Success Stories In Asian Aquaculture - Library - Network of ...

126 U.S. Amarasinghe and T.T.T. Nguyen6.8 Lao PDRThe main animal protein source of Laotian people, who have the lowest per capitaincome amongst Asian nations, is fish. The current fish production, almost entirelybased on the very seasonal riverine and reservoir capture fisheries, approximates30,000 tons per year, and has been static over the past 5 years or so. The Governmentof Lao PDR is endeavoring to increase the fish consumption to 23 kg caput −1per year by year 2010. The gap between supply and demand should be met fromaquaculture-related developments, which is still in its infancy, and currentlyaccounts for less than 25,000 tons per year. In this regard, it has been recognizedthat substantial increases in fish production could be obtained through effective andoptimal utilization of seasonal water bodies, such as flood plain depressions andreservoir coves, for CBF, a practice that requires little or no capital investment, andharnesses natural productivity of these water bodies for augmenting fish production.The practice is also environmentally non-perturbing, when compared withconventional aquaculture.In the abovementioned context, an R&D program was initiated to develop CBFin small reservoirs, flood plain depressions, and reservoir coves in Lao, with communityengagement. The success of the activities in two provinces, Vientiane andBorikamxay, have not only triggered off many communities to adopt CBF, but hasspread to many other provinces within a span of 18 months. Most importantly, theLaotian government issued a decree authorizing the use of suitable water bodies forCBF development, at the very beginning, thereby facilitating the communities totake appropriate action to prepare the water bodies for facilitating CBF activities,such as netting the entrance to a reservoir cove and authorizing/legalizing the ownershipto the stock.Adoption of CBF activities in these impoverished communities has increased foodfishavailability, provided supplementary income, and most of all, brought about communalharmony and well being. The communities differ in the manner in which eachshares the profits gained from CBF. In all the cases, the adoption of CBF has resultedin an increase in fish production from the water bodies by 10–20-folds. However, inalmost every instance, a certain percentage of the profit is retained for the purchase offingerlings in the ensuing year, as well on improving community amenities, such asimproving the infrastructure of the village temple, electricity supply, amongst others.Also, each community adopts a chosen strategy for harvesting and marketing the produce,with a view to ensure profits and their equitable distribution.6.9 ConclusionsCBF essentially is a communal activity, often rural, which utilizes the existingwater bodies, for the secondary purpose of enhancing fish production, beyond thelevels that are obtained naturally. The secondary use of small water bodies for fishproduction does not impair and or impede its primary use, which is downstream