A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008

Ecological conservation strategy though management of fish conservation zones (FCZs) plays a very important role in protecting resources from overexploitation and for managing resource use for sustainable fish production. The establishment of FCZs in man-made reservoirs in Lao P.D.R is aimed to preserve natural broodstock species. The decline in amount of fish catches affects directly rural livelihoods and a set of criteria in establishing FCZs is needed provincial and district fisheries officers. This study was implemented in the three sites of reservoirs of Savannakhet province, aiming to develop a combined set of criteria based on scientific and local knowledge. Firstly, criteria for freshwater protected area site selection were collected from scientific literature, followed by secondary data reaction by local researchers, face-to-face interview, PRA and workshop with key informants to assess scientific and local knowledge. Secondly, scientific and local knowledge on criteria for establishing FCZs were combined. Finally, the combined set of criteria were prioritized and ranked by the local researchers through the use of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results of criteria prioritization are listed below. Three main criteria and seven supporting alternative choices for management objectives (general criteria) were prioritized namely: 1. Bio-geographical aspects (0.540): 1.1 Fish population status and degree of fishing (0.8); 1.2 Geographical location (0.2).2. Social aspects (0.297): 2.1 Solidarity and community agreement in establishing FCZs (0.493). 2.2 Understanding of FCZs management{u2019}s objective (0.311); 2.3 Distance from the villages and ease in patrolling the FCZs by community (0.196).3. Institutional aspects (0.163): 3.1 Establish village self-regulations on FCZs and revise management committees (0.7); 3.2 Community plan for setting up official FCZs (0.3). Two main criteria and nine supporting alternative choices for management options (specific criteria) were prioritized namely: 1. Ecosystem-based options (0.750): 1.1 Deep water/deep pools areas (0.248); 1.2. Spawning grounds (0.187); 1.3. Dominant areas of rich aquatic habitats (0.142); 1.4 Feeding areas (0.124); 1.5. Species diversity or richness (0.117); 1.6. Possible area for fish enhancement (0.107); 1.7 Degraded (but not destroyed) area caused by intensive fishing but allows conservation actions (0.074). 2. Introduction of input controls over the management of fishing (0.250): 2.1 No existing rules and regulations for fishing gears in the certain areas (0.373); 2.2 Existing users conflicts in open access fisheries (0.263). Finally, the criteria package for establishing FCZs in man-made reservoirs is provided as the references points in the ecological conservation framework.