| dc.description.abstract | Wetlands are encompass a diverse range of environments including rivers,
lakes, marshes, rice fields and coastal areas, stand as vital ecosystems crucial for
maintaining ecological equilibrium and fostering biodiversity. Their significance
extends far beyond ecological boundaries and contributes to human well-being and
poverty alleviation. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of the ecological
dynamics, physicochemical parameters, fish abundance and production in the
Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetlands over a period spanning 2018 to 2022. The research
reveals significant variations in fish species composition, abundance, and distribution
across different sites within the wetlands andeffectsof abiotic factors.
The kole lands in Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala are often
described as the rice hub of these regions. Ponnani kole, situated in southwestern
region of Malappuram district, is the northern most extension of the Vembanad kole
Ramsar site. The study was conducted in seven randomly selected site; Marancherry,
Mavinchuvad, Tholur, Mullassery, Enamav, Nedupuzha and Muriad kole wetlands
which lie between Muriyad and Ponnani kole. The studies of fish production in kole
wetlands were done by direct visit and questionnaire. A detailed questionnaire was
prepared and data collected from fishermen based on that.
The objectives of the present study are- to study the diversity of fishes in
Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetland ecosystem; to study the interrelationship between
physio-chemical parameters of water and Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetland fish
diversity; to estimate the annual fish production by the kole wetlands of the Thrissur-
Ponnani kole wetland ecosystem; traditional fish harvesting methods employed by
stakeholders of the Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetlands ecosystem; economic evaluation
of the fishery resources of Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetlands ecosystems and evaluation
of the interventions by the local self governments in the Thrissur-Ponnani kole
wetlands fishery.
Taxonomic identification done and was 46 fish species from 23 families and 13
orders, with notable variations in abundance and composition observed across months
and study sites. The dominance of certain orders, such as Cyriniformes, Siluriformes,
and Anabantiformes indicates the ecological importance of these taxa in the wetland
ecosystem. However, declines in abundance, especially in economically andecologically important species like Anguilla bengalensis and Macrognanthus
guentheri, highlight potential environmental challenges.
There was significant variations in fish abundance among different sites, with
some sites consistently exhibiting higher abundance than others. Diversity indices
indicated moderate levels of diversity, with fluctuations attributed to variations in
species composition and abundance over time and space.
The analysis conducted on the correlation between fish diversity and water
quality parameters revealed several significant findings. Some fish species, such as
Xenentodon cancila and Parambassis thomassi, exhibited strong positive correlations
with multiple parameters like water temperature, air temperature, and dissolved
oxygen. Conversely, species like Aplocheilus lineatus showed negative correlations
with certain parameters, indicating their sensitivity or avoidance of those conditions.
The study highlighted the interconnected nature of water quality parameters and
the complexity of water chemistry in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding these
relationships is essential for assessing water quality, identifying sources of
contamination, and implementing effective management strategies to protect water
resources and ecosystems.
Physicochemical parameters analysis indicated temporal variations between 2018 and
2019. High fish production sites were Society Padavu and Akattan, and low-
production sites were Nedupotta.
Economic evaluation revealed the significant contribution of fish production to the
local economy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management practices. The
present study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics and socio-
economic significance of the Thrissur-Ponnani kole wetlands. Sustainable
management strategies informed by scientific research are essential to preserve
biodiversity, support livelihoods, and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital
ecosystem. | en_US |
