Use of ichthyotoxic plant Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris L.) for Fishing: An indigenous practice in Sikkim

A field study on use of ichthyo toxic plant for eco friendly fishing by the local people of Sikkim was conducted in the East District of Sikkim. Sikkim state is mainly inhabited by Lepcha tribes, Bhutia tribes and Nepali people. They use their indigenous knowledge of different ethnic plants for catching fishes easily. In the survey for collecting information structured questionnaire and informal interviews with the local people was done. During fishing operation 4-6 people use to make a group for collection of plants, preparation of plant paste by crushing and thereby putting the prepared paste in the holes between rock beds of the river. Employing this method the fisher folk are able to catch 2-10 kg of fish per fishing operation in a day depending upon the availability of fishes in the river. The fishing through this technique is suitable during the winter season from September to March.