A researchsubmitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for thedegree of Master of Science inAquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2011

In Laos, water-based production and livelihoodsare from natural water resourcessuch as swamps, reservoirsand rivers. Therefore, Culture-Based Fishery (CBF) plays an important role to rural development especially food security and commercial food, and it might be possible to develop aquaculture in Laos if CBF develops. The purpose of this study is to assess the Culture Based Fishery Management (CBFM) practice and benefit sharing in Savannakhet the southern provinces of Laos. The research was conducted through the District Agriculture and Forestry Extension Office (DAFEO), Village Community Committee (VCC) and head of household or member of VCC implementingthe CBF management inNong Sa village in Xaybuly district and Dong Mi village in Champhone district of Savannakhet province. The specific objectives are to (i) determine how the community stocks fish seed and how they protect the stocks from fishing and poaching; (ii) assess the strengthsand weaknessesof the method of harvesting fish (group fishing and fishing day)and mechanism of sharing the benefits; (iii)determinethe opportunitiesand threatsin group fishing and fishing day management; (iv) provide recommendation forCBFM.Both group fishing and fishing day management approaches are carried out by villageauthoritiesbut the differences are in themethod of stocking fish seed, protecting the stocks from poachers, harvesting fish method and sharing the benefits. The results suggestthat group fishing managementis better than fishing day management because of good management of stocking fish seed, more effectiveprevention of illegal fishing gear and poacher, andharvesting fish. In addition, method of revenue sharing of groupfishing is beneficial forthevillage. Group fishing and fishing day management have no financial management system. Therefore, there is a need to set up financial management system for CBFM, for the benefit of the members and the community.