Estuary, southern Tamil Nadu, India

2026-02-15T07:22:32+00:00

This study assessed the ichthyofaunal and associated floral diversity of the Manakudy Estuary, southwest coast of India, over a two-year period involving monthly surveys from August 2023 to July 2025. Sampling efforts were stratified across three distinct ecological zones i.e., freshwater influx region (Station 1), mid-mangrove area (Station 2), and estuarine mouth region (Station 3), utilizing traditional fishing crafts and standardized visual census methods to capture spatial heterogeneity. A total of 120 species were recorded, representing 37 orders, 62 families, and 89 genera. The order Eupercaria incertae sedis showed the highest species richness (15.83%), followed by Carangiformes (12.50%) and Clupeiformes (8.33%). Among families, Carangidae was the most dominant with 13 species. Conservation assessment revealed the occurrence of threatened species, including the Endangered honeycomb stingray (Himantura uarnak) and the Vulnerable Coromandel whipray (Brevitrygon imbricata), along with two near threatened species. These findings provide baseline information essential for long-term biodiversity monitoring, sustainable fisheries management, and conservation planning in the Manakudy Estuary.

Unveiling the identity of three Parapsilorhynchus species from the Eastern Ghats: an integrative taxonomic approach

2026-02-15T07:22:45+00:00

The identities of Parapsilorhynchus odishaensis, Mahanadhi minnow P. swaini, and P. alluriensis have been elucidated through a comprehensive integration of morphological and molecular data, specifically utilizing mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences. Specimens collected from the type localities of P. swaini and P. odishaensis, closely resembling their initial descriptions, underwent molecular analysis and were compared to the holotype sequence of P. alluriensis. The genetic distances (K2P) observed among these three species ranged from 0.0% to 2.1%. Notably, the K2P distance between P. swaini and P. odishaensis ranged from 0.2% to 0.3%, while between P. odishaensis and P. alluriensis (holotype) is 1%, and between P. swaini and P. alluriensis (holotype), there was a 0.7% difference. The intraspecific variations among the P. alluriensis sequences, uploaded from the nearby area of the type locality are 0.0 to 0.8%. Despite minor variations in morphological traits such as snout tubercles, anal fin black bar, and inter-orbital space, molecular analysis revealed no significant genetic differentiation among these species. These morphological variations are likely a result of habitat influences. Considering the overlapping morphological features supported by ML tree and ASAP analysis, P. odishaensis, P. alluriensis, and P. swaini (described from the Eastern Ghats) are suggested to be synonymous. As P. odishaensis was the first species described, the other two should be regarded as junior synonyms of P. odishaensis.

Unveiling hydro-edaphic dynamics of the Manakudy Estuary: implications for ecosystem health

2026-02-15T07:22:58+00:00

The present study investigated the seasonal variations of physicochemical and sediment parameters in the Manakudy Estuary, a critical tropical estuarine ecosystem in India. Key water quality variables encompassing basic physicochemical properties, oxygen dynamics, inorganic carbon, major ions, primary productivity, and nutrient regimes were analysed, as these collectively regulate estuarine biogeochemical processes and biological functioning. These parameters are essential as they collectively influence the chemical and biological environment of the estuary. Seasonal samples were collected from three selected sites across the estuary over a one-year period from March 2024 to February 2025, covering four seasons with triplicate sampling at each site. Descriptive statistics i.e., mean ± standard error (SE) were calculated based on replicate samples at each site and season to evaluate spatial and temporal variability. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of season and site on several physicochemical and soil parameters (p<0.001), indicating pronounced spatio-temporal heterogeneity in the ecological conditions of the Manakudy Estuary. Such variability reflects shifts in nutrient availability, oxygen balance, and productivity patterns, providing clear insights into the ecological condition and ecosystem health of the Manakudy Estuary and its vulnerability to environmental stressors.

Analyzing population dynamics and growth patterns of Cyprinus carpio and Carassius carassius in Anchar Lake, Kashmir

2026-02-15T07:23:11+00:00

The present study examines the population dynamics of Cyprinus carpio (common carp) and Carassius carassius (crucian carp) in Anchar Lake, Kashmir, through the analysis of length- weight relationships (LWR), growth patterns, mortality rates, exploitation rates, and recruitment dynamics. The length-weight relationships for both species exhibited negative allometric growth, with C. carpio showing a regression equation of log W = 2.80 log L – 1.56 and C. carassius showing log W = 1.52 log L + 0.01. Growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) yielding asymptotic lengths (L_∞) of 31.60 cm for C. carpio and 30.00 cm for C. carassius, with respective growth coefficients (K) of 0.44 year^–1 and 0.38 year^–1. The total mortality rates were 1.26 year^–1 for C. carpio and 1.54 year^–1 for C. carassius, with fishing mortality rates of 0.44 year^–1 and 0.79 year^–1 respectively, indicating that C. carpio is subject to moderate exploitation (E=0.35) while C. carassius is overexploited (E=0.51). Recruitment patterns for both species were highest in spring and early summer, with C. carpio showing optimal recruitment between April and May. Virtual population analysis (VPA) and yield-per-recruit analysis revealed that C. carpio is currently harvested sustainably, while C. carassius faces overfishing risks. The study highlights the need for adaptive management strategies, including stricter fishing regulations and seasonal closures, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these fish populations in Anchar Lake.

Evaluation of a government-funded business incubation program in the fisheries sector in Indonesia

2026-02-15T07:23:24+00:00

Government-funded business incubation programs have been increasingly implemented to support micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Indonesia’s fisheries sector; however, their effectiveness is not well understood. Prior studies largely relied on administrative data and manager perspectives, giving limited attention to beneficiary experiences. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a government-funded incubation program targeting fishery processing and marketing MSEs in Indonesia from the viewpoint of incubator tenants. Using importance-performance analysis (IPA), the research examined ten essential program attributes across 47 MSEs that participated in the program between 2018 and 2022. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring both perceived importance and actual performance of program services. Statistical analyses including reliability tests, validity tests, and paired t-tests revealed significant gaps between importance and performance for all attributes (p < 0.05). The IPA matrix placed five attributes in the “Keep Up the Good Work” quadrant (processing technique training, good manufacturing practice/sanitation standard operating procedures training, laboratory testing support, design and packaging support, and promotion materials development), one critical attribute requiring immediate attention in the "Concentrate Here" quadrant (market expansion assistance), and four attributes in the "Low Priority" quadrant (quality certificate assistance, license and permit facilitation, business management training, and financing and investment support). The findings indicated that while the program performed well in technical and operational support, market expansion services required substantial improvement. This study contributed to the limited empirical literature on government-funded fishery incubation programs in developing countries and offered actionable recommendations aligned with stakeholder priorities.