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ICAR-CIFRI assesses Pulicat Lake ecology and fisheries for sustainability

24^th June, 2025

Pulicat Lake, situated along the Coromandel Coast, is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in the country. The Pulicat Lake fishery is a vital economic resource for the local fishing community, which also strengthens rural economy and associated sectors like seafood processing and marketing. A multidisciplinary scientific team from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, conducted a comprehensive study of the Pulicat Lake during 12-17 June 2025 to assess fish diversity, catch structure, habitat characteristics and ecological health as a part of the institute's ongoing project on "Assessing shifts in the fish diversity, environment, and fish species stocks with respect to the climate change scenario of Pulicat Lake.” The team constituted of Dr. S.K. Das, Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr. Canciyal Johnson, and Hansraj Kumar carried out the work under guidance of Dr. Basanta K. Das, Director, and supervision of Dr. S.K. Manna, Head of the REF Division of ICAR-CIFRI.

The survey coincided with end of the annual 61-days fishing ban enforced from April 15 to June 14 which intends to safeguard fish population during the breeding season, thereby promoting long-term sustainability of the fish stocks. Besides study of ecology and fisheries, the team also noted involvement of a large number of fishers, their traditional fishing methods utilising boats, nets, and traps suited to the lagoon's shallow and often turbid waters. Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic wastes contribute to the pollution of the lake, adversely affecting water quality and fish health. The ecosystem and biodiversity of the lake also face threats from encroachment, siltation, and mangrove forestation.

Officials of the fishery departments of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu who are working towards sustainable fishing practices, regulate fishing activities, and protect essential ecosystems of the Lake actively supported the research team. The fisheries of Pulicat Lake is integral to the local social and economic framework and it is crucial to align the community's needs with the principles of environmental conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource. The data generated in the study would strengthen the Lake fisheries information and be instrumental for sustainable management and conservation of fisheries of this important brackish-water ecosystem.