Assessment of the impact of fish seed stocking on fish yield in small reservoirs of Central India: towards sustainable management.

The present study assessed the impact of fingerling stocking of Indian major carps (Gibelion catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala) on fish yield in 24 small reservoirs of Central India. The time series data on fish stocking and yield were collected from the State Fisheries Department, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, for the year 2008 to 2016. The fish yield increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 87.11 to 379.13 kg/ha/year due to stocking indicating significant impact on fish production. The relationships between area, stocking density, and fish yield of reservoirs were also assessed. Stocking had a significant positive impact on fish yield (t test, p < 0.05). The important water quality parameters were also studied to have a conspicuous picture of eco-hydrological characteristics of these selected small reservoirs. The study forms a baseline for the small tropical reservoir fisheries of Central India (Chhattisgarh state) and suggests regional strategies for sustainable fisheries enhancement and management, employment generation, and nutritional security of a large number of fish-eating population.