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technique known as soum he. This technique may be used when many fish arc needed for a communal event such as a festival or wedding. The cast net is possibly the most common type of fishing gear in the Lao PDR, and is reputed by Lao fishers to be one of the oldest gears. It seems to be used from one end of the country to the other and in all seasons. A cast net takes the form of a circular net up to 10 metres in diameter, weighted at the edge with chain or lead weights. The net is slung across one arm and is cast with the other. It is used from the shore or a boat. While cast nets are probably most commonly used by individual fishers, they are also sometimes used in group situations. In some locations villagers have a tradition of fishing in large groups with cast nets from boats. Nets will be cast simultaneously into the same general area in a

Figure 12 technique known as soum he. This technique may be used when many fish arc needed for a communal event such as a festival or wedding. The cast net is possibly the most common type of fishing gear in the Lao PDR, and is reputed by Lao fishers to be one of the oldest gears. It seems to be used from one end of the country to the other and in all seasons. A cast net takes the form of a circular net up to 10 metres in diameter, weighted at the edge with chain or lead weights. The net is slung across one arm and is cast with the other. It is used from the shore or a boat. While cast nets are probably most commonly used by individual fishers, they are also sometimes used in group situations. In some locations villagers have a tradition of fishing in large groups with cast nets from boats. Nets will be cast simultaneously into the same general area in a

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It is important that a range of people become aware of these pressures and their potential consequences. These include the fisher communities themselves, government policy and decision makers, and advisors to government and communities, whether international consultants or non-government organisations.
It is important that a range of people become aware of these pressures and their potential consequences. These include the fisher communities themselves, government policy and decision makers, and advisors to government and communities, whether international consultants or non-government organisations.
demand that has outstripped its domestically- generated supply and is purchasing electricity generated in Laos. Rapid development in Vietnam could see that country emerge as another customer for Lao electricity. The Lao Government is attempting to meet the forecasted demand by building 29 dams on Mekong tributaries by the year 2010. A further 31 dam sites are under consideration. The number of major Mekong tributaries in Laos, combined with the generally mountainous terrain, give the country significant potential for the generation of hydroelectric power. Laos, with its low level of industrialisation, will have little need for large amounts of hydropower in the foreseeable future. Neighbouring Thailand, on the
demand that has outstripped its domestically- generated supply and is purchasing electricity generated in Laos. Rapid development in Vietnam could see that country emerge as another customer for Lao electricity. The Lao Government is attempting to meet the forecasted demand by building 29 dams on Mekong tributaries by the year 2010. A further 31 dam sites are under consideration. The number of major Mekong tributaries in Laos, combined with the generally mountainous terrain, give the country significant potential for the generation of hydroelectric power. Laos, with its low level of industrialisation, will have little need for large amounts of hydropower in the foreseeable future. Neighbouring Thailand, on the
likely that the impact will be substantial. Apart from the nutritional and economic aspects, if fish migrations cease or are significantly reduced then a range of fishing techniques targeting these migrations will probably cease to be used.
likely that the impact will be substantial. Apart from the nutritional and economic aspects, if fish migrations cease or are significantly reduced then a range of fishing techniques targeting these migrations will probably cease to be used.
Fibre nets were originally made from the raffia- like inner bark (piet) of a climbing vine, and possibly sometimes from the bark of Hibiscus sp. (theuang). In some areas these were later replaced by jute (pan). More recently the net is of nylon or cotton, though fine bamboo nets persist in many places. Nets arid baskets are used for scooping through the water or submerged vegetation and sometimes soft mud, to catch fish, shrimp, crabs, molluscs, water insects, etc. These are among the most common fishing gear used in the Lao PDR. They are commonly used by women and children.
