TRADITIONAL FISHING PRACTICES IN SHAHDOL DIVISION OF MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

The ancient tribal living habits contain many traditions within themselves. Fish is an integral part of the tribal society, these societies mainly use naturally available food items which are not normally easily available elsewhere. Traditionally, fishing techniques are mainly used either for their own consumption. But sometimes it has some commercial importance. Traditionally, fishing techniques are mainly used by the local people and ethenic groups. Gleaning net fishing, use of arrows, set of barriers and mobile trap, fish poisoning spear fishing are some of the traditional fishing methods. They are commonly called Sechna, Thapa, Pelna, Bisar, Dandar, Sodiya in the local language. Traditional fishing methods have far less adverse effects on fish than modern trading methods. The main purpose of fishing with such techniques is domestic consumption, which is a good and cheap source of protein for the poor. Generally in the rainy season, these traditional techniques are used extensively in both stagned and running water sources. In the present study the description of the traditional fishing practices of “Shahdol division of Madhya Pradesh”.