BACKGROUND

Floodplain wetlands primarily located in the Ganga and Brahmaputra River systems are one of the most productive and important inland open water fisheries resources in India. However, the fisheries potential remains largely untapped due to unscientific management practices and the influence of various stressors, including anthropogenic and climatic factors. Culture-based fisheries (CBF) is the most reliable management options for sustainable enhancement of fish production in floodplain wetlands. Stocking of advanced fingerling is essential for enhancing production through CBF in wetland, although acquiring such large size seed is costly and challenging. Enclosure culture offers a promising solution for seed raising in wetlands. The importance of Small Indigenous Fish (SIF) in floodplain wetlands is often overlooked, despite their nutrient-rich and role in providing both nutritional and livelihood security to fishing communities. Emphasizing the importance of SIF is vital for environmentally friendly and sustainable fish production. Assessment of ecological, fisheries and socioeconomic status is essential to generate information for developing sustainable fisheries management strategies of floodplain wetland. Awareness, demonstration and capacity building programme for fishers depending on floodplain wetland is essential for successful implementation of technology for sustainable wetland fisheries management.