National Target 6: By 2020, baseline for fish and key aquatic biodiversity established for implementation of sustainable management plans, as appropriate.

There are only a few scientific studies carried out till date to determine fish and other aquatic species composition of natural water bodies in Bhutan. The imminent threat to aquatic biodiversity arises from the large hydropower projects in the major rivers of Bhutan due to destruction of habitat, spawning ground and disturbance to migration route. Given the current threat and inadequate knowledge of Bhutan’s ichthyofaunal diversity, more extensive freshwater fish diversity surveys including habitat and biology, migratory pattern and spawning /breeding habitats, is necessary. Similar studies also need to be initiated for other key aquatic species. Once the baseline information is established, efforts will be made to develop sustainable management plans as appropriate.