Traditional Fishing system

Through this video, I am trying to show how Adi-Galo tribes of East Siang and West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India using this fishing methods by them using stones and boulders occurring in the river beds of small tributaries of the Siang River in the study area. The identified sustainable fishing technique is locally known as Lipum and practised by these communities. The capture of fish ranged from 4-10 kg per Lipum and one person could make 3-4 different Lipum structures per day. Lipum is prepared during winter season (in the month of November and December) and to undertake fishing during January and February. To prepare the Lipum, stones are placed in a circle with a diameter ranging from 1.5 m to 2.3 m, and arranged to produce a structure around 0.7 - 1.2 m high, depending upon water depth. Care is taken so that the Lipum remains submersed in water throughout the winter season. The lipum acts as a shelter for the fishes as it provides congenial environment to the fishes, where different types of algae grows as well as water flow becomes slow inside the structure. During harvesting of fish from the lipum, the entire structure is surrounded with the ishir with an opening in the top. The edir is fixed with the ishir in the bottom in such a way so that the fish is unable to escape. Gradually the stones are removed from the lipum and the fishes are scooped up. This fishing technique has been sustainable for subsistence communities like Adis and Galos. However, recent socio-political changes such as fishing with the use of electrical means like use of generator, battery, blasting, poisoning, etc., are affecting the dynamics of this practice. There is need to incorporate such Traditional knowledge practices in conservation and state fishing regulations.
Better sustainable development it is important to preserve and continue traditional knowledge system.