Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Small-scale inland fisheries associated with irrigation canals support locally adapted fishing practices in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. This study documents the design, construction, operation and livelihood relevance of an indigenous fishing trap locally known as Maulu or Chappal Bottulu in Alapadu village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Field information was collected during 2023-2024 through direct observation, focus-group discussions, interviews with trap makers and users, interaction with members of the local fishermen's cooperative society and participant observation. The study was descriptive and predominantly qualitative; therefore, numerical information obtained through group discussion is treated as indicative rather than statistically representative. The trap is constructed mainly from bamboo and nylon yarn and occurs in three commonly manufactured size classes adapted to canal width, depth and fishing requirements. It is installed as a passive barrier-type device in which fish enter through inward-opening slits and are retained until harvesting. The documentation also records constraints related to fluctuating canal water levels, access to suitable bamboo, capture of low-value or unwanted fish and safety risks during installation and removal. The observations demonstrate the practical knowledge embodied in trap construction and canal fishing, but systematic assessment of catch selectivity, fishing efficiency, economic performance and ecological effects is required before conclusions about sustainability or wider adoption can be made.