Fibre nets were originally made from the raffia- like inner bark (piet) of a climbing vine, and possibly sometimes from the bark of Hibiscus sp. (theuang). In some areas these were later replaced by jute (pan). More recently the net is of nylon or cotton, though fine bamboo nets persist in many places. Nets arid baskets are used for scooping through the water or submerged vegetation and sometimes soft mud, to catch fish, shrimp, crabs, molluscs, water insects, etc. These are among the most common fishing gear used in the Lao PDR. They are commonly used by women and children.
A basket with a circular frame, often hemispherical in shape, usually 50-60 cm in diameter and around 15-20 cm deep, used as a scoop to filter out shrimp or small fish in the same way as a Sawing but also typically used to scoop and sieve soft mud. Commonly used by women and children. In this form the gear is more common in and north of Khammouane Province than in southern Laos
A basket with a circular frame, often hemispherical in shape, usually 50-60 cm in diameter and around 15-20 cm deep, used as a scoop to filter out shrimp or small fish in the same way as a Sawing but also typically used to scoop and sieve soft mud. Commonly used by women and children. In this form the gear is more common in and north of Khammouane Province than in southern Laos
kKheung [keung] (Lao Loum)
kKheung [keung] (Lao Loum)
lift the net and catch out of the water. The net is left in the water for some time and is then slowly raised, trapping any fish which were above the net. This category includes one of the most common pieces of fishing gear in Southeast Asia - the lift net. In various forms it can be found from Indonesia at least as far as southern China.
lift the net and catch out of the water. The net is left in the water for some time and is then slowly raised, trapping any fish which were above the net. This category includes one of the most common pieces of fishing gear in Southeast Asia - the lift net. In various forms it can be found from Indonesia at least as far as southern China.
katong [katong] (Lao Loum) Katong are also commonly used in small lowland streams and wetlands in southern Laos in September and October to catch fish as they migrate out of streams to larger water bodies at the end of the rainy season. The katong is a conical net about 15-20 cms in diameter attached to the end of a pole 2-3 metres long. It is used in the Khone Falls where the net is placed in the falling water and fish (usually small cyprinids) are caught when they jump up sections of the falls and land in the net. This gear is used in this fashion from January to March (low water).
katong [katong] (Lao Loum) Katong are also commonly used in small lowland streams and wetlands in southern Laos in September and October to catch fish as they migrate out of streams to larger water bodies at the end of the rainy season. The katong is a conical net about 15-20 cms in diameter attached to the end of a pole 2-3 metres long. It is used in the Khone Falls where the net is placed in the falling water and fish (usually small cyprinids) are caught when they jump up sections of the falls and land in the net. This gear is used in this fashion from January to March (low water).
This gear is used at the Khonc Falls in January- February (low water) to catch migrating cyprinids, and in April-June (rising water) for migrating pangasids. The gear is also used in the rainy season (July to September) in the Mekong River in southern Laos by fishers in a paddled boat. Usually one person maneuvers the boat from the back while another stands and uses the scoop net in the front. The gear is used by men. A light triangular pole frame supporting a shallow fine net bag. The frame is typically 2 metres long and 0.75-1 metre wide a the wide end. The gear closely resembles large jip, (see 5 below) except that the net does not have the distinct funnel at the bottom that is found in jip. Many fishers with nets sometimes stand in line along the bank of a channel used by migrating fish. When a column of fish passes they scoop the nets simultaneously so that one fisher does not frighten off the fish before the others can make a catch.
This gear is used at the Khonc Falls in January- February (low water) to catch migrating cyprinids, and in April-June (rising water) for migrating pangasids. The gear is also used in the rainy season (July to September) in the Mekong River in southern Laos by fishers in a paddled boat. Usually one person maneuvers the boat from the back while another stands and uses the scoop net in the front. The gear is used by men. A light triangular pole frame supporting a shallow fine net bag. The frame is typically 2 metres long and 0.75-1 metre wide a the wide end. The gear closely resembles large jip, (see 5 below) except that the net does not have the distinct funnel at the bottom that is found in jip. Many fishers with nets sometimes stand in line along the bank of a channel used by migrating fish. When a column of fish passes they scoop the nets simultaneously so that one fisher does not frighten off the fish before the others can make a catch.
