Identify Critical Fish Habitats in the Mekong River, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

Final Report

Prepared by

Mr. Boonsong Sricharoendham Ms. Suthida Soebeen Ms. Parichat Musikatham Ms. Siriwan Suksri

Department of Fisheries, Thailand,

December 2015 2

Executive summary

The study on identify critical fish habitats in the Mekong River, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand (activity 2.2.1) is an activity under the project of Transboundary Fisheries Management in the Bordering Provinces of Bokeo, Lao PDR, and Chiang Rai, Thailand. The objectives are; 1) to identify critical habitats for spawning, nursing and refuge during dry season, 2) to discuss the relevance of these habitats for recruitment capacity of fish stocks and 3) to explore ideas for conservation of these habitats and implications for local and transboundary fisheries management. All data collection and field surveys were conducted at the four target villages and their monitoring sites nearby during June 2014 to October 2015. The 4 target villages composted of; 1) Ban Don Tee, Ban Muang Kan, 3) Ban Pak Ing Tai and 4) Ban Huai Luek where covered the distance of Mekong mainstream about 80-90 km long. PRA study and LEK expert interview were applied in the village with local communities and fisher expert. Also dominant fish gonad development and fish larvae sampling were also investigated in those area. The result found that the Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province located at the middle part of the total Mekong river length where about 400 m above mean sea level and 2,200 to 2,300 km far from the river headwater. The characteristic of the Mekong mainstream in these 4 targets villages were quite difference together. At present, the high water regime started from June to November, and the rising period of water regime was in June to September. From interviewing of 28 expert fishers in those 4 target villages found that their age ranged between 32-65 years old with an average of 48.1 years. The average fishing experience was about 29.1 year but did not much vary with the age of fisher. At Ban Don Tee and Ban Muang Kan villages where located about 40 and 25 km above Chiang Khong district were surrounding of others 3-4 communities. It has to be many small rapids and deep pool area between these 2 villages which more appropriate for fish spawning ground and refuge habitats in dry season period. For nursing ground, it was high variation for Ban Don Tee, may be due to the strong velocity of Mekong mainstream in this sites. While Ban Muang Kan where the river stream expanded which connected to swamp and flood area was still suitable condition for nursing habitat. At Ban Pak Ing Tai village about 15 km below Chiang Khong district where it was a quite high of fishing pressure. There was low efficiency of spawning ground in the upper part of village but still has more efficiency in the lower part where located of a few rapids and small deep pool. This site also has some good habitat for nursing ground such as in the Ing river area. At Ban Huai Luek village where located about 40 km below Chiang Khong district, some lower part of this village was also good location for fish spawning ground and refuge habitats which many rapids and deep pool area. From scientific validation on investigation of dominance fish gonad development found that many dominant fish species can be achieved to the upper most area of Ban Don Tee village. It was confirmed that those fish species also migrated for searching their spawning ground to this area. Also for fish larvae surveys around those 4 villages were proved that there were many fish larvae and fingerling availability in those areas for nursing habitats. In conclusion, there are many management option can be applied to transboundary fisheries management in this area, if the two bordering provinces and countries has joint cooperation. 3

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1 2. Objectives of the study 1 3. Expected Outputs 2 4. Literature review 2 4.1 Habitats types 2 4.2 Fish diversity and abundance 2 4.3 Fishing ground 4 4.4 Fisheries regulation 4 5. Methodology of study 8 5.1 Study area 8 5.2 Study period and site visit 9 5.3 Methods for data collection 9 5.4 Data analysis and comparison 10 6. Results and discussion 14 6.1 Characteristic of Mekong mainstream at 4 study sites 14 6.2 LEK and information from fisher expert 17 6.3 Scientific validation of spawning habitats 32 6.4 Scientific validation of nursing habitats 34 6.5 Habitat ground truth and GPS positioning 38 6.6 Rechecking data by focus group discussion 39 6.7 Integrated information analysis 39 7. Conclusion 41 8. Recommendation 41 9. References 42

Lists of Figures

Figure 1 Map of the Mekong Ecosystems along the Mekong River in Chiang Rai 3 province. Figure 2 Map of fish conservation zones in Chiang Khong to Wieng Kane area. 7 Figure 3 Map of study sites of 4 target villages in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. 8 Figure 4 PRA study, group discussion with the LEK expert, and face to face expert fisher 11 interview for investigation of critical fish habitat in the 4 target villages. Figure 5 Validation of spawning ground by investigation of gonad development of 12 dominant fish species in the 4 target villages during April 2014 to August 2015. Figure 6 Mapping on all sampling stations of nursing ground survey in the 4 target 12 villages. Figure 7 Validation of nursing ground by investigation of fish larvae survey from 14 13 stations in the 4 target villages during October 2014 and June 2015. Figure 8 Fishing ground at the 4 villages during the study period of 2014-2015. 15 Figure 9 The topography and profile of Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province. 16 Figure 10 Daily water regime of Mekong river at Chiang Saen station during 2012-2015. 16 Figure 11 All of fisher expert in the 4 target villages who providing fish habitats and 17 fishing characteristic information in the Mekong mainstream. Figure 12 Information on resources mapping and habitats of 4 targets villages along the 19 Mekong mainstream. Figure 13 Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban 24 Don Tee. Figure 14 Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban 25 Muang Kan. Figure 15 Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban 26 Pak Ing Tai. Figure 16 Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban 27 Huai Luek. Figure 17 Pictures of fish conservation zone in the Mekong River of those 4 target 29 villages. Figure 18 Pictures of fish spawning habitats in Mekong mainstream, information from 30 interviewing of fisher expert in 4 target villages. Figure 19 Pictures of critical fish habitats of refuge in dry season in the Mekong 31 mainstream, information from fisher expert interviewing in 4 target villages. Figure 20 Pictures of activities of gonad development investigation in the 4 target 33 villages. Figure 21 The abundance of fish larvae survey from 4 target village during 2014-2015. 34 Figure 22 Comparison of fisheries potential in the study area from 6 dimensions of 14 40 topics. 1

Lists of Table

Table 1 List of fish species name found in the Mekong river of Chiang Rai province. 5 Table 2 Processes of FCZs establishment in Chiang Khong under the WWF project. 6 Table 3 Fish Conservation Zones (FCZ) in Chiang Khong district established under 7 WWF project Table 4 The characteristic of the Mekong mainstream at the area of 4 target villages. 14 Table 5 List of fisher name, location and their experiences of the expert fisher 18 from 4 target villages of the Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province. Table 6 Summarize information derived from PRA study and expert fisher 20 interview at 4 target villages. Table 7 Summarizes of fishing activities and gear used from PRA study and 21 expert fisher interview at 4 target villages. Table 8 List of critical fish habitats found in the Mekong mainstream and their 28 tributaries from 4 target villages. Table 9 Information from investigation of gonad development of dominant species 32 at 4 target village during July 2014 - August 2015. Table 10 The result of fish larvae survey from 4 target village during 2014-2015. 34 Table 11 Species and number of fish larvae (ind./100m2) found from 4 target 35 village during the survey of August 2014 and June 2015. Table 12 The GPS positioning f fish conservation zone in the Mekong River of those 4 38 target villages. Table 13 Group discussion for recheck of all habitats investigation in 4 target 39 villages. Table 14 Comparison of fisheries potential in the 4 target study areas from 6 40 dimensions of 14 topics consideration.

