HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 8: In a bid to protect Loktak Lake’s delicate ecosystem, the All Loktak Lake Area Fishers Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) has intensified its commitment to community-led conservation.
The union strongly urged a ban on activities within the lake that jeopardize their conservation efforts, particularly addressing the use of LED lights by local fishers for illegal fishing.
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ALLAFUM secretary Oinam Rajen Singh emphasized the detrimental impact of these practices on the lake’s biodiversity.
The union also pointed out factors such as the Ithai Barrage obstructing migratory fish passage and overharvesting by local fishers, leading to a drastic decline in fish population and affecting the livelihoods of Loktak fishers.
Speaking at a media briefing, Rajen expressed concern over the recent trend of night fishing using LED lights, causing both over harvesting of fish and disturbing the feeding grounds of wintering migratory water birds.
The union stressed the need for immediate action to halt this negative practice to protect both biodiversity and the livelihoods of the fishing community.
Highlighting the use of LED devices by local fishers, Rajen stated that the practice has drawn attention from authorities as it conflicts with traditional fishing methods.
“The union calls for a total ban on night fishing with LED lights and advocates for a closed season during January-February to preserve fingerlings during their spawning period,” he added.
Rajen urged local fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing methods, discouraging the use of tightly-knit fishing nets and battery-operated dynamo-apparatus.
It is worth mentioning that Champu Khangpok Floating Island village, situated in the heart of Loktak Lake, plays a pivotal role in preventing abuse and ensuring long-term conservation.
Rajen called upon the Loktak Development Authority to take a proactive role in collaboration with Loktak fishers to develop effective strategies for lake management and conservation, emphasising the importance of preventing biodiversity loss.
