Learning about our fishing gear and fish resources: Overlooked and scattered information on inland capture fisheries

Abstract

Details are given of activities conducted in the framework of the special 5-year project initiated by ASEAN and SEAFDEC 'Information gathering for inland capture fisheries in ASEAN countries'. The project aims at strengthening information collection and compilation, considering the importance of inland fisheries to the region as well as the need to get effective and useful specifics for policy makers and administrators to support the sector. Activities on the compilation of inland fishing gear and methods in Southeast Asia were proposed to be conducted in Lao PDR and Myanmar. Using the technical capacity of SEAFDEC, the project aimed to assist these countries in developing proper methodologies for the national survey and collection of information on fishing gear and related operations. In addition, a study on the taxonomy of inland fish was also considered to help a better understanding of the existance and distribution of fish species in inland water bodies. Information on inland fishing gear and methods as well as on inland fish species and distribution in water bodies are considered to be important for both planning and management. Outcomes will be disseminated for further use as a basis for management for sustainable inland capture fisheries in Lao PDR and Myanmar, as well as to provide valuable first hand experience to other ASEAN member countries.