Identify Critical Fish Habitats in the Mekong River, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand (Activity 2.2.1)

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The development activities implemented in the Mekong River in one country can affect also the other riparian countries. Fisheries are interlinked, from local to regional levels crossing national boundaries of riparian countries, the development in the Mekong river basin initiatives can affect the abundance fisheries resources, which consequently directly impact on people’s livelihoods. Therefore, fisheries management in the Mekong river basin is ideally planned and implemented by using a geographically integrated and trans-boundary approach.

This project implementation of Thailand national activities is prepared based on the project document Transboundary Fisheries Management on the Mekong River in the Bordering provinces of Bokeo, Lao PDR and Chiang Rai, Thailand, which was developed with actively supported by the National Mekong Committee (NMCs), the fisheries line agencies and relevant parties from the various levels and local authorities of the respective countries (Lao PDR and Thailand).

Trans-boundary fisheries management project is reflected in the programme document of FP 2011-2015, where activities “3.2: Draft regional fisheries cooperation framework (Identify/implement pilot trans-boundary, cross-border and basin-wide fisheries management activities)” and “4.2: Address bi-national management issues” related to trans-boundary fisheries management.

2. Objectives of the study

1. To identify together with expert fishers the critical habitats for spawning, nursing and refuge during dry season

2. To discuss the relevance of these habitats for recruitment capacity of fish stocks (local and trans-boundary)

3. Explore ideas for conservation of these habitats and implications for local and transboundary fisheries management 2

3. Expected Outputs

1. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) on identification of fish spawning, nursing grounds and refuge habitats; 2. Information about location, seasonal gears and specific use of spawning, nursing and refuge habitats gathered; 3. Critical fish habitats, i.e. spawning, nursing and dry season refuge habitats for conservation and fishing in seasonal perspective identified.

4. Literature Reviews

4.1 Habitat types

The Mekong River in Chiang Rai province at Khon Phi Luang Rapids area hosts a complex riverine ecosystem consisting of 11 different sub-ecosystems, which is dependent on seasonal water level of the Mekong River (Figure 1). For instance 1) Pha (part of rapid above water layer), 2) Kok (deep pool), 3) Don (sand bar), 4) Haad (sand or pebble beach), 5) Rong (water channel), 6) Long (oxbow), 7) Nong (swamp), 8) Jam (larger rapids that make whirlpool), 9) Huai (stream), 10) Rim Fang (riverbank), and 11) Kwan (large shallow deep pool). Some of these sub-ecosystems are vital habitats and spawning grounds for fish, as well as important fishing ground for fishers. For example, the Kok sub-ecosystem, in dry season when the water is lower than five meter, is fish habitat and spawning ground for several fish species (Sukhumasavin, 2013).

4.2 Fish diversity and abundance

The Chiang Khong-Wieng Kane Research Group (2004 & 2006) studied in Chiang Khong (from Khon Phi Luang to Kang Pha Dai along the Mekong River) from August 2003 to June 2004 and reported that there are 96 fish species in the Mekong within the study area. Among these fish species, 86 are native species, while 10 are alien species. Out of 86 native species, 15 are rare species. These fish species live in the complex ecosystem of the mainstream Mekong, while some migrate to tributaries for reproduction. The list of species is shown in Table 1. In the Ing River which is a tributary of the Mekong, Soe-bean et al., (2008) studied the structure and distribution of fish community in the Ing River by using electrofishing and a set of multi mesh size gillnets (20, 30, 40, 55, 70 and 90 mm) during November 2004-September 2005. The result indicated that fish community in the Ing River composed of 46 species of 14 families. Ambassis notatus was the highest abundance fish species composition by number and Barbodes gonionotus was the highest abundance fish species composition by weight. The average richness, diversity and evenness indices of fish community were estimated to be 4.65±0.28, 3.26±0.39 and 0.62±0.06, respectively. An average of catch efficiency by using a 3

set of gill net was estimated to be 598.4 g/100 m2/night. The highest gill net CPUE was presented in 20 mm mesh size catch of 1,196.5 g/100 m2/night.

Figure 1: Map of the Mekong Ecosystems along the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. (Chiang Khong-Wieng Kane Research Group, 2006) 4

4.3 Fishing ground

Chiang Khong-Wieng Kane Research Group (2004) reports the use of 63 types of fishing gear in Chiang Khong area. The list of fishing gears is shown in Appendix 1. According to Nédélec (1990), these fishing gears can be divided into 7 groups as 1) Traps, 2) Hook and lines, 3) Gillnets and entangling nets, 4) Falling gears, 5) Lift nets, 6) Seine nets and 7) Miscellaneous gears. In Chiang Khong, fishing season can be divided into 2 seasons, dry season and flood season. During the dry season when the water descending and fish migrate from tributaries to the mainstream, fishers use barrage to trap the downstream migrating fish. When the water is rising, fishers use drop door trap and floating gill net.

It was found that local fishers are organized into groups, sharing fishing ground, which is considered as common property of communities. Fishers have to respect the rules of each fishing ground set up by fishers in communities. From Khon Phi Luang rapids in Chiang Khong District to Kang Pha Dai in Weing Kane District, there are 11 important fishing grounds. These are: 1. Koh Santo, Ban Had Baai 2. Haad Hai, Ban Don Tee 3. Don Saleng, Ban Had Tu 4. Pha Pra, Pha Khee and Haad Hie Ban Muang Kan, Ban Hui Wieng and Ban Pak Ngaw 5. Don Pong, Ban Wat Luang and Ban Wieng Keaw 6. Don Wang, Ban Haad Khai and Ban Sobsom 7. Kwan Doy Ya Mon, Ban Pak Ing Tai 8. Ban Jam Pong 9. Pak Ngaw, Ban Huai Luek 10. Kok Luang (Lao side) 11. Kang Pha Dai, Ban Huai Luek In these fishing grounds, some fishing ground only allowed its local fishers for fishing i.e., Ban Pak Ing Tai but most of the fishing grounds open for free access.

4.4 Fisheries regulation

The current fisheries management practices in the Thai water bodies including the tributaries of the Mekong River mainstream have been implemented through the legal and local institutions. The major legal institution responsible for implementing the Act is the DOF; the law is based on the Fishery Act B.E. 2490 (1947) which regulates fishing effort by limiting fishing gears and methods, or restricting fishing areas and season. Meanwhile, many local communities have local institutions to manage fisheries resources in their communities, based on specified rights of management but which are not recognized by government authority. 5

Table 1: List of fish species name found in the Mekong river of Chiang Rai province.

