Advance application of geospatial technology for fisheries perspective in Tarai region of Himalayan state of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) play a key role in all geospatial aspects of the assessment and management of water resources for inland fisheries and aquaculture. Lake, wetland, and reservoirs are some of the important inland water resources for potential fish production and help improve the rural economy on large scale. Fisheries development perspective reservoirs of the Tarai region are Naitaal, Tumaria, Haripura, Baur, Baigul, Dhaura, Nanaksagar, and Sardasagar, which are located at 28°25′–29°55′N latitude and 78°18′–79°55′E longitude. Waterresource assessment such as spread area, water quality, nutrient analysis, chlorophyll content, and other physico-chemica properties may be done through the mapping. Hence, remote sensing and GIS software and images like Landsat-ETM+, Landsat-8 and other multi spectral images utilization at short time frame for potential fishing zone identification, rate of sedimentation, geomorphological changes such as land cover, erosion and accretion in reservoirs as well. Thus it will help in decision making and blueprint preparation for sustainable water resource management at a cost-effective rate. The current review emphasizes the potential of high-resolution satellite images for mapping and analysis of water resources at Tarai region of Uttarakhand.