GUWAHATI, Oct 6 - A two-day national interactive meet of scientists, stakeholders and entrepreneurs on the topic 'Mahseer in Recreational Fisheries and Eco-tourism in Northeast India' has mooted the idea of a Mahseer Eco Park to boost the tourism sector.
The programme was organized by ICAR � Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal at Jasingfaa Aqua Tourism Centre in Nagaon on October 1 and 2.
Inaugurating the meet, State Fisheries Minister Parimal Shuklavaidya emphasized that fish farming is an integral part of Northeast, particularly Assam where about 95 per cent of the people are fish eaters and also love fish for recreation. He also lauded Jasingfaa Aqua Tourism Resort for successfully establishing fish based eco-tourism at Nagaon through technical support from ICAR-DCFR.
Dr AK Singh, the Director of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and highlighted that Mahseer is an important sport fish which is the cornerstone in recreational fisheries and eco-tourism, particularly in the northeastern region. He also felicitated Dr Dhruba Jyoti Sharma, Fishery Officer, Directorate of Fisheries, Assam.
About 120 delegates from different parts of the country, including scientists, academicians, State fishery officials, NGOs, entrepreneurs and anglers participated in the event. An angling festival was also organized on the first day where 96 participants from different northeastern States besides Uttarakhand participated. Thirty post-graduate students were also given training on various aspects of eco-tourism.
The minister, on the occasion, released a bulletin titled 'Mahseer in recreational fishery and ecotourism in India'.
