Measuring Impact

Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Development of fish passage criteria for floodplain species of central Laos

Project ID:
FIS/2006/183
Collaborating Countries:
Lao PDR, Thailand
Project Locations
Commissioned Organisation:
NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Lee Baumgartner
Phone: 02 6959 9021
Fax: 02 6959 2935
Email: Lee.Baumgartner@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Collaborating Institutions:
  • Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia
  • Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre, Laos
  • National University of Laos, Laos
Project Budget:
$149,998
Project Duration:
01/01/2008 - 31/12/2009
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Mr Barney Smith
Project Overview

Recent work by the Mekong River Commission and the fisheries agencies of Cambodia, Lao, Thailand and Vietnam has demonstrated that valuable commercial and subsistence fishery stocks undertake migrations that are significant for survival, growth and reproduction. Instream barriers to the movements of these migratory species are therefore a key threat, and increasing development of the Lower Mekong Basin must consider potential impacts on fish passage. In other areas of the world, fish passage facilities (such as fishways or fish passages) are effectively used to maintain pathways for migratory fish and prevent population declines. But fish passage management guidelines are currently poorly defined in Lao PDR and other lower Mekong countries. This project will enable transfer of fish passage technology to Lao PDR, based on knowledge and skills developed in Australia.