Traditional fishing methods in Central valley region of Manipur, India

137-143Central valley region of Manipur harbours great ichthyofaunal diversity; diverse fisheries resources, thus uses wide array of fishing methods which are evolved traditionally and being practiced extensively throughout the central valley. Some of the practices are unique to certain area such as the Loktak lake. The different traditional fishing methods presently being practiced by the fishermen are broadly categorized into major and minor fishing gears. In present paper an attempt has been made to collect and document the Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) related to fishing methods in central valley of Manipur, India. In addition to the documentation of different fishing methods, the rationales behind their use, as perceived and mentioned by the respondents, were also concurrently discussed to facilitate comprehension