| Author | Sengkapkeo, Vanny |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resource Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | During the last five years, the water level in the Mekong River has been decreasing. Fishing is one of the main occupations of Lao people, particularly in Champasack province. However, the impacts to fishery due to low water level e.g. livelihood vulnerability, fish catch and their reliance were still have not been evaluated. In this study, 45 representatives of fishermen in Khong districts, Champasack province were interviewed by using constructed questionnaire to determine the impacts of low water on their livelihood during September to October 2010.
The results showed that low water level caused decrease overall fish catch in 2009 of Khong district by 42.67 % compared to 2009. At least 8 fish species were decreased, particularly cyprinid fishes and some catfishes. Low catch of fish resulted in negative impact on social and economic status. Most of the interviewed fishermen recognized that fishing was unsustainable occupation, 78 % of them, mentioned that they would to change into new occupation. Gardening and livestock rearing were two of new occupation of choice. Low catch of fish affected income negatively. These consequences led fishermen to adapt their livelihood. Most of the fishermen adapted themselves by reducing daily household expenditure and increasing income by other sources. Since the problem started, there was no major impact to the fishermen. Nearly half of the interviewed fishermen did not know what support they required from government while some fishermen required academic training in agriculture for as supplementary occupy. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Type | Research Report |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yakupitiyage, Amararatne ; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Gallardo, Wenresti ;Thakur, Dhirendra Prasad ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Sweden (SIDA) ; |