Fish Catch Composition, Diversity, and Conservation Status in the Lower Reaches of the Unexplored Tropical Wainganga River, Eastern Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the fish fauna and conservation status in the Wainganga River, a tributary of the Godavari River in eastern Maharashtra, India. Monthly samples were collected from five sites along the river from June 2022 to May 2023. The results revealed a rich diversity of 47 fish species across 32 genera, 17 families, and 10 orders, with Cypriniformes being the most common. The IUCN Red List assessment showed 37 species of Least Concern, 4 Vulnerable, 3 Near Threatened, 2 Endangered, and 1 Data Deficient. Cluster analysis indicated significant spatial and temporal variations in fish communities. NMDS analysis identified seasonal patterns in fish abundance, while the K‐dominance curve displayed variations in cumulative abundance across sites. The mean catch per unit effort (CPUE) was 646.83 ± 109.51 g/man‐hour, with notable differences among sites during the monsoon season. Salmastoma bacaila had the highest relative abundance (11.37%), while Cyprinus carpio var. specularis and Clarias magur had the lowest (0.04% each). Diversity indices varied across sites, seasons, and months, with Site‐5 showing the highest species richness. The study highlights the adverse effects of dam construction and other human activities on fish habitats, calling for effective management and conservation strategies to maintain fish diversity and ecosystem health.