In the past few decades, various riverine ecosystems have endured intense human interventions and natural calamities resulting in habitat loss and degradation, alteration in hydro-chemistry and river geomorphology. The consequences are fast declines of fishery resources in upland rivers and streams. This book provides up-to-date information on various aspects of the aquatic environment and fish diversity of the upper Ganga river system which flows through India and Bangladesh. The book describes the impact of river fragmentation on the ecology and diversity of the local fish fauna. Possible measures to mitigate the damage and restore ecosystem services in this riverine system are also discussed, as is the various fishing methods and gears and their specificity in the hilly terrain of the central Himalayas. Also included are the systematic and taxonomic features of the fishes of the upper Ganga river system with their colour photos, nomenclature, and descriptive characteristics.
1. River Ganga in the Himalayas- An overview
2. Physiography, physico-chemical profile and fish faunal diversity
3. Hydropower projects: Impact on riverine environment and fish diversity
4. Fishing gears and techniques used in upper Ganga river system
5. Systematics and taxonomy of coldwater fishes of upper Ganga river system