No Thai name Scientific name No Thai name Scientific name No Thai name Scientific name A. Common Native Species 33 ปลาเป้า Monotrete turgidus 66 ปลาเคียง Lobocheilos cf. quadrilineata 1 ปลากดเหลือง Hemibagrus filamentus 34 ปลากง้ั Channa limbata 67 ปลาบอกหัวมุ่น Henicorhynchus siamensis 2 ปลากดขาว Hemibagrus sp. 35 ปลาจาด Poropuntius laoensis 68 ปลาบอกหัวแหลม Henicorhynchus lobatus 3 ปลากดดา Hemibagrus nemurus 36 ปลาเข็ม Xenentodon cancilla 69 ปลาก้วน Channa spp. 4 ปลาเข้ียวไก ้ Syncrossus helodes, 37 ปลามาง Sikukia gudgeri 70 ปลาดอกง้ิว Epalzeorhynchos munense 5 ปลาแกด (สะแง่ง) Mystus singaringan 38 ปลาหลด Macrognathus semiocellatus 71 ปลาสะตู๊บปลาหมอ Pristolepis fasciatus 6 ปลากดแก้ว Hemibagrus wyckioides 39 ปลาเอี่ยน Monopterus albus ช้างเหยียบB. Rare Species

7 ปลาบู่ทอง Oxyeleotris marmorata 40 ปลามะหาว Raiamas guttatus 72 ปลาสา Catlocarpio siamensis 8 ปลาหลาด Mastocembelus armatus 41 ปลาสะเด็ง (เขง) Anabas testudineus 73 ปลาเอิน Probarbus jullieni 9 ปลาหวาน Kryptopterus cheveyi 42 ปลาฮึม Crossocheilus delacourii 74 ปลบึก Pangasianodon gigas 10 ปลาค้าว Wallagonia attu 43 ปลากัด Badis ruber 75 ปลาสนาก Asptosyax grypus 11 ปลาค้าวคูน Wallagomicro apogon 44 ปลามัน Garra fascicauda 76 ปลาคูน Wallagonia micropogon 12 ปลาสะโม่ Micronema micronema 45 ปลาฮากกล้วย Acantopsis spp. 77 ปลาเลิม Pangasius sanitwongsei 13 ปลาดังแดง Hemisilurus mekongensis 46 ปลาเกล็ดถี่ Thynnichthys thynnoides 78 ปลาป่ิง Pangasius larnuadii 14 ปลาโมงยาง Pangasius bocourti 47 ปลาหว่า Labeo yunnanensis 79 ปลาเอี่ยนหู Anguilla marmorata 15 ปลาโมงออด Pangasius conchophilus 48 ปลาหว่าหัวแง่ม Mekongina erythrospila 80 ปลาเซียม Ompok krattensis 16 ปลาแข้เหลือง Bagarius yarrelli 49 ปลาหว้าหัวค(สะอี) า Bangana pierei 81 ปลากะ Tor tambroides, T. sinensis 17 ปลาแข้ดา Bagarius bagarius 50 ปลาคับของ(หน้านอ) Parambassis siamensis 82 ปลาฝาไม Amphothistes laoensis 18 ปลาแขข้ ้ีหม ู Pseudomystus siamensis 51 ปลาขบ Belodontichthys truncates 83 ปลาหว้าแก้มแต้ม Bangana behri 19 แข้ติดหิน (แขบ้ ้ี) Glyptopthorax lampris 52 ปลาแกง Cirrhinus molitorella 84 ปลาฝาอองตะพาบน้า Amyda cartilagenea 20 ปลาตอง Notopterus notopterus 53 ปลาแกงหัวเหลี่ยม Barbichthys nitidus 85 กุ้งใหญ่ Macrobranchium rosenbergii 21 ปลาตองดาว Chitala ornata 54 ปลาเพ้ีย Morulius chrysophekadion 86 กุ้งเล็ก Macrobrachium lanchesteri 22 ปลาสิก (ขม) Hampala macrolepidota 55 ปลาหลิม (ก่อ) Channa striata C. Alien Species 23 ปลาสลาก Trichogaster microlepis 56 ปลามันมูด Gyrinocheilus pennocki 87 ปลานิล Oreochromis nilotica 24 ปลายอน (สวาด) Pangasius macronema 57 ปลาปกป้อม Systomus orphoides 88 ปลาดุกรัสเซีย Clarias gariepinus Laideslongibarbis 25 ปลายอนหลังเขียว Clupisoma sinensis 58 ปลาสะป๊าก Hypsibarbus verneyi 89 ปลาดูด Hypostomus plecostomus 26 ปลาซิวน้า ขา้ ว Rasbora septentrionalis 59 ปลาหนามฝ้าย Mystacoleucus marginatus 90 ปลาไนคา Cyprinus rubrofuscus 27 ปลาซิวหนวด Esomus metallicus 60 ปลาสะกาง Puntioplites proctozysron 91 ปลานวลจันทร์เทศ Cirrhinus chirosus 28 ปลาซิวอ้าว Luciosoma spilopleura 61 ปลาปีกเหลือง Barbodes gonionotus 92 ปลาจีน Hypophthalmichthys molitrix 29 ปลาสร้อย Henicorhynchus spp. 62 ปลาปีกแดง Barbodes altus 93 ปลาสวาย Pangasianodon hypophthalmus 30 ปลามะแปบ Paralaubuca riveroi 63 ปลาตาโจ่ (ตาโป้ ) Amblyryhchichthys micracanthus 94 ปลายี่สก Labeo rohita 31 ปลากว่าง Cosmochilus harmandi 64 ปลาดอกตอง Osteochilus microcephalus 95 ปลากดอเมริกัน Ictalurus punctatus 32 ปลาดาบลาว Macrochirichthys macrochirus 65 ปลาข้างลาย Danglia siamensis 96 ปลาตะเพียนขาว Barbodes goniotus 6

In general, rules to management of FCZs are as follows: 1. Fishing is prohibited year-round 2. Anyone who violates the regulation will be fined for 500-2,000 baht and all fishing gears and fish caught will be confiscated. 3. Whenever the committees found the fishing gears at the FCZs, although they cannot recognized the owner of those fishing gears, the committees members have rights to confiscate those gears and fish caught. 4. All fines and fishing gears that were confiscated will become properties of the community. It can be used for community development and conservation of fisheries resources activities depending on community’s decision making.

Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation (2011) reported the process of establishing the FCZs under the WWF project on Transboundary Conservation of the Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) in Chiang Rai (Thailand) and Bokeo (Lao PDR) Provinces, Mekong River. These 7 steps processes involve various stakeholders such as: (i) fishers, for gathering fisheries information; and (ii) village committee, DOF and District Fisheries Officer. Details of these processes are summarised in Table 2. Fish Conservation Zones in Chiang Khong established under WWF project was showed in Table 3 and the Map of the Mekong Ecosystems along the Mekong River in Chiang Khong was showed in Figure 2.

