INTRODUCTION

Assam is endowed with vast Fishery resources in the form of rivers, ponds, derelict water bodies, Beels covering 2.85 lakh ha in addition to the two major river systems viz the Brahmaputra and Barak with their tributaries. Fish occupies an important place in the lives of the people of the State and fish farming has been one of the common activities in the rural areas. Thus the Fishery sector is considered as an important economic activity in the socio-economic context in the State of Assam. The State Fishery Department has a mandate to increase fish and quality fish seed production, identify and promote research and studies on fisheries and allied areas, promote scientific fish farming, provide extension services to fish farmers, fishermen and fishery entrepreneurs with a vision to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production through sustainable fisheries management practices.