Vembanad Fish Count 2018
At the 11th edition of Vembanad Fish Count 2018, volunteers and scientists counted as many as 117 species, much higher than the 55 species observed last time. Organised by ATREE in collaboration with Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Samyuktha Vembanad Kayal Samrakshana Samithi (SVKSS) and India Biodiversity Portal, this year the fish count was also extended to Kochi backwaters.
The Northern part yielded a total of 96 fish species including nine crustaceans.
The highlight was the presence of Poecilia mexicana and Moon gourami Trichopodus microlepis exotic to Vembanad Lake.
Supported by Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) a CSR initiative of Antrix, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala and Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the count aims to institute a deliberative democratic governance system for the backwaters by enhancing the cooperation of government departments, NGOs and academic institutions.
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