A book titled “Fishes of Eastern Bhutan”, developed by the National Research and Development Center for Riverine & Lake Fisheries (NRDCRLF), Haa was launched today at the Department of Livestock (DoL), conference hall. The book represents the second edition in a two-volume series documenting the diversity of fishes in Bhutan and lists 115 fish species from Eastern Bhutan.

The book is part of the study on Species Composition and Distribution of Fish in Aiechhu, Nyera-Amarichhu and the Manas river basin. The study was funded by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation.

Bhutan’s rivers are home to one of the rich and unique aquatic biodiversity. As Bhutan’s water reserves, they get developed through numerous anthropogenic activities, the riverine ecosystem will inevitably be impacted. When this happens, it is necessary to mitigate these impacts in the form of management and conservation programs. A comprehensive fishery database in that regard, is crucial for developing sound management plans. Thus, this book, provides data and information needed to help guide management and mitigation strategies for aquatic biodiversity in Bhutan.

The Honorable Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture & Forests graced the launch, at the DoL conference hall.