4.1 Gill Net kouat mong [gooat mohng] (Lao Loum) ke ouan [gae ooan] (Lao Loum)
4.1 Gill Net kouat mong [gooat mohng] (Lao Loum) ke ouan [gae ooan] (Lao Loum)
dragging a tong - often several people will be required to drag the net They are often used in wetlands (nong) or at the confluences of streams and rivers. Dang is a general term for a fibre net, often made from the same material as cast
dragging a tong - often several people will be required to drag the net They are often used in wetlands (nong) or at the confluences of streams and rivers. Dang is a general term for a fibre net, often made from the same material as cast
This gear is usually used by men. A net funnel attached to two sticks around 1.8 m long. The sticks are crossed near one end and the net is attached to the other end. The upright sticks are spread apart in flowing water so that the net bag is open. The gear is sometimes placed in a gap in a roughly constructed fence of sticks and leaves and sometimes in a small watercourse or ditch. The fact that use of scissor nets is declining in most places because they no longer represent a good return on the time and effort involved is one of the many indications of declines in fish stocks in recent decades. It is a method that relies on patience, a detailed knowledge of fish migration times and routes, and reasonable numbers of fish to make it worthwhile.
This gear is usually used by men. A net funnel attached to two sticks around 1.8 m long. The sticks are crossed near one end and the net is attached to the other end. The upright sticks are spread apart in flowing water so that the net bag is open. The gear is sometimes placed in a gap in a roughly constructed fence of sticks and leaves and sometimes in a small watercourse or ditch. The fact that use of scissor nets is declining in most places because they no longer represent a good return on the time and effort involved is one of the many indications of declines in fish stocks in recent decades. It is a method that relies on patience, a detailed knowledge of fish migration times and routes, and reasonable numbers of fish to make it worthwhile.
When the fisher sees or feels the fish move into the net he jerks the sticks upward and together, thus closing the funnel. Fish are removed from the net via a drawstring opening at the rear of the funnel. Larger jip are held from the side in a manner very similar to that shown for sone (see section 2.4) Commonly used during times of rising floods but also when water levels are falling.
When the fisher sees or feels the fish move into the net he jerks the sticks upward and together, thus closing the funnel. Fish are removed from the net via a drawstring opening at the rear of the funnel. Larger jip are held from the side in a manner very similar to that shown for sone (see section 2.4) Commonly used during times of rising floods but also when water levels are falling.
form of lop used by the Lave ethnic group (Lao Theung) in Pouvong District of Attapeu Province
form of lop used by the Lave ethnic group (Lao Theung) in Pouvong District of Attapeu Province
A bamboo tube with a spike funnel entrance inserted in one end and a narrow slit in the side near the other end, used to trap eels. There are frequently holes off-centre in the open end for a bamboo pin to fix the trap in position. Bait such as rotten fish is placed in the bamboo tube which is placed horizontally, usually in nong.
A bamboo tube with a spike funnel entrance inserted in one end and a narrow slit in the side near the other end, used to trap eels. There are frequently holes off-centre in the open end for a bamboo pin to fix the trap in position. Bait such as rotten fish is placed in the bamboo tube which is placed horizontally, usually in nong.
basket frog traps - ngep - stored during the dry season
basket frog traps - ngep - stored during the dry season
Probably more than any other type of fishing gear, the design of upright basket traps reflects the cultural diversity of Laos. Different proportions and different weave patterns are often culturally based rather than being related to the different fish species which are targeted, though there is considerable subtlety in the modification of design to the species sought.
Probably more than any other type of fishing gear, the design of upright basket traps reflects the cultural diversity of Laos. Different proportions and different weave patterns are often culturally based rather than being related to the different fish species which are targeted, though there is considerable subtlety in the modification of design to the species sought.
