Status and decline causes of fish diversity of Baral River, Natore, Bangladesh

The objective of this study was to desribe the status and decline causes of fish diversity in Baral river, Natore, Bangladesh. The study was conducted over a period from November 2010 to May 2011 on the Bagatipara point of Baral river, Natore, Bangladesh. A total of 60 fish species of nine orders and 21 families were identified. On the basis of availability the species were categorized in four statuses that obtained as available (45%), less available (33.33%), rare (13.33%) and very rare (8.33%). Result of the study identified five species as very rare which may extinct near future resulting declination of the fish diversity. Few man made decline causes like agro-industrial wastages, different obstacles of water flow, excess use of river water, siltation and over fishing were observed as major threats for the diversity of fishes. The present work recommends preventing water pollution, ensuring water flow, developing fishermen's awareness, implementation of fisheries laws and declaration of fish sanctuary to save fish diversity of the study area. Besides, counter and random survey is recommended to cross check the fishes' status for their proper management and conservation.