Table 2: Processes of FCZs establishment in Chiang Khong under the WWF project. Processes Details of processes and involved stakeholders 1) Consensus building Interviews of fishers, women and children to gather information on capture fisheries management, fishing gear, fish species and migratory information identify critical fisheries habitats 2) Drafting regulation Villagers meet to discuss fisheries management and to 3) Revision of drafting regulation draft regulations, provide feedback and revise the 4) Agreement on revised draft regulations based on feedback regulations by local level stakeholders 5) District approval of aquatic The regulations are signed by the village authorities and resources management regulation presented and approved by DAFO, later District Governor to allow the village to implement the proposed regulations 6) Public announcement of the It is usually implemented with an opening ceremony establishment of village regulations and via local news media for aquatic resources management 7) Monitoring and evaluation Identifying problems and important issues of village aquatic resources management plan for adaptive management

Figure 2: Map of fish conservation zones in Chiang Khong to Wieng Kane area.

Table 3: Fish Conservation Zones (FCZ) in Chiang Khong district established under WWF project.

Established Depth MGC related Village Status Size Date (m) Yes or No

11/11/09 Pak Ing Bon FCZ and fisheries 300 m 8 No regulation established along the Mekong

18/4/10 Haad Khai MGC conservation zone 300 m 12 Yes and fisheries regulation along the established Mekong

25/8/10 Don Tee MGC conservation zone 300 m 11 Yes and fisheries regulation along the established Mekong

21/10/10 Pak Ing Tai FCZ and fisheries 200 m 5 No regulation established along the Mekong 8

5. Methodology of study

5.1 Study area

All activities under subproject 2.2.1 were conducted at the four target villages and their monitoring sites nearby the villages (Figure 3) during June 2014 to October 2015. PRA study and LEK expert interview were applied in the village with local communities and expert fisher. Also fish gonad development and fish larvae sampling were investigated. The 4 study sites are; 1. Ban Don Tee located in Rim Khong subdistrict, Chiang Khong district 2. Ban Muang Kan located in Rim Khong subdistrict, Chiang Khong district 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai located in Sri Donchai subdistrict, Chiang Khong district 4. Ban Huai Luek located in Muang Yay subdistrict, Wieng Kane district

1 2

3 4

Figure 3: Map of study sites of 4 target villages in Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

5.2 Study period and site visit

This project was carried out for data collecting and field survey during June 2014 to October 2015. The research teams were investigated under the project activities as follows;

Project activities Duration

1. PRA study for resources mapping together with clarify July- February 2014 critical habitats, fishing ground and fishing activities. 2. LEK interviews for more information on habitats study. July 2014-February 2015 3. Spawning ground validation by investigation on gonad July 2014-August 2015 development of dominant fish species in the 4 target villages. 4. Nursing ground validation by fish larvae survey from 2 October 2014 and June 2015 trips sampling of 14 stations with a 4x30 m of larvae beach seine net. 5. Focus group discussion for rechecking data and February 2015 information with local expert fisher. 6. Habitat ground truth survey and GPS positioning. May-August 2015 7. Investigation of daily water regime data of the Mekong July-August 2015 river at Chiang Saen station. 8. Data checking and data handling July-August 2015 9. Data analysis and writing report September-November 2015

5.3 Methods for data collection

In this study, we used the potential tools for identify of critical fish habitats as follows; 1. The PRA study and interview tools with the LEK expert in each 4 villages (Figure 4) which the steps of work had been done as; 1) Identification of LEK experts: the experts are fishers who are the most knowledgeable about local fisheries, fishing grounds and critical habitats. 2) Face-to-face interview with LEK experts: The face-to-face interview was conducted with the LEK experts identified in each village in order to collect and generate data and information about critical habitats as spawning habitat, nursing habitat and refuge habitat in the dry season 3) Focus group discussion: focus group discussion with all LEK experts had conducted in order to validate data and information provided during the research team and LEK expert were meeting together. Research team had rechecked some information in order to validate data and information which the team is not sure of during face-to-face interviews with LEK experts. 10

4) All details of each step of implementation are focusing on the 7 topics as; . Mapping on their village location and other surrounding community that settlement nearby of both sides of the Mekong River. . Information and location of fishing ground area and fishing gear used. . Information and location of conservation zone in the village area. . Information on rules and agreement of fishing activities in the village. . Information and location of spawning ground in the village area. . Information and location of nursing ground in the village area. . Information and location of refuge of dry season in the village area. . Information about problem and conflict on fisheries activities in the village. 2. Conducted scientific validation of spawning ground by investigation of fish maturity stage in the 4 target villages. The research teams were further investigated/validated of the information via site visits to find the evidence by collecting fishes at the sites for studying gonad development (Figure 5). 3. Conducted scientific validation of the nursing ground in the 4 study areas. The research team had done the survey to collecting fish larvae and juveniles in identified nursing habitats from 14 sampling sites along the 4 village area (Figure 6 and 7). 4. Conducted ground truth survey of existing habitats and GPS positioning. 5. Find out the alternative fisheries management options from all available information i.e. habitats, fisheries activities, conflict and participation of the target communities.

5.4 Data analysis and comparison

For the overall comparison of the fisheries potential in the study area, we analysed and compared all information from 6 dimensions of 14 topics as follows; 1. Fishing pressure aspect, we used 3 topics to consider as 1) Number of occupation/fulltime fisher in the village, 2) Fishing activities found in the village area, and 3) Demand of fish catch around the village area 2. Spawning opportunity aspect, we used 2 topics to consider as 1) Number of spawning habitats found in the village area, and 2) Number of maturity fish species found in the village area 3. Nursing opportunity aspect, we used 2 topics to consider as 1) Abundance of fish larvae found in the village area, and 2) Number of nursing habitats found in the village area 4. Refuge habitats and conservation zone aspect, we used 2 topics to consider as 11

1) Amount of refuge habitats found in the village area (not include FCZ), and 2) Amount of fish conservation zone in the village area 5. Participation of the community aspect, we used 3 topics to consider as 1) Fisheries activities contribution to the village community, 2) Action of fisheries village committee, and 3) Action of village leader 6. Problem and conflict aspect, we used 2 topics to consider as 1) Illegal fishing found the village area, and 2) Conflict of water resource utilization in the village area Each topic under the 6 aspects were classified and determined their present situation under the most appropriate situation of 5 level as; 0 = very poor/low, 1 = poor/low, 2 = fair, 3 = good/high, 4 = very good/high.

Figure 4: PRA study, group discussion with the LEK expert, and face to face expert fisher interview for investigation of critical fish habitat in the 4 target villages. 12

Figure 5: Validation of spawning ground by investigation of gonad development of dominant fish species in the 4 target villages during April 2014 to August 2015.

Figure 6: Mapping on all sampling stations of nursing ground survey in the 4 target villages. 13

Figure 7: Validation of nursing ground by investigation of fish larvae survey from 14 stations in the 4 target villages during October 2014 and June 2015. 14

6. Results and discussion

6.1 Characteristic of Mekong mainstream at 4 study sites

6.1.1 River morphology

From our team observation during PRA study and habitat survey we found that the characteristic of the Mekong mainstream at the 4 targets villages were quite difference together as showed in Table 4 and Figure 8.

Table 4: The characteristic of the Mekong mainstream at the area of 4 target villages.

