ஐ.எஸ்.எஸ்.என்: 2150-3508
Ajay VS*
Aquatic biodiversity and fish wealth of Kerala sustain more than 10 lakh fisher folk and supports numerous additional activities including commercial fishing, tourism, aquaculture, education, recreation etc. Species diversity, gear and craft specifications, seasonal variation of fish caught and living status and related problem accessment studies were conducted in Vembanad Lake at Varapuzha wetlands of Ernakulam district in Kerala during January 2020 to March 2021. Etroplus maculatus, E. suratensis, Stolephorus indicus, Ambassis ambassis were found to be highly abundant speciesin the research area. Out of 3105798(as per 2001; Department of Town and Country Planning, Kerala) people in Ernakulam district, percentage population involved in different types livelihood sectors were identified and recorded. Case study was conducted to understand the problems in the sector and appropriate recommendations were given.The recorded data showed that Varapuzha Lake is rich in biodiversity with a diversified range and floras and faunas.