A cross-sectional study on water quality in relation to fish diversity of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India through geoinformatics approaches

Water parameters in different Community Development Blocks of Paschim Medinipur District have been studied with monthly interval from June-2013 to May-2016. Water samples collected from the different freshwater bodies of the study area are being analyzed. There has been a significant difference in water parameters among the 29 number of Blocks. The temperature varies from 29.1 °C to 35.9 °C, pH ranges from 6.2 to 8.5, DO ranges from 2.16 ppm to 4.9 ppm, and turbidity ranges from 9.86 NTU to 38.4 NTU. Through these present observations, total 76 freshwater fish species have been identified belonging to 8 orders, 23 families and 48 genera. The taxonomic status and conservation status have been scientifically classified and tabulated. Using GPS devices the areas of investigation have been geocoded and mapped through GIS technique which clearly shows that 5 Blocks have the highest, 12 Blocks have moderate and remaining 12 Blocks have lowest freshwater fish species diversity. Present study concluded that the fish culture in this district have high potential due to the existence of extensive aquatic bodies. Proper management, awareness and scientific culture practices may have better impact on ray-finned fish diversity in the Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal, India.