Village Characteristic of the Mekong mainstream

1. Ban Don Tee This village located on river bank of the Mekong mainstream about 40 km above of Chiang Khong District. The width of the Mekong river was narrowed down in their stream where provided a high depth of river bank in a small hill area. The river was a high velocity than the other 3 sites and their river substrate consisted of many pebble and small gravel. Also at downstream location below the village site was consisted of many small rapids and deep pool.

2. Ban Muang Kan This village located in Mekong mainstream about 25 km above of Chiang Khong District. The river mainstream in this site was extended to a quite wide stream with a concave shape. In dry season, the area below village site had changed to a small shallow lake which connected to flood area. It was a quite shallow and low of river velocity than the other 3 sites. The river substrate was a clay soil with short distance of river bank.

3. Ban Pak Ing Tai This village located in the Mekong mainstream about 15 km below of Chiang Khong District. The river was flow down with a concave shape to the east direction with a narrow downstream between two small mountains. The river bank was quite high. It is also high velocity but slower than station 1 at Ban Don Tee village.

4. Ban Huai Luek This village located in Mekong mainstream about 40 km below of Chiang Khong District. The river was expanded to a wide stream river which shallow river bank than the station 1 and 3. At the downstream site below this village was composted of a few big rapids and high depth of deep pool. 15

Fishing ground at Ban Don Tee

Fishing ground at Ban Muang Kan

Fishing ground at Ban Pak Ing Tai

Fishing ground at Ban Huai Luek Figure 8: Fishing ground at the 4 villages during the study period of 2014-2015. 16

6.1.2 Water regime and its fluctuation

From the location of the Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province (Figure 9) where it was located at the middle part of the total length of Mekong River, about 400 m above mean sea level and 2,200 to 2,300 km far from the river headwater in China. The daily fluctuation of water regime in this area was observed at Chiang Sean station (Figure 10). It was found that the high water regime was started from June to November. The rising period of water regime was estimated around June to September. This period will affect many migratory fish species that will migrate to searching for their spawning ground. During dry season of the past 4 years, there was frequency showed a rapidly changing of 1-2 meter of water level in a short period of 3-10 days.

Figure 9: The topography and profile of Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10: Daily water regime of Mekong River at Chiang Saen station during 2012-2015. 17

6.2 LEK and information from fisher expert

6.2.1 Fisher profiles

1) Age

We interviewed a total number of 28 fishers in the 4 target villages. The age range of fishers was between 32 - 65 years old with an average of 48.1±8.2 years. We found that all of the fishing experience did not much vary with the age of fisher (Table 5 and Figure 11).

2) Education

Most of the fishers graduated from primary school (12 fishers), 9 from secondary school, 2 from vocational school, and one with no education (Table 5 and Figure 11).

3) Experience in fishing

Fishers had experience in fishing between 12-52 years with an average experience of 29.1±10.3 years. The fisher who has the most experiences was located in Ban Pak Ing Tai, Chiang Khong District (Table 5 and Figure 11).

Figure 11: All of fisher expert in the 4 target villages who providing fish habitats and fishing characteristic information in the Mekong mainstream. 18

Table 5: List of fisher name, location and their experiences of the expert fisher from 4 target villages of the Mekong mainstream in Chiang Rai province.

Age Experienced Name Location Education (year) (year) Mr. Sakorn Sittikaew Ban Don Tee 55 No education 37 Mr. Somporn Sribunreang Ban Don Tee 53 Secondary school 15 Mr. Boonchiey Boomrungkaen Ban Don Tee - - - Mr. La Srisawat Ban Don Tee 55 Primary School 43 Mr. Thongphun Srisawat Ban Don Tee 32 Primary School 12 Mr. Sakorn Nuntharuk Ban Don Tee - - - Mr. Jun Srisudawan Ban Don Tee - - - Mr. Boonchom Boomrungkaen Ban Don Tee 41 Primary School 12 Mr. Wandee Srisudawan Ban Don Tee 68 Primary School 40 Mr. Winai Inkaew Ban Muang Kan 49 Secondary school 36 Mr. Nakhon Punthayom Ban Muang Kan 41 Vocational Certificate 25 Mr. Srithai Wonggoat Ban Muang Kan 48 Primary School 18 Mr. Peng Ban Muang Kan - - - Mr. Somwang Seansarn Ban Pak Ing Tai 38 Vocational Certificate 15 Mr. Pornchai Buddee Ban Pak Ing Tai 57 Primary School 40 Mr. Nutthaphon Boontri Ban Pak Ing Tai 46 Primary School 33 Mr. Somnuek Lerttakun Ban Pak Ing Tai 44 Secondary school 32 Mr. Aekarat Buddee Ban Pak Ing Tai 47 Secondary school 30 Mr. Buntham Buddee Ban Pak Ing Tai 47 Primary School 29 Mr. Phomma Srida Ban Pak Ing Tai 65 Primary School 52 Mr. Somsak Buddee Ban Pak Ing Tai 45 Secondary school 30 Mr. Boonphun Budkai Ban Pak Ing Tai 45 Secondary school 20 Mr. Insom Wiset Ban Huai Luek 50 Primary School 36 Mr. Somboon Kammawong Ban Huai Luek 38 Secondary school 22 Mr. Thongwai Buaraidet Ban Huai Luek 48 Secondary school 30 Mr. Prasit Inthawong Ban Huai Luek 41 Secondary school 30 Mr. Suport pongsawat Ban Huai Luek 50 Primary School 36 Mr. Boonme Weankaew Ban Huai Luek 51 Primary School 25 Average - 48.08 - 29.08 S.D. - 8.22 - 10.34

6.2.2 Resources mapping and habitats information According to the PRA study and LEK expert interview from 4 target villages, the result of the study and resources mapping are shown in the Table 6-7 and Figure 12-16.

This is a result of resource mapping at Ban Don Tee village where located in Mekong mainstream about 40 km above Chiang Khong district. At both sides of this area were located of 5 communities as; 2 villages at Thai side and 3 villages at Lao side.

This is a result of resource mapping at Ban Muang Kan village where located in Mekong mainstream about 25 km above Chiang Khong district. At both sides of this area were located of 5 communities; 2 villages at Thai side and 3 villages at Lao side.

This is a result of resource mapping at Ban Pak Ing Tai village where located in Mekong mainstream about 15 km below Chiang Khong district. At both sides of this area were located of 4 communities; 3 villages at Thai side and 1 village at Lao side.

This is a result of resource mapping at Ban Huai Luek village where located in Mekong mainstream about 40 km below Chiang Khong district. At both sides of this area were located of 4 communities; 2 villages at Thai side and 2 villages at Lao side.

Figure 12: Information on resources mapping and habitats of 4 targets villages along the Mekong mainstream. 20

Table 6: Summarize information derived from PRA study and expert fisher interview at 4 target villages.

Item 1. Ban Don Tee 2. Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

Village location Village No. 3, Village No. 2, Village No. 16, Village No. 4, Rim Khong subdistrict, Rim Khong subdistrict, Sri Donchai subdistrict, Muang Yay subdistrict, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Khong district, Chiang Khong district, Wieng Kane district, Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province.

