Traditional Fishing Practices Among the Galo Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2025.0906Keywords:
Ecological, Fishing, Traditional knowledge, Techniques, SustainableAbstract
Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with a rich diversity of ichthyofauna. The Galo tribe, predominantly inhabiting the central parts of the state, traditionally practices a wide array of fishing techniques using various types of fishing gear. These traditional practices are deeply intertwined with the tribe's rituals, beliefs, and ecological knowledge. The study documents the traditional fishing gears and techniques of the Galo fisherfolk in Arunachal Pradesh. To accomplish the work, a systematic survey was conducted from 2022 to 2024 through direct observations, personal interviews, and interactions with local fishermen living in the vicinity of the four rivers, viz. Jilu (Upper Subansiri), Ego (Leparada), Hijum (West Siang), and Sigin Koro (Lower Siang). The study revealed that the fisherfolk of these areas have a rich and diverse range of indigenous fishing gears, reflecting a profound understanding of human-nature relationships. These implements, skillfully crafted from locally available materials using traditional knowledge and techniques, are integral to the region’s customary fishery practices. Furthermore, these indigenous fishing methods support the sustainable management of fish populations and play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting biodiversity conservation amid a rapidly changing ecological landscape.
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