ALLIGATOR GAR FISH

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) during their routine cleaning of the renowned Dal Lake caught a crocodile like creature. But later it was found that it is an alligator gar fish was inadvertently trapped in their de-weeding machine which is normally found in North America. The gar fish typically does not pose a threat to humans despite its large size, which can reach up to eight feet. But it is harmful to local fish species which are its staple diet.

The species is native to North America. Experts are still uncertain how it landed in Dal Lake and if there are more. Scientists and government officials are  alarmed  by the discovery, as the gar fish’s presence could pose a serious threat to native fish species since it is a carnivorous predator. Experts consider the alligator gar fish to be one of the top predators in its native aquatic habitat. This formidable predator lies in wait, employing its powerful jaws to strike unsuspecting prey. The gar primarily relies on its sharp eyesight and chemosensory abilities to locate prey in the water. 

Kashmir boasts numerous water bodies, covering about 50,000 hectares, including the Dal and Wular lakes. Dal Lake, in particular, harbours 17 distinct fish species, upon which hundreds of families depend for their livelihoods. Local fishermen, known as “mahageers”, have witnessed a significant decline in fish productivity  in the Dal and other places over the past few years. However, the fishermen’s age- old livelihood now faces jeopardy  due to  the  scarcity  of fish in the lakes and other water bodies which will further plunge down if more alligator gar fish are found.

Masood-ul-Hassan Balkhi, former  dean of the faculty of fisheries at Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST), raised concerns about the unexpected presence of the gar fish in  Dal  Lake.  LCMA has now partnered with SKUAST’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to search for more alligator gar fish in the lake. The officials plan to initiate a thorough investigation to determine whether it is an isolated incident, an accident, or an intentional act.

Abdul Majid Tak, the Joint Director of the State Fisheries Department, said that a report was being compiled regarding the discovery. He stated that they were actively searching for the source of the fish and any other similar specimens in the lake. It may also be a mischievous act and the department has never bred or supplied such fish thus far, he said.