| Sanction Date: | 10.12.2025 | |||
| Project Category | Category I | |||
| Year | 2025-2026 | |||
| Project Duration | 3 Years | |||
| BTA : | BCM | |||
| Project Site/ State/ Districts/ Villages Covered: |
Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland |
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| Organization/ Implementation Agency: | Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhawan, M-Block, New Alipore Kolkata-700053; West Bengal | |||
| Project Partners: | S.No. | Name | ||
| 1. | Guwahati University | |||
| Lead Proponent: | Dr. Bheem Dutt Joshi |
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| Project Brief Description: | Northeast India, globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, is characterized by unique physiography, ecoclimatic conditions, and a vast range of tropical forests (Jyrwa et al., 2020). Many northeastern states, falling within the Himalayan region, remain underexplored in terms of biodiversity and ecological studies. With over 400 fish species, including freshwater and migratory varieties, Northeast India plays a vital role in sustaining aquatic biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent. However, this biodiversity faces growing threats from invasive non-native species, largely introduced through human activities. Species such as the African catfish, Common carp, and Mozambique tilapia pose significant ecological, economic, and social risks by disrupting ecosystem functions, outcompeting native species for resources, and endangering biodiversity. This study will address these challenges by implementing integrated conservation and management strategies aimed at protecting fish diversity in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland listed among the 200 global conservation priority ecoregions. These states are not only rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage but also hold considerable ecological significance, making them ideal study areas. The project will conduct in-depth assessments of fish diversity, genetics, and ecology across these states, with a focus on identifying invasive species and understanding their impacts. Through robust methodologies and collaborations with government agencies, research institutions, local communities, and stakeholders, we will develop strategies to control invasive species spread and safeguard native fish populations. The project objectives are as follows: 1. To assess the status of fish diversity, identify neo-invasive as well as established invasive fish species infestation in different water bodies of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland through comprehensive surveys and monitoring programs. 2. To investigate the ecological and biosecurity impact of non-native fish species on native fish species in different aquatic habitats of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, identification of invasive species hotspots in selected landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. 3. To develop and implement targeted management strategies for controlling, preventing, and monitoring invasive fish species and conserving native fish diversity in the region. 4. Mainstream fish invasive species management and biosecurity measures by strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and engaging communities in invasive species monitoring, early detection, and rapid response efforts. The project expects to yield a comprehensive understanding of fish diversity and invasive species dynamics in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. Through detailed surveys and monitoring, the project will assess both native and invasive fish populations, providing insights into the ecological interactions between these species and factors influencing their distribution. Additionally, it will identify effective control measures and biosecurity protocols, helping mitigate invasive species spread and minimize impacts on native ecosystems. By involving stakeholders and local communities, the project will foster sustainable management practices that support aquatic biodiversity conservation. This project will also contribute to the ecological health and sustainable development of these biodiversity-rich states through scientific research, sustainable management strategies, and community engagement, ultimately promoting long-term ecological integrity and resilience | |||
| Beneficiaries/ Stakeholders: |
• Local Communities and Fisherfolk |
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| Activity Chart (For 3 years) | ||||
| Total Grants (in Rs.) | Rs.4,97,99,800/- (Rupees Four Crore Ninety Seven Lakh Ninety Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Only) | |||
| Project Objectives | Quantifiable Deliverables | Monitoring Indicators |
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• To assess the status of fish diversity, identify neo-invasive as well as established invasive fish species infestation in different water bodies of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland through comprehensive surveys and monitoring programs. • To investigate the ecological and biosecurity impact of non-native fish species on native fish species in different aquatic habitats of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, identification of invasive species hotspots in selected landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. • To develop and implement targeted management strategies for controlling, preventing, and monitoring invasive fish species and conserving native fish diversity in the region. • Mainstream fish invasive species management and biosecurity measures by strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and engaging communities in invasive species monitoring, early detection, and rapid response efforts. |
• Baseline survey report covering all sampled water bodies, including validated species lists (native, non-native and invasive • Comprehensive baseline database on fish diversity, invasive species presence, and infestation intensity across surveyed water bodies of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. • Georeferenced maps of invasive species hotspots, ecological impact zones, and biosecurity vulnerability areas • Scientific assessment report on ecological and biosecurity impacts of neo-invasive and established invasive fish species on native fish communities. • Invasive Fish Species Management Framework outlining control, prevention, and monitoring strategies • Standardized biosecurity and invasive species surveillance protocols • Capacity-building modules, training manuals, and outreach material on fish biosecurity, early detection, and rapid response. • Decision-support tools for fisheries managers, including risk assessment templates, reporting formats, and a digital monitoring dashboard. • Policy recommendations for mainstreaming invasive species and biosecurity considerations |
• Monitoring in comparison to the baseline information/ data to be provided by the proponent: • No. of water bodies surveyed and percentage coverage achieved across the three states. • No. of invasive fish species identified, including confirmed neo-invasive species. • No. of invasive species hotspots mapped and validated. • No. of management strategies formulated, and piloted. • No. of stakeholders trained (fishers, local youth, department staff). • No. of policy briefs submitted. • No. of research papers, technical reports, and manuals published. |
| S.No. | No. of Sanctioned Post | Salary (Sanctioned) |
| 1. | RA III | @ Rs.67,000/- + 30% HRA |
| 2. | 02 RA I | @ Rs.58,000/- + 30% HRA |
| 3. | 06 SRF | @ Rs.42,000/- + 30% HRA |
| 4. | 06 JRF | @Rs.37,000/-+ 30% HRA |
| 5. | 06 Technical Assistant | @Rs.20,000/- |
| S.No. | Name of Equipment (Sanctioned) | Use of Equipment/ Details | Cost (in INR) |
| 1. | Workstation with 1 Unit online data storage hard-drive (Rs. 7 lakh/Units) and Software, 01 DSLR Camera with lenses @1 lakh/ Unit. | 8,00,000 |
