An Arunachal clan is launching an effort to conserve the endangered ray-finned fish and preserve the tradition

Sangnos aims to populate a mountain stream in East Kameng district with Himalayan ray-finned fish. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

GUWAHATI

A clan in Arunachal Pradesh has launched an initiative to conserve the Himalayan ray-finned fish with the dual purpose of protecting it from the predatory mahseer and ensuring that the traditional community fishery is sustainable in the long term.

Mahseer, often referred to as the “water tiger” of Himalayan and sub-Himalayan rivers, is a prized sport fish among anglers.

On June 28, nine members of the Sangno clan collected 52 juvenile Schizothorax pelzami, commonly known as the Trans-Caspian marinka, from the Lapabung stream in Talo village under Bameng administrative circle. They released the cubs in Richaso stream in Weshi, their village under Pakoti administrative circle.

The two villages, about 20 km apart and at an average elevation of 3,400 feet above sea level, are located in East Kameng District.

“We have introduced a ray-finned fish of the carp family, called Ngarsing in our Nyishi language, to a section of the Richaso stream that is inaccessible to the mahseer. This increases the chances of their survival and reproduction,” Amar Sangno, one of the team, told The Hindu on Wednesday.

Fishing together

He said introducing the endangered ray-finned fish into the creek was a long-felt need for the Sangno clan to ensure the sustainability of the community fishery, a tribal tradition.

After the translocation mission was completed, village leader Gajali Sangno proposed a blanket ban on fishing in Richaso for five years to ensure that the rays reach a population size sufficient to restore regular community fishing. He said the long-term goals of the village also include eco-fishing and trail trekking.

Published – 02 Jul 2026 01:21 IST