The recent apprehension of an invasive Alligator Gar fish (Atractosteus spatula) in Kashmir’s renowned Dal Lake has sparked worry among local authorities. The Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) alongside the Department of Fisheries are taking collaborative steps to evaluate the severity of the invasion and its plausible repercussions.
About Alligator Gar Fish and the Associated Risks
The Alligator Gar is a close kin of the bowfin species known for its ray-finned euryhaline characteristic, which is the ability of this creature to adjust to a variety of water types with differing saline content. This giant freshwater species is prominent in North America and is the largest member within the ‘gar’ family. Interestingly, some regions in India including Bhopal and Kerala have reported sightings of the Alligator Gar. These creatures exhibit rapid growth cycles and can have a lifespan ranging from 20-30 years. Despite their status as ‘Least Concern’ according to IUCN, they pose serious risks to indigenous fish species due to their size, which can reach up to eight feet. Additionally, their ability to survive cold waters between 11-23 degrees Celsius allows them to thrive during winter, especially in lakes like Dal.
The Biological Diversity Act 2002
The biological threat imposed by invasive species like the Alligator Gar is met with legal intervention in the form of the Biological Diversity Act 2002. This regulation mandates the prohibition of invasive fish species that could cause harm to the natural set of fish populations.
Dal Lake: A Natural Wonder
Dal Lake, located in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), holds the prestige of being one of the world’s largest natural lakes and second only in J&K. This stunning natural body of water plays a pivotal role in attracting tourism to Kashmir, earning it the honorific titles of the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” and “Srinagar’s Jewel”. Dal Lake is not only a tourist hotspot but also functions as a significant source for commercial ventures related to fishing and water plant harvesting.
Geographical Attributes and Ecological Significance
Spread across 18 square kilometers, Dal Lake forms part of an extensive natural wetland, inclusive of floating gardens known as “Raad” in local parlance. These floating gardens transform into a spectacle of nature’s beauty during July and August when they bloom with lotus flowers.
The primary source of this article is derived from DTE. It’s important to mention that while the discovery of the Alligator Gar in Dal Lake has generated immediate concern, the actions taken by both the LCMA and the Department of Fisheries reflect the urgency and commitment to maintain the biodiversity of this valuable ecosystem.