Surrounding village 1. Ban Don Tee 1. Ban Muang Kan 1. Ban Pak Ing Tai 1. Ban Huai Luek 1 community 2. Ban Haad Baai 2. Ban Rai Charoen 2. Ban Pak Ing 2. Ban Huai Luek 2 3. Ban Nam Koeng Kao (Lao side) 3. Ban Nam Ngaw (Lao side) 3. Ban Don Mahawan 3. Ban Kang (Lao side) 4. Ban Nam Koeng Mai (Lao side) 4. Ban Huai Tak (Lao side) 4. Ban Don Chan (Lao side) 4. Ban Kok Laung (Lao side) 5. Ban Sri Donxai (Lao side) 5. Ban Huai Mun (Lao side)

Household number 168 101 50 133 Total fisher household 48 42 50 83 Occupation FHH 20 11 29 20 Subsistence FHH 28 31 21 63 Percentage of all FHH 28.57 % 41.58 % 100 % 62.41 % Percentage of Occ. FHH 14.29 % 10.89 % 58.00 % 15.04 %

Fishing ground 1. Mekong mainstream in front of 1. Mekong mainstream about 500 m 1. Mainstream along river bank 1. Kok Laung - Kang Kon Khum village and above village for long for drifting gillnet 2 area above village about 500 m long about 100 m long drifting gillnet and hook longline 2. Along river bank for stationary 2. Mainstream along river bank 2. Kang Pha Dai 2. Along river bank for stationary gillnet, pole hook and cast net below village about 800 m long 2. Mainstream in front of village about gillnet, multiple hook longline, 3. Nong Mae Maay at dry season 3. Mainstream Lao side 300 m long 500 m long pole hook and cast net Depth 1.5 m 1.5 km long 4. In the Ing River 1,000 m long 5. Mainstream below village about 3. Rapids area below village 4. Rapids area above and below 5. Nong Ing Yai (46 rai) 300 m long village 6. Rapids area below village 6. Rapids and deep pool area 7. Along river bank

Item 1. Ban Don Tee 2. Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

Fishing gear used 1. Drifting gillnet 2 layers net 1. Drifting gillnet 2 layers net 1. Drifting gillnet 2-3 layers net 1. Drifting gillnet 2 layers net 2. Stationary gillnet 2. Stationary gillnet 2. Stationary gillnet 2. Stationary gillnet 3. Pole hook 3. Pole hook 3. Hook longline 3. Hook longline 4. Cast net 4. Cast net 4. Cast net 4. Cast net 5. Hook longline 5. Hook longline 5. Drop door trap 5. Drop door trap 6. Drop door trap 6. Bamboo tube eel trap 6. Hand life net 6. Pole hook 7. Multiple hook longline 7. Barbed rattan trap 7. Scooping net 7. Hand push net

Fish conservation zone 1. Kok Ma Tao / Kok Tangmo 1. Kok Pha Khee = 1 rai 1. Ing River = 200 m 1. Haad near village = 300 m (FCZ) 2. Kok Pha Lat 2. Pha Pra = 1 km 2. Kwan Wat Doy Ya Mon = 3. Haad near village = 300 m 300 m 3. Ban Don Chan = 300 m

Number of Village 6 member 12 member 13 member 12 member Fisheries committee

Fishing rule of the 1. Common fishing ground freely 1. Common fishing ground freely 1. Mekong mainstream is freely 1. Kok Luang is freely access for village access for Thai & Lao fisher. access for Thai & Lao fisher. access both sides Thai and Lao. both sides. 2. On common fishing ground has 2. On common fishing ground has 2. In the Ing River only allow for 2. Other Loa side is for Lao fisher. to go in order as one by one. to go in order as one by one. Thai side. 3. Other Thai side for Thai fisher. 3. Prohibited fishing in FCZ, if 3. Prohibited fishing in FCZ, if 3. If Ban Don Chan go across the 4. Prohibited fishing in FCZ, if anyone violates the agreement anyone violates the agreement river to Thai side have to pay anyone violates the agreement will be fined for 2,000 Baht. will be fined for 2,000 Baht. for the fee for 500 Baht/year . will be fined for 1,500 Baht. 4. All fisher has to participate in 4. All fisher has to participate in 4. Nong Ing Yai is also permitted 5. All fisher has to participate in fishing ground cleaning day. fishing ground cleaning day. for the 2 Pak Ing villagers. fishing ground cleaning day, if 5. Prohibited fishing in FCZ, if do not joint have to pay 300 anyone violates the agreement Baht. will be fined for 2,000 Baht. 6. All fisher has to participate in fishing ground cleaning day.

Table 7: Summarizes of fishing activities and gear used from PRA study and expert fisher interview at 4 target villages.

Gear size Gear used (month) Dominant fish species Type of gear Mesh sizes Length Depth caught /hook size (m.) (m.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Ban Don Tee village

1. Drifting gillnet-2 layers net 5, 14 cm 80 1.2 Hemibagrus filamentus, X X X X Hemibagrus nemurus, 2. Stationary gillnet 6, 18 cm 15 - 20 4 Hemibagrus sp., X X X X X X X X X X X X Morulius chrysophekadion, 3. Hook longline # 6 - - Cosmochilus harmandi, X X X X 4. Cast net 6 cm - 4 Micronema micronema, X X X X X X X Hemisilurus mekongensis, 5. Drop door trap - 1-1.5 50 cm Cyprinus carpio, X X X X X X X X X X X X Wallagonia sp., # 6 - - 6. Pole hook Bagarius sp., X X X X Mystus sp., 7. Multiple hook longline # 8 - - X X X X X X X X X X X X Chitala ornata

Ban Muang Kan Village

1. Drifting gillnet-1 layers net 5 cm 200 1.2 - 1.3 Hemibagrus filamentus, X X X X X Hemibagrus nemurus, 2. Drifting gillnet-2 layers net 2-4, 5 cm 100 1.2 X X X X X 7, 12 cm 300 1.7 Hemibagrus sp., Micronema micronema, 3. Stationary gillnet 3, 4 cm 30 1.5 Hemisilurus mekongensis, X X X X Wallagonia sp., # 5, # 6 - - 4. Pole hook Bagarius sp., X X X X X 5. Cast net 3.5 - 6 - 3 - 4 Mystus sp., X X X X X X cm Henicorhynchus sp., 6. Drop door trap - 1-1.5 50 cm Paralaubuca riveroi, X X X X X X X X Pangasius macronema, - - - 7. Bamboo tube eel trap Channa striata, X X X X 8. Hook longline - - - Monopterus albus,

