Nainital Lake Revives Native Snow Trout

A significant conservation effort has been initiated in Nainital lake to reintroduce the native snow trout, locally referred to as "Asela." This project, spearheaded by the Department of Zoology at Kumaon University's DSB College, seeks to revitalize the dwindling fish population and ensure the ecological equilibrium of the lake.

To facilitate this goal, a specialized fish cage was recently installed within the lake. This setup will allow for the controlled rearing of snow trout fingerlings in their natural habitat. The fish themselves were initially bred in the university's zoology laboratory.

Native to Himalayan water bodies, snow trout are crucial for maintaining aquatic ecosystems by controlling algal growth and preserving water quality. Their near extinction in Nainital lake approximately twenty years ago prompted the university to establish a biofloc fisheries technology center.

Through sustained research and development, the university successfully cultured snow trout using both traditional and advanced biofloc methods. This system enhances water quality and promotes fish growth via microbial processes, with two production cycles already completed and fish sold commercially.

The project now enters its crucial reintroduction phase, involving meticulous monitoring of water quality and fish development by Prof. Bisht's team. The overarching objective extends to providing students with practical training in biofloc technology alongside the long-term goal of repopulating the lake with native fish species.