Fisheries and Aquaculture of North-East India Ecology, Technology and Policy

The North-East region of India—encompassing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—stands as one of the most ecologically diverse and culturally vibrant landscapes in South Asia. Blessed with abundant rainfall, rich river systems, extensive wetlands, and unique hill-valley ecosystems, this region possesses immense potential for inland fisheries and aquaculture. At the same time, the fragile nature of its ecosystems and the socio economic sensitivities of its indigenous communities call for a holistic and context specific approach to resource management.

This book, Fisheries and Aquaculture of North-East India: Ecology, Technology, and Policy, emerges from a shared belief that sustainable growth in the fisheries sector must be rooted in interdisciplinary understanding, field-based insight, and the lived experiences of local communities.

Over the past few decades, fisheries and aquaculture have increasingly been recognized as powerful engines of livelihood security, nutritional improvement, and rural economic growth in the region. Traditional practices such as paddy-cum-fish culture, community-managed wetlands (beels and pats), bamboo-based capture systems, and riverine harvesting continue to shape the cultural identity of the people. Simultaneously, modern aquaculture technologies—hatchery development, induced breeding, integrated farming, ornamental fish production, and recirculatory systems—are gradually making their way into remote districts, supported by government initiatives and research institutions. This confluence of tradition and technology forms the backdrop against which this volume has been conceptualized.

The primary motivation for this work arose from the authors’ collective field observations across multiple states in the North-East, where the natural richness of aquatic resources often stands in contrast with infrastructural gaps, limited technical exposure, and policy bottlenecks. While the region contributes significantly to India’s biodiversity, its fish production potential remains underutilized. Challenges such as habitat degradation, climate variability, siltation, flood-related losses, invasive species, and inadequate seed supply continue to affect production efficiency. In many areas, the absence of localized ecological assessments and the lack of value chain development limit the region’s ability to take full advantage of its unique resources.

Addressing these concerns requires an integrated framework that connects science, community knowledge, and policy planning—an approach this book aims to champion. This volume is designed not only for students and researchers, but also for extension personnel, development agencies, administrators, entrepreneurs, and progressive fish farmers. It brings together ecological insights, technological advancements, socio-economic analysis, and policy directions in an accessible and comprehensive format. The chapters highlight the ecological uniqueness of the region, explore current aquaculture systems, document innovations from laboratories and field stations, and examine the socio-cultural contexts that shape fisheries development. Special attention has been given to sustainable practices, climate resilient technologies, and the potential for blue-economy growth in hill and valley ecosystems.

The preparation of this book is the result of extensive collaboration among the authors—Sourabh Debbarma, Shiva Rajak, Dr. Nagung Camder Tok, Dr. Ch. Birendrajit, Dr. Abhijit Saha, and Dr. Lydia Zimik—each bringing deep expertise from their respective institutions and experiences across the region. Their backgrounds in aquaculture science, aquatic ecology, fisheries extension, and policy studies have enabled a multidimensional treatment of the subject. The synergy of perspectives is reflected throughout the book, ensuring that readers gain a balanced and practical understanding of both opportunities and constraints.

In writing this text, the authors have drawn inspiration from fish farmers, tribal communities, researchers, state fisheries departments, and progressive youth who are redefining the aquaculture landscape of the North-East. Their ingenuity— whether in adapting low-cost technologies, managing community ponds, rehabilitating wetlands, or venturing into ornamental fisheries—provides a powerful reminder that sustainable development is most successful when rooted in local wisdom and aspirations. The experiences shared by these stakeholders have been instrumental in shaping the themes and examples included in this volume.

The authors hope that this book will serve as a reference point for future studies and development programs, especially as the region moves toward strengthening its role in India’s fisheries sector and the global blue economy. As climate change intensifies the need for adaptive strategies, and as demand for safe, nutritious aquatic food continues to rise, North-East India stands at an important juncture. Science-based interventions, responsible management of aquatic resources, and supportive policy frameworks will be critical in determining the path forward. It is the authors’ sincere desire that the knowledge contained within these pages contributes to such progress.

Finally, the authors express their deep gratitude to their mentors, institutions, collaborating researchers, and the farming communities whose cooperation and encouragement made this book possible. Without their contributions—both direct and indirect—this work would not have taken shape. It is our hope that this volume will inspire further inquiry, innovation, and responsible stewardship of aquatic resources in the North-East and beyond.