Many believe that sport-fishing is ecologically viable and could actually be used to promote ecotourism and protect the health of the inland waters.

       Vijay Soni, member of an angling association from Delhi, has prepared an ecologically viable scheme for sport fishing in U.P. which was sent to the Chief Minister, U.P. This scheme can probably be applicable for all other states where sport-fishing occurs. We reproduce below an extract from this scheme.

       "Since our scheme covers aspects of conservation, food and sport tourism, we have to involve all those who are concerned, such as ministries, departments, ichthyologists, anglers and villagers. In this day you cannot fence off areas from the rural folk as has been amply proved in other projects. We must involve them and give them alternatives for keeping away from poaching.

       Our objective is, therefore, to have healthy rivers and lakes with good stocks of the endemic species and to breed fish in hatcheries located near natural waters for commercial sale and stocking of the waters. This should be done by the State Fisheries Department. Once induced into natural waters, the fish would have to be safeguarded. The waters should be divided into three categories, viz., sanctuary area, angling area and commercial fishing area. Several zones of each category should be present in different water bodies.

       An apex body should be formed at Lucknow headed by the Chief Secretary and comprise members from Departments of Fisheries, Forest, Tourism, Industry, Food, PWD, Irrigation, Army, ichthy ologists, Anglers' Associations and NGOs. This body should set out the policy for all activi ties on water bodies from macro-projects like dams and canals to water sports and adventure tourism, commercial fishing, captive fish breeding, etc. They should direct concerned Departments to cooperate. It is desirable to have only one agency in charge of field vigilance, but it may be divided for practical purposes.

       Commercial fishing contracts for commercial zone waters only should be given by this Committee. Angling zones should be leased out to Angling Associations under relevant terms and conditions to encourage sport fishing tourism. It is suggested that leasing fees for angling zones should be kept minimal, whereas anglers should be charged reasonably for permits. It should be obligatory for each angler to hire a local Ghilly (Shikari) at reasonable wages. This Shikari should have received some training by the Fisheries Department and be paid a nominal retainership throughout the year for guarding the waters. Small hatcheries or fish farms should be established by the Fisheries Department at various villages along the river. These should be run by the village cooperatives so that the entire village community benefits.

       These hatcheries could easily be formed by channeling water from the main stream to a village pond and running it back into the river. The pond would be used for captive breeding and farming of fish species, like carp and mahseer. Once there is adequate fish availability, the pressure on natural waters would automatically decline and the village community would prevent poaching of the natural waters by their own village miscreants. However, local villagers would be allowed to fish in the angling zones with hook and line for sport and food, without payment of any charge.

       Commercial fishing would be allowed under strict terms and conditions at reasonably profitable rates and the commercial fishermen should be obligated to sell 50% of his catch locally."

For further information and feedback, contact-
Vijay Soni, 43, Golf Links, New Delhi 110 003.