An introduction to the fisheries of the Lao PDR

The report is about an introduction to the fisheries in Laos where capture fisheries and aquaculture relies upon water resource ecosystems mainly consisting of rivers and streams, hydropower and irrigation reservoirs, diversion weirs, small water bodies, flood plains and wet-season rice-fields. The aim of this report is to provide general knowledge and understanding of Lao fisheries and environment to wider audiences. This report attempts to describe the water resource ecosystems, the various types of fisheries and their bio-diverse environments. It also discusses the socio-economic importance of fisheries in Laos (especially fish and aquatic resources for local livelihoods as source of food security), the status regarding capture and culture fisheries and the focus on collaborative research. Furthermore, the role played by the Government of Laos in management interventions is discussed, including the challenges new socioeconomic development projects bring to the fisheries sector.