Toum laan are usually anchored with two cords to stakes in the bottom. Sometimes they are set by fishers who dive to place them in up to two metres of water. They are often baited with rice bran, and sometimes a mix of rice bran, termite larvae and clay. Seasonality of use and the target species vary as does depth of water in which they are used.
Toum laan are usually anchored with two cords to stakes in the bottom. Sometimes they are set by fishers who dive to place them in up to two metres of water. They are often baited with rice bran, and sometimes a mix of rice bran, termite larvae and clay. Seasonality of use and the target species vary as does depth of water in which they are used.
moving a large kha into position with a boat
moving a large kha into position with a boat
It is used at. the edges of rivers. It is used in the Khone Falls area in May-August (water rising) to catch small cyprinids. On the Mekong above the falls there are several variants on this design (e.g. kha gno, kha sanang and kha phouang) used between September and November mainly to catch fish entering the mainstream Mekong from smaller streams and rice paddies. A large bamboo basket, sometimes rounded scoop- shaped (typically 70 cm wide by 100 cm long) (above), but frequently enclosed with a neck in the side (then typically 150 cm wide by 300 cm long) (opposite). In Khammouane Province Lao Theung groups use a large triangular scoop-shaped kha of woven bamboo matting with the closed end and the top edges reinforced with bamboo slats. This form is typically one metre wide across the mouth, one metre high and two metres long. 9. BRANCH-BUNDLE FISH-ATTRACTANT DEVICES
It is used at. the edges of rivers. It is used in the Khone Falls area in May-August (water rising) to catch small cyprinids. On the Mekong above the falls there are several variants on this design (e.g. kha gno, kha sanang and kha phouang) used between September and November mainly to catch fish entering the mainstream Mekong from smaller streams and rice paddies. A large bamboo basket, sometimes rounded scoop- shaped (typically 70 cm wide by 100 cm long) (above), but frequently enclosed with a neck in the side (then typically 150 cm wide by 300 cm long) (opposite). In Khammouane Province Lao Theung groups use a large triangular scoop-shaped kha of woven bamboo matting with the closed end and the top edges reinforced with bamboo slats. This form is typically one metre wide across the mouth, one metre high and two metres long. 9. BRANCH-BUNDLE FISH-ATTRACTANT DEVICES
harvesting fish from a fenced fish-attractant branch bundle - the branches are moved up onto the bank 9.3 Coconut Frond Fish-attractant Device 9.2 Fish-attractant with Fence
harvesting fish from a fenced fish-attractant branch bundle - the branches are moved up onto the bank 9.3 Coconut Frond Fish-attractant Device 9.2 Fish-attractant with Fence
Large basket jun are used widely in Laos, usually in rivers on rising floods when fish are likely to be seeking food and breeding places among the flooded bank vegetation. Plank and bamboo box jun are used in still water to catch fish which typically seek out holes under banks and in waterside vegetation, such as Channa striata and Clarias sp.. They are set into overhanging bank vegetation, among water plants, or a large amount of vegetation is put in front of the entrance to lure fish. Plank jun seem to be used in the southern part of the country from Khammouane Province south.
Large basket jun are used widely in Laos, usually in rivers on rising floods when fish are likely to be seeking food and breeding places among the flooded bank vegetation. Plank and bamboo box jun are used in still water to catch fish which typically seek out holes under banks and in waterside vegetation, such as Channa striata and Clarias sp.. They are set into overhanging bank vegetation, among water plants, or a large amount of vegetation is put in front of the entrance to lure fish. Plank jun seem to be used in the southern part of the country from Khammouane Province south.
This is a type of jun constructed in a ditch which takes the place of the wooden or bamboo box in the normal small jun. The top of the ditch is closed off with bamboo or wooden sticks.
This is a type of jun constructed in a ditch which takes the place of the wooden or bamboo box in the normal small jun. The top of the ditch is closed off with bamboo or wooden sticks.
