The survey will include the mortality, frequency, migration route, breeding ground, breeding pattern of the fishes one of Asia's largest lagoon. Survey will be done on 6 varieties of fish including bhetki and khanga, 2 varieties of prawn and a variety of crab.
It will help CDA identify routes and locations that needs to be avoided at the time of fishing. This is to increase the fish population.
A team of Japanese experts led by K Hiramatsu and Kiasi Eto is in Orissa to conduct the survey. The team has already discussed the issue with the state environment director Bhagirathi Behera. Modern equipments are being used in this survey and it is expected to be completed by 2009.
" We want to provide sustainable livelihood support to more than a million fisherman depending on Chilika. A survey is being taken up with the aim of increasing the fish population in Chilika", Behera said.
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The government is also in the process of formulating a fishery resources management plan for Chilika which will be based upon the survey started by the Japaneese team.
The proposed plan ensures that the fisherman depending on Chilika gets the maximum benefit. The socio-economic conditions of the fishermen will be given due importance.
It will be implemented with the participation of the local people and awareness will be created in the fishing villages.The data base available with the CDA will be utilised for formulation of a plan, Behera added.