Massive decline in migratory freshwater fish Labeo dyocheilus (McClelland 1839) in Jirimukh, Jiribam, Manipur

Overfishing and habitat destruction are a few driving forces that led to the decline in fish and other ecologically important animals. In the present study, we aimed to study the availability status of a migratory fish species, Labeo dyocheilus, from Jirimukh. Over four years of the study, the population of L. dyocheilus at Jirimukh has fallen under extreme overexploitation. The sharpest declines were seen in the winter and pre-monsoon seasons, representing peak fishing efforts. Traditional fishing methods adopted by local communities using fine-meshed nets and other fishing gear have led to massive mortality of juveniles and the collapse of natural recruitment cycles. The extreme declining rates at upstream and downstream sites were 26.15% and 25.97%, respectively, reflecting strong fishing pressure. The population viability analysis (PVA) was checked, and the results determined the threat of the L. dyocheilus species from Jirimukh and also predicted that if the declining trends continue, the risk of local extinction of L. dyocheilus is extremely high. This necessitates immediate conservation interventions, such as sustainable fisheries regulations, habitat protection, and active community participation. The strict enforcement of fishing laws, protection of breeding grounds, and continuous monitoring programs are crucial measures needed for the population recovery of L. dyocheilus in the study site. Influencing immediate intervention to prevent the species extinction from Jirimukh, a loss that could lead to drastic ecological and biodiversity impacts.