Socio-Economic Study of Fish Harvesting and Use at Pak Peung Wetland in Lao PDR

A survey was conducted of 81 households from six villages around the Pak Peung wetland using a structured interview guide.  The aim was to establish baseline information on fishing harvesting and use in and around the wetland. Villagers were asked about where and when they fished, how much they caught, what species they caught, what methods they used, fish migration patterns since the irrigation weir was built. This baseline study has confirmed that fishing is a major livelihood activity for villages around Pak Peung wetland, second to rice production. People depend on fishing for daily consumption and income. They spend considerable time fishing most days of the week. Villagers fish at 14 locations in the wetland but mostly at five locations.

The estimated total catch per day from the 14 locations and 81 households is 3,117kg. Individual catches per day varied from 0.5kg to 12kg depending on fish species and numbers. A wide range of species are caught. The most common methods are gill, cast, hook and lift nets. Most fish are consumed by the household. There is a large variation in household fishing practices and income. Therefore, projections of total village catch from the wetland would be unreliable.