Kashmir Fisheries Recovers by Reintroduction of Brown Trout

The Kashmir fisheries department is planning to stock the cold waters of the Valley with brown trout this October in an attempt to reproduce the population of this fish besides expectant anglers.

Historical Context

• Originally fronted in the year 1900 by a British carpet factory owner by the name Frank J. Mitchel.
• Gained popularity in waters as such as Panzagam and Lidder and regulated factors which are the beats.
• Reduced by overfishing, illegal mining, and cases of habitat loss.

Scientific Approach

• Brown trout require cold water with high levels of oxygen and will not take artificial food.
• The fisheries scientists come up with a crustacean feed special food consisting of cod liver oil and the simulated conditions of low light in the hatcheries.
• There was a bilateral importation of 3 lakh eggs imported Denmark where they were hatched in Tchansar Hatchery (Kulgam) and then reared to be released.

Reintroduction Plan

• To be released in the winter, in October-November, when weaning is going on, to minimize cannibalism.
• Target areas are such as Veshav river and Kounsarnag lake.
• Highlight on conservation of habitat against unlawful minings and ecological imbalance.

Expected Impact

• Brown trout, a target of sports value is likely to appeal to international angling tourists.
• Restoration of angling tourism will be helpful to the local businesses and traveling operators.
• Breaks ground in conservation of biodiversity and sustainability in Eco-tourism in Kashmir.