Identifying Freshwater Protected Zones and Co-Management Partnerships in the Vicinity of Fishways in Tropical Systems in Order to Prevent Localized Overharvest in the Lower Mekong Basin: Laos PDR

Research activities have provided evidence that fish passage construction and protection around these facilities provides positive benefits floodplain and fish species. The value of conserving natural areas are extremely beneficial and will influence policy changes amongst all levels of the community and government. The Laos government is focusing on maintaining food and water security, ensuring jobs and sustainable livelihoods especially when it comes to the fisheries industry, but these areas are now being changed for key trade-offs such as hydropower, infrastructure and mining industries. Fisheries agencies in Lao PDR are interested in identifying freshwater protected zones and co management partnerships in the vicinity of fishways in tropical systems in order to prevent localised overharvest. The purpose of a fishway can be negated if fishermen simply use the new device to harvest fish. There is a need to establish freshwater protected zones and co management partnerships to protect migrating fish from harvest and exploitation. By establishing protected zones and co management partnerships on a world scale it will demonstrate how they can be applied within Lao PDR which will contribute to maintaining food security for Lower Mekong Communities and to improve the ecology of floodplain wetlands by rehabilitating fish communities.