The Documentation and Identification of Economically Freshwater Fishes of Gomti River at Sultanpur District

The Gomti River, an essential tributary of the Ganga, supports a diverse array of fish species, serving as a crucial resource for aquatic biodiversity and local livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh. However, anthropogenic activities such as pollution, habitat degradation, and overfishing have increasingly threatened its ecological health. This study conducted a year-long assessment of fish diversity in the Sultanpur stretch of the Gomti River, documenting 52 species from 22 families, including culturally and economically significant species such as Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mangur (Clarias batrachus), and Pabda (Ompok pabda). Using biodiversity indices like the Shannon-Weiner Index and Simpson’s Diversity Index, the study highlights significant impacts of anthropogenic pressures, including urban effluents, agricultural runoff, and unregulated fishing. Recommendations for sustainable river management include pollution mitigation, habitat restoration, and regulated fishing practices. These findings provide a foundation for targeted conservation efforts to preserve the river’s biodiversity.