Expectancy of Natural Spawning of Carp Species in Surma River Sylhet

Abstract

Major carps are prevalent species in the aquaculture sector due to their greater growth, ease of maintenance, and ability to thrive in the country’s excellent agricultural conditions. However, the natural carp spawn supply is predominantly declining as a result of environmental and anthropogenic causes in the natural spawning grounds. The study’s objective was to identify natural spawning areas for carp species in the Surma River (Sylhet haor basin). The research was carried out throughout the spawning season for carp species, which occurred from March to August 2021. The sample of spawn was collected by putting four Savar nets at the Surma River’s Hetimganj and Golapgonj points and then keeping them in the Sylhet Agricultural University Mini Hatchery to identify the carp species by microscopic and physical examination. According to the results, 35 species of spawn were identified, where 31% carp, 23% barbs and minnows, 5% loaches, 16% clupeids, 3% snakeheads, 8% perch, 5% catfish, 2% eels and mud eels, and 7% miscellaneous. Among carp spawns, there were 37% gonia, 56% kalibaus, and 7% bata. Despite the ideal natural conditions for spawning, the study also found that the climate was unfavorable because of untimely rainfall, climate change, and other human causes. The Surma River, however, may contain carp spawn considering that numerous carp species were found there.