Fisheries and Aquaculture in Wetland Ecosystems: A Review of Benefits, Risks, and Future Prospects in India.

Ghosh, S.; Anju, P.; Pattanayak, R., and Sahu, N.C., 2024. Fisheries and aquaculture in wetland ecosystems: A review of benefits, risks, and future prospects in India. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(3), 598–612. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Globally, wetland ecosystems are vital for supporting biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services, with fisheries playing a pivotal role. Wetlands are essential nurseries for fish, supporting fisheries that contribute significantly to food security and livelihoods. Wetlands offer a consistent supply of water, which can be well utilized for fisheries and aquaculture. Groundwater recharge from wetlands is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and other uses. Additionally, wetlands control water movement, aiding in the reduction of floods and droughts. They also serve as carbon sinks and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. However, wetlands face multiple risks, including habitat destruction due to urbanization and agricultural expansion, water pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. Climate change exacerbates these threats, altering wetland habitats and fish behavior. Sustainable wetland fisheries management is essential to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for community-based approaches, habitat restoration, and the development of resilient fish populations. The future prospects of wetland fisheries lie in integrated conservation strategies that balance the ecological significance of wetlands with the socioeconomic benefits to humans. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research, and policy interventions will be key to safeguarding these ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. In the context of the expanding fisheries and aquaculture industries, this study addresses the significance, risks, and future prospects of wetlands in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]