Rinku Gogoi

and 11 more

Wetlands provide essential ecological services but face threats from anthropogenic activities and climate change. Floodplain wetlands, in particular, are vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Borsola Beel, covering approximately 84 hectares, is connected to the Brahmaputra River and supports diverse aquatic life. However, it is experiencing degradation due to pollution and hydrological changes.This study examines the trophic structure and energy dynamics of Borsola Beel, a floodplain wetland in Assam, India, using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modeling approach. The study was conducted over 20 months, from June 2017 to January 2019. The EwE model was employed to assess energy flow and trophic interactions.Results indicate that catfishes occupy the highest trophic level (3.76), serving as top predators. Ecotrophic efficiency (EE) values ranged from 0.001 to 0.99, with air-breathing fishes and catfishes exhibiting the highest EE, suggesting significant predation and fishing pressures. The total transfer efficiency was 12.97%, slightly above the global average, likely due to active fishing targeting lower trophic levels. Ecosystem maturity indicators suggest that Borsola Beel is in an early developmental stage, characterized by a simple food web structure and low nutrient recycling.These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation and sustainable management strategies to enhance the ecological stability of Borsola Beel. Implementing controlled fishing practices, habitat restoration, and community-led initiatives are recommended to promote ecosystem resilience and ensure the long-term productivity of this vital wetland.