The most basic hook and line gear comprises a (usually barbed) hook on a line. Lines now are generally monofilament. This is regarded by some Lao as one of the oldest fishing gears in Laos. Hooks were previously handmade by the village blacksmith; now they are purchased ready made. There is a wide variety of ways in which hooks and lines are used. Baited hooks are occasionally set for frogs in the wet season, for example at Ban Phonetong in Khammouane Province. A long pole with a line tied to one end is used to cast the bait to a suitable spot. The hook end of the line is weighted with a sinker. Bait is typically earthworms, small fish, shrimp or water insect larvae. This gear is usually used by women and children and is a very commonly used fishing method in Laos.
The most basic hook and line gear comprises a (usually barbed) hook on a line. Lines now are generally monofilament. This is regarded by some Lao as one of the oldest fishing gears in Laos. Hooks were previously handmade by the village blacksmith; now they are purchased ready made. There is a wide variety of ways in which hooks and lines are used. Baited hooks are occasionally set for frogs in the wet season, for example at Ban Phonetong in Khammouane Province. A long pole with a line tied to one end is used to cast the bait to a suitable spot. The hook end of the line is weighted with a sinker. Bait is typically earthworms, small fish, shrimp or water insect larvae. This gear is usually used by women and children and is a very commonly used fishing method in Laos.
bottom longline {bet phiak join) set across a river A long fixed pole (commonly a whole bamboo complete with the springy tip) is fixed in the bank with a line and baited hook. Live fish, mole crickets, earthworms and frogs are used as bait. In southern Laos the flowers of the ton khai tree are put on hooks in the dry season to catch Pangasius fish species. The leaves of ton koum, as well as some forest fruits are used as bait in the rainy season to catch the same fish species. A silver, fish-shaped lure is used in place of bail. Traditionally this lure was probably made of tin. It is used on a pole, with the line being drawn in by hand, though sometimes now the line is drawn in by being wound around an empty tin can using a circular motion of one hand while the other holds the pole. A set line is strung between poles on the banks with multiple lines carrying hooks suspended from the horizontal set line. Stones are used as weights are used to keep the line on the bottom. Fish, worms, mole crickets and frogs are used as bait.
bottom longline {bet phiak join) set across a river A long fixed pole (commonly a whole bamboo complete with the springy tip) is fixed in the bank with a line and baited hook. Live fish, mole crickets, earthworms and frogs are used as bait. In southern Laos the flowers of the ton khai tree are put on hooks in the dry season to catch Pangasius fish species. The leaves of ton koum, as well as some forest fruits are used as bait in the rainy season to catch the same fish species. A silver, fish-shaped lure is used in place of bail. Traditionally this lure was probably made of tin. It is used on a pole, with the line being drawn in by hand, though sometimes now the line is drawn in by being wound around an empty tin can using a circular motion of one hand while the other holds the pole. A set line is strung between poles on the banks with multiple lines carrying hooks suspended from the horizontal set line. Stones are used as weights are used to keep the line on the bottom. Fish, worms, mole crickets and frogs are used as bait.