Barbodes gonionotus 23

Gear size Gear used (month) Dominant fish species Type of gear Mesh sizes Length Depth caught /hook size (m.) (m.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Hemibagrus filamentus, Ban Pak Ing Tai Village Hemibagrus nemurus, Hemibagrus sp., 1. Drifting gillnet-1 layers net 20 cm 200 1.9 X X X X X Morulius chrysophekadion, 2. Drifting gillnet-2 layers net 8-10, 16 200 Cosmochilus harmandi, X X X X X Micronema micronema, 3. Drifting gillnet-3 layers net 6-7,10,18 200 1.5-1.8 X X X X X Hemisilurus mekongensis, 4. Stationary gillnet 16 150 2 - 3 Cyprinus carpio, X 5. Hook longline # 7 - - Wallagonia sp., X X X X X X X X X X X X Bagarius sp., 6. Cast net 6 cm - 4 Mystus sp., X Chitala ornate, - 1-1.5 50 cm 7. Drop door trap Henicorhynchus spp., X X X X X X X X X X X X 8. Hand lift net - - - Paralaubuca riveroi, X X X Pangasius macronema, 9. Scoop net - - - Channa striata X X X Macrochirichthys macrochirus Pangasius conchophilus Ban Huai Luek Kryptopterus cheveyi 1. Drifting gillnet-1 layers net 18 cm 200-300 1.5 Hemibagrus filamentus, X X X X X Hemibagrus nemurus, 8, 10, 16, 2. Drifting gillnet-2 layers net 200-500 1.2-1.5 Hemibagrus sp., X X X X X X X 18, 20 cm Morulius chrysophekadion, Cosmochilus harmandi, 5-12, 6, 8, 10, 60 4 3. Stationary gillnet 14, 18 cm Micronema micronema, X X X X X X X X X X X X Hemisilurus mekongensis, 4. Hook longline # 6 - - Wallagonia sp., X X X X X X X X X X X X 5. Cast net 3-6 cm - 4.0 Bagarius sp., X X X X Mystus sp., 6. Drop door trap 6 1-1.5 50 cm Chitala ornata X X X X X X X X X X X X 7. Pole hook # 6 - - X X X X X X X X X X X X 8. Hand push net - 2 - X X

1. Surrounding village 2. Fishing ground

3. Fish conservation zone 4. Fishing gear used

5. Fishing agrement / rules 6. Fish spawning ground

7. Fish nursing ground 8. Fish refuge area

Figure 13: Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban Don Tee.

1. Surrounding village 2. Fishing ground

3. Fish conservation zone 4. Fishing gear used

5. Fishing agrement / rules 6. Fish spawning ground

7. Fish nursing ground 8. Fish refuge area

Figure 14: Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban Muang Kan.

1. Surrounding village 2. Fishing ground

3. Fish conservation zone 4. Fishing gear used

5. Fishing agrement / rules 6. Fish spawning ground

7. Fish nursing ground 8. Fish refuge area

Figure 15: Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban Pak Ing Tai.

1. Surrounding village 2. Fishing ground

3. Fish conservation zone 4. Fishing gear used

5. Fishing agrement / rules 6. Fish spawning ground

7. Fish nursing ground 8. Fish refuge area

Figure 16: Mapping resources of community, fishing ground and habitats around Ban Huai Luek.

6.2.3 Critical habitats found

From the PRA study and LEK expert interview at the 4 target villages, our team had received all information about the critical fish habitats in the targets village as showed in the Table 8 and also picture of those conservation zones in Figure 17.

Table 8: List of critical fish habitats found in the Mekong mainstream and their tributaries from 4 target villages.

Name of fish habitats found in the surrounding area of 4 target villages Village Spawning ground Nursing ground Refuge in dry season Ban Don Tee 1. FCZ at Kok Ma Tao / Fisher said do not have 1. Kok Pha Yang (2 rai) Kok Tangmo nursing ground, 2. Chong Pha Gub 2. Kok Pha Lat Due to the narrow stream 3. FCZ at Kok Ma Tao and strong velocity of 4. Kok Pha Lat Mekong river in this area

Ban Muang Kan 1. Sand beach in the 1. Kwan or small basin in 1. Kok Pha Sian 1 km. Mekong River above the the Mekong River at 2. Kok Sak 1 rai village where more below the village site abundance of aquatic 3. Kok Pha Khee 1 rai 2. Don or sand beach in macrophytes the Mekong River 4. Pha Kan Tung 2. Haad Mae Maay (about above the village site 5. Kok Pha Yead 1.5 km long) 6. Kang Huai Tone 7. Haad Chan 8. Long Pha Wua 4 rai 9. Deep pool Pha Thak

Ban Pak Ing Tai 1. FCZ in the Ing River 1. In the Ing River 1. Wang Namwon area 4 rai 2. At river mouth of the Ing 2. At Rapids area 2. Wang Pha Ngok area 2.5 river rai (Lao side) 3. FCZ Wat Doy Ya Mon 3. Wang Suan Kha 4. Wang Takean Lek 5. Wang Takean Yai

Ban Huai Luek 1. At Teen river (Lao side) 2. Kok Sala area about 1. Kang Pha Dai area about about 2 km long 2-3 rai 2-3 rai 2. Kang Kon Khum 3. Kok Song Hong 4. FCZ in front of village

Kok Ma Tao FCZ, Ban Don Tee Kok Pha Lat, Ban Don Tee

Pha Khee FCZ, Ban Muang Kan Pha Pra FCZ(Lao side), Ban Muang Kan

Pak Ing FCZ, Ban Pak Ing Tai Doy Ya Mon FCZ, Ban Pak Ing Tai

Ta Ruae FCZ, Ban Huai Luek FCZ at Immagration, Ban Huai Luek

Figure 17: Pictures of fish conservation zone in the Mekong River of those 4 target villages.

Kok Ma Tao, Ban Don Tee Kok Pha Lat, Ban Don Tee

Haad Mae Maay, Ban Muang Kan FCZ at in front of village, Ban Muang Kan

Ing River, Ban Pak Ing Tai Kwan Wat Doy Ya Mon, Ban Pak Ing Tai

Teen River (Lao side), Ban Huai Luek Kang Pha Dai, Ban Huai Luek

Figure 18: Pictures of fish spawning habitats in Mekong mainstream, information from interviewing of fisher expert in 4 target villages.

Chong Pha Gub, Ban Don Tee Kok Pha Yang, Ban Don Tee

Kok Pha Thak, Ban Muang Kan Kok Pha Khee, Ban Muang Kan

Kwan wang Namwon (whirl pool), Wang Pha Ngok, Ban Pak Ing Tai Ban Pak Ing Tai

Kang Pha Dai, Ban Huai Lyek Kang Kon Khum, Ban Huai Luek

Figure 19: Pictures of critical fish habitats of refuge in dry season in Mekong mainstream, information from interviewing of fisher expert in 4 target villages.

6.3 Scientific validation of spawning habitat

From our team study by sampling dominant fish at the landing site of 4 target villages for gonad development investigation during July 2014 to August 2015. We collected about 237 samples from 27 species (Table 9 and Figure 20) and found that all dominant fish species can be found in the Mekong mainstream in this 4 target village but may be different in their abundance. At Ban Don Tee where located the most upper part of study area still found many fish species. This result also confirmed that the fish bloodstocks and ready to spawn fish has achieved to this place for search their spawning ground.

Table 9: Information from investigation of gonad development of dominant species at 4 target village during July 2014 - August 2015.

