Paper short abstract:

With the growing concerns over rights on natural resources, in this study of fisheries management in Tawa reservoir in India we examine which type of management system i.e. state, private or community address three important issues of equity, efficiency and sustainability of reservoir fisheries.

Paper long abstract:

In a developing economy context, open water inland fisheries in general and reservoir fisheries in specific not only play an important role for the diet and health of the population, but also the livelihood of many people engaged in this activity. Reservoir fisheries often remain a contentious issue, largely due to huge displacement of native population in the process of construction of dam. This becomes a point of conflict between the state and the affected people reflected even in the fisheries management. A third dimension is added when a traditional fishing community who is not among the part of the displaced community is also involved in demanding its right over exploiting fisheries resources. Unlike other types of open fisheries, reservoir fisheries need management in terms of maintaining the resource balance. In this context, it is important to examine which types of institutions are appropriate in management of such resource. In the search for appropriate institution, it is important to keep in mind the equity, economic efficiency and resource sustainability. Fisheries management in Tawa Reservoir in India is an interesting case that underwent state, private and cooperative management. Through this case study we attempt to understand which type of institution appropriately and reasonably addresses the three critical parameters of equity, efficiency and sustainability in reservoir fisheries management. Our results overwhelmingly support community management through cooperative system.