upstream and are said to be hungry and keen to eat anything. Medium or small diameter rattan vines are preferred because it is believed that their barbs do not break off easily. Such cones might last for two years. This gear is generally found north of Vientiane in hilly or mountainous areas and is usually used by men. This gear consists of a cone made from rattan tendrils with the barbs facing inward. The cone is typically 20 cms long and 10-15 cms in diameter at the open end. The point of the cone is fastened to a line which is tied to a stake or tree on the bank. The bait is placed inside the apex of the cone and fish which enter the cone to get the bait are caught on the barbs so that they cannot withdraw. Bait is either insects (often grasshoppers), earthworms tied in a bundle, or fruit (typically brightly coloured - usually red or yellow). The cone is either unweighted so that it floats near the surface on a fast flowing current, in which case fruit is the usual bait, or weighted with a stone to fish the bottom, in which case insects or earthworms are the preferred bait. The gear is often set overnight. Sai naam are used most in the rainy season when fish are moving
upstream and are said to be hungry and keen to eat anything. Medium or small diameter rattan vines are preferred because it is believed that their barbs do not break off easily. Such cones might last for two years. This gear is generally found north of Vientiane in hilly or mountainous areas and is usually used by men. This gear consists of a cone made from rattan tendrils with the barbs facing inward. The cone is typically 20 cms long and 10-15 cms in diameter at the open end. The point of the cone is fastened to a line which is tied to a stake or tree on the bank. The bait is placed inside the apex of the cone and fish which enter the cone to get the bait are caught on the barbs so that they cannot withdraw. Bait is either insects (often grasshoppers), earthworms tied in a bundle, or fruit (typically brightly coloured - usually red or yellow). The cone is either unweighted so that it floats near the surface on a fast flowing current, in which case fruit is the usual bait, or weighted with a stone to fish the bottom, in which case insects or earthworms are the preferred bait. The gear is often set overnight. Sai naam are used most in the rainy season when fish are moving
loum kong for attaching to a // to collect fish In the Rhone Falls li are traps using wing fences to guide fish onto chutes which effectively filter the fish from the flowing water (see next page). These are used in the period May to July when water is rising. The main targets are Cyprinids and Pangasids on migration. Their construction and operation is somewhat dangerous due to the strong flow in the rapids and waterfalls where they are located.
loum kong for attaching to a // to collect fish In the Rhone Falls li are traps using wing fences to guide fish onto chutes which effectively filter the fish from the flowing water (see next page). These are used in the period May to July when water is rising. The main targets are Cyprinids and Pangasids on migration. Their construction and operation is somewhat dangerous due to the strong flow in the rapids and waterfalls where they are located.
a form of trap with characteristics of li and tone from Khammouane Province a very similar trap is known as a li long in the far south of Laos
a form of trap with characteristics of li and tone from Khammouane Province a very similar trap is known as a li long in the far south of Laos
tone sai ou - form of li used in the far south on the Mekong
tone sai ou - form of li used in the far south on the Mekong
A woven bamboo cylinder around 20 cm in diameter and 1.5 m long, open at one end, not unlike the more tubular forms of ka sone (see 12.5). It is used in southern Laos where it is placed in rapids with a funnel-shaped net upstream to guide fish into it and depends on the force of the current to prevent fish escaping back upstream. It is similar to the scissor net (10.1) in the use of this funnel-shaped net, but does not need to be attended at all times.
A woven bamboo cylinder around 20 cm in diameter and 1.5 m long, open at one end, not unlike the more tubular forms of ka sone (see 12.5). It is used in southern Laos where it is placed in rapids with a funnel-shaped net upstream to guide fish into it and depends on the force of the current to prevent fish escaping back upstream. It is similar to the scissor net (10.1) in the use of this funnel-shaped net, but does not need to be attended at all times.
souang like this were used until recently in the Khong District near the Khone falls
souang like this were used until recently in the Khong District near the Khone falls
Khammouance style souang set in a flooding field with a branch fence to guide fish into the mouth
Khammouance style souang set in a flooding field with a branch fence to guide fish into the mouth
Some ka sone operate on the same principle as the souang, being coarsely woven bamboo cones. Fish become wedged in the trap while moving with the current. Others are more of a simple current filtering device, being long narrow, almost tubular shapes (1-1.5 metres long and 10 cm in diameter) with woven bamboo walls. Some of the larger funnels can be up to 3.5 metres long and 0.30 metres in diameter.
Some ka sone operate on the same principle as the souang, being coarsely woven bamboo cones. Fish become wedged in the trap while moving with the current. Others are more of a simple current filtering device, being long narrow, almost tubular shapes (1-1.5 metres long and 10 cm in diameter) with woven bamboo walls. Some of the larger funnels can be up to 3.5 metres long and 0.30 metres in diameter.
