Assessment of Cage Culture Practices in Chandil Reservoir, Jharkhand

The present study was carried out in Chandil reservoir which is situated in Saraikela-Kharsawan district, Jharkhand and has 933 cages installed for fish culture. The objective of the study was to assess cage culture practices in this reservoir. The assessment was done using the NFDB guidelines of cage culture in inland open water bodies of India using 15 parameters. Interviews with officials of Department of Fisheries and fishers was done to enquire if the guidelines were followed using a 3 point scale. This was corroborated by observation and field visits, so as to adopt the triangulation method. It was found that 66.67% of the guidelines were being followed fully. However, 33.33% of guidelines like water quality, cage maintenance, fish health monitoring, use of safety measures and environment precaution and assessment, guidelines were partly followed due to certain reasons. Accordingly suggestions have been provided. It was concluded that the cage culture practices followed in Chandil reservoir is good. Improvements can be done on those parameters where guidelines are being partly followed.