Srinagar: Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have developed and standardised an induced-breeding and larval-rearing protocol for the vulnerable Himalayan snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus), locally known as Khont.
The breakthrough is expected to support captive seed production, river restocking and conservation of declining wild populations of the indigenous cold-water fish, according to the university.
The research was carried out by scientists from the Divisions of Fisheries Resource Management and Fish Genetics and Biotechnology under the Faculty of Fisheries. The team, led by Dean Faculty of Fisheries Prof Farooz Ahmad Bhat, successfully induced spawning of mature snow trout broodstock under controlled conditions using an optimised hormonal protocol.
According to the researchers, the experiments recorded high fertilisation, hatching and larval survival rates, demonstrating the feasibility of producing quality seed under captive conditions.
The development comes at a time when natural populations of snow trout have declined due to habitat degradation, water pollution, riverbed mining, construction activities, overexploitation, climate change and disruption of breeding habitats.
Scientists also noted increasing ecological pressures on the species amid fish mortality incidents reported from several locations, including Panzath Nag in Qazigund, Sherbagh in Ganderbal and Verinag in Anantnag district. They, however, said the causes of individual mortality incidents require detailed scientific investigation.
The research team said captive breeding of the species had remained difficult because of its specialised habitat requirements and the limited availability of mature broodstock during the natural spawning season in the Jhelum River. The newly developed protocol provides a reliable method for seed production and could support conservation breeding, stock enhancement and sustainable aquaculture initiatives.
Developed under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the technology is expected to aid future river-restocking programmes and reduce dependence on wild fish stocks.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the scientists and said the achievement would contribute to the conservation of Kashmir’s native aquatic biodiversity. He stressed the need for continued collaboration among research institutions, the Fisheries Department and local communities to support freshwater ecosystem restoration efforts.