3. BOX ENCLOSURES AND FENCES Pheuak is a fence made of prefabricated sections of bamboo slats bound together so that they can be rolled up for transport and storage (see illustration at 6.1). In many places this is being replaced by nylon screen (moung khieu = green roll) which is easier to use, transport and store. Pheuak is often used together with various passive traps like tone, li,jun, lop, sai, ete. This is a relatively new technique and is surprisingly similar to one used in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Fish moving upstream are guided by fences or the fence sides of the trap enclosure to a funnel gate which leads into a large, often box-shaped trap. It is commonly used in May to July to catch migrating Pangasids. In some places, such as Khong District in the Khone Falls area where it was introduced around 1980, its use has been banned by local communities and Khong District authorities
3. BOX ENCLOSURES AND FENCES Pheuak is a fence made of prefabricated sections of bamboo slats bound together so that they can be rolled up for transport and storage (see illustration at 6.1). In many places this is being replaced by nylon screen (moung khieu = green roll) which is easier to use, transport and store. Pheuak is often used together with various passive traps like tone, li,jun, lop, sai, ete. This is a relatively new technique and is surprisingly similar to one used in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Fish moving upstream are guided by fences or the fence sides of the trap enclosure to a funnel gate which leads into a large, often box-shaped trap. It is commonly used in May to July to catch migrating Pangasids. In some places, such as Khong District in the Khone Falls area where it was introduced around 1980, its use has been banned by local communities and Khong District authorities
In the Khone Falls area small cyprinids are caught by hand in shallow water in the rapids during a short period in July or August (the rising water season). M-16s and AK-47s, rifles and muskets are often used in the dry season to shoot fish near the shore. Mostly Channa sp. and other air-breathing fish are targeted because they can be seen when they surface. In Nam Ngum Reservoir north of Vientiane many fish of around 4-5 kg are shot from platforms in flooded trees, even though this fishing method is prohibited in the dam.
In the Khone Falls area small cyprinids are caught by hand in shallow water in the rapids during a short period in July or August (the rising water season). M-16s and AK-47s, rifles and muskets are often used in the dry season to shoot fish near the shore. Mostly Channa sp. and other air-breathing fish are targeted because they can be seen when they surface. In Nam Ngum Reservoir north of Vientiane many fish of around 4-5 kg are shot from platforms in flooded trees, even though this fishing method is prohibited in the dam.
soup nam oktchak nong _[soop nam awk tchak nawng] (Lao Loum) Large, sling-shaped scoop (traditionally of bark but recently of leather or canvas) between two poles. It is often swung from a tripod or bipod and operates with a scooping, shovelling motion to move water from one area to another. Mostly used to move irrigation water, but also commonly used to empty small pools in order to catch all the fish. Sometimes parts of the edges of larger wetlands are bunded off and emptied using this method. In some places an irrigation pump is used to pump a small wetland dry so as to be able to catch all of the fish, shrimp, tortoises, etc. This is a recent introduction but one that has significant potential for impacts on fish populations and the wetland ecosystems generally.
soup nam oktchak nong _[soop nam awk tchak nawng] (Lao Loum) Large, sling-shaped scoop (traditionally of bark but recently of leather or canvas) between two poles. It is often swung from a tripod or bipod and operates with a scooping, shovelling motion to move water from one area to another. Mostly used to move irrigation water, but also commonly used to empty small pools in order to catch all the fish. Sometimes parts of the edges of larger wetlands are bunded off and emptied using this method. In some places an irrigation pump is used to pump a small wetland dry so as to be able to catch all of the fish, shrimp, tortoises, etc. This is a recent introduction but one that has significant potential for impacts on fish populations and the wetland ecosystems generally.
Related topics:
Marine Protected AreasLaos (Lao PDR)Ecological HumanitiesLocal Ecological KnowledgeCo management
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