Developing fish ladders in the Mekong River

Fish in the Mekong River are in trouble and scientists from NSW and Queensland are travelling to Laos to help develop fish ladders so they can get past barriers in the river.

"The two-year project, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, is allowing NSW and Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) scientists to help Laos scientists develop techniques to help fish migrate past dams and weirs and rehabilitate declining fisheries.

"The grant involves these scientists working closely with researchers in Laos from the National University of Lao and the Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre," NSW DPI research scientist at Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Dr Lee Baumgartner, said.

Dr Lee Baumgartner said the Mekong River was home to more than 1000 native fish species and was one of the most diverse river systems in the world, containing unique freshwater dolphins, stingrays and large freshwater catfish.

"However, recent development has seen the construction of thousands of dams and weirs, which have obstructed fish migrations throughout the Mekong Basin.

Link to media release:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/fishing-and-aquacultu...