Number of fish sample 1. Ban 2. Ban 3. Ban 4. Ban Species Don Tee Muang Kan Pak Ing Tai Huai Luek Early Ready to Early Ready to Early Ready to Early Ready to stage spawn stage spawn stage spawn stage spawn Hemibagrus sp. 13 9 - - 1 18 3 3 Hemibagrus filamentus ------3 1 Barbodes altus 2 - - - 1 - - - Puntioplites proctozysron 8 - - - 3 - - - Morulius chrysophekadion 13 7 - - 2 9 - 8 Cirrhinus molitorella - - - - 1 1 - - Mystus singaringan - - - - - 3 - - Wallagonia attu - - 1 - - - 2 3 Bagarius yarrelli 9 4 - - 1 - 2 - Poropuntius laoensis 1 - - - 1 - - - Dangila siamensis 3 ------Hemisilurus mekongensis - - 3 - 1 - - - Micronema micronema - - - - 16 - - - Cosmochilus harmandi - 2 - - - 1 - 6 Hypsibarbus verneyi - 1 ------Barbodes gonionotus 1 1 ------Hypsibarbus gerdgeri - - - - 2 - - - Cyprinus rubrofuscus ------1 Pangasius conchophilus - - - - 1 - - - Pangasius bocourti 1 ------Osteochilus microcephalus - 1 ------Pangasius macronema 5 1 - - 4 24 - - Mystacoleucus marginatus - - - - 9 2 - - Pristolepis fasciatus - 2 ------Syncrossus helodes - - - - 2 - - - Syncrossus beaufortii 1 ------Bangana pierei 1 ------Total number 60 28 (237 ind.) 4 - 48 58 13 26 Total species 12 9 (27 species) 2 - 14 7 4 6

Investigation of gonad development of dominant fish species at Ban Don Tee

Investigation of gonad development of dominant fish species at Ban Muang Kan

Investigation of gonad development of dominant fish species at Ban Pak Ing Tai

Investigation of gonad development of dominant fish species at Ban Huai Luek

Figure 20: Pictures of activities of gonad development investigation in the 4 target villages.

6.4 Scientific validation of nursing habitat

From two trips survey of fish larvae sampling during October 2014 and June 2015 of the 4 target village found that there were an average number of estimated fish larvae abundance as 105 ± 64 ind./100m2. Totally of 67 fish larvae species has been found and of which those, 31-41 fish larvae species were found in each village site. The detail of study showed in the Table 10-11 and Figure 21.

Table 10: The result of fish larvae survey from 4 target village during 2014-2015.

Larvae sampling Data 1. Ban 2. Ban 3. Ban 4. Ban Average Don Tee Muang Kan Pak Ing Tai Huai Luek First trip 10 Oct 14 11 Oct 14 12 Oct 14 13 Oct 14 - Fish diversity 33 species 23 species 35 species 22 species - Abundance (ind./100m2) 139 92 110 98 110±21 1. Second trip 10 Jun 15 11 Jun 15 12 Jun 15 13 Jun 15 - Fish diversity 15 species 17 species 15 species 16 species - Abundance (ind./100m2) 77 102 118 108 101±18 2. Two trip combine 3. Fish diversity 38 species 34 species 41 species 31 species 67 species Abundance (ind./100m2) 108±77 97±54 114±37 103±87 105±64 4.

Figure 21: The abundance of fish larvae survey from 4 target village during 2014-2015. 35

Table 11: Species and number of fish larvae (ind./100m2)found from 4 target village during the survey of August 2014 and June 2015.

1. Ban Don Tee 2. Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

No Scientific name St 1 St 2 St 3 St 4 St 5 St 6 St 7 St 8 St 9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St 14 Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun 1 Family Clupeidae

1 Clupeichthys aesarnensis Wongratana, 1983 - - 1 ------27 - 55 ------3 - 3

2 Family Cyprinidae

2 Esomus longimanus (Lunel, 1881) ------8 - - 3 Esomus metallicus Ahl, 1923 - - 18 - - - 2 - - - - - 1 - 10 - 6 - - - 1 - - - 13 - - - 4 Garra cambodgiensis (Tirant, 1884) - - - - 8 ------5 Opsarius koratensis (Smith, 1931) - - 1 5 3 3 - 15 - 3 - - 1 28 3 - 1 5 - 5 - - 1 5 - - - 5 6 Raiamas guttatus (Day, 1870) 1 50 - 25 2 15 - 28 - 3 - - - - - 10 1 - - 10 1 5 - - - 3 - 3 7 Rasbora borapetensis Smith, 1934 ------2 - 8 Rasbora dusonensis (Bleeker, 1851) 8 - 23 - 3 ------1 - - - 3 - - - 2 - 5 - - - - - 9 Rasbora sp.1 ------3 ------10 Brachydanio albolineatus (Blyth, 1860) ------8 ------11 Crossocheilus reticulatus (Fowler, 1934) - - 3 ------12 Labeo chrysophekadion (Bleeker, 1850) ------1 - 3 ------2 - 13 Labiobarbus spilopleura Smith, 1934 - - 3 - - - 2 - - - - - 4 - - - 1 ------3 - 2 - 14 Lobocheilos delacouri (Pellegrin and Fang, 1940) ------3 - 1 - 1 - - - - - 15 Puntius binotatus (Valenciennes, 1842) ------3 ------16 Puntius brevis (Bleeker, 1850) - - - - 1 - 3 ------1 - - - - - 1 5 - 3 - - 17 Puntius orphoides (Valenciennes, 1842) - - 1 ------1 ------18 Puntigrus partipentazona (Fowler, 1934) ------1 ------19 Barbonymus altus (Günther, 1868) - - 1 ------20 Barbonymus gonionotus (Bleeker, 1850) 3 - - - - 3 - 10 - 8 - - - 15 3 - 1 - - - 1 - - 20 - - - - 21 Cyclocheilichthys apogon (Valenciennes, 1842) - - 39 - - - 28 - 2 - - - 7 - - - 10 - - - - - 23 - 3 - - - 22 Cyclocheilichthys armatus (Valenciennes, 1842) ------17 ------23 Cyclocheilichthys sp.1 ------3 8 ------24 Discherodontus ashmeadi (Fowler, 1937) ------3 - - - 25 Epalzeorhynchos frenatus (Fowler, 1934) ------5 ------26 Henicorhynchus caudimaculatus - 7 - - - 10 - - - 5 - 13 - - - 7 2 ------48 2 103 27 (FowlerHenicorhynchus,1934) siamensis (Valenciennes, 1842) ------3 ------28 Henicorhynchus sp.1 ------15 ------36

1. Ban Don Tee 2. Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

No Scientific name St 1 St 2 St 3 St 4 St 5 St 6 St 7 St 8 St 9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St 14 Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun 29 Luciosoma bleekeri Steindachner, 1878 - - 1 - 2 - - - 3 ------30 Mystacoleucus atridorsalis Fowler, 1937 10 53 3 - - - - 5 ------3 ------50 13 - - 31 Mystacoleucus greenwayi Pellegrin&Fang, 1940 71 - 28 10 24 25 8 - 34 - 66 30 56 - 58 37 - 15 - - 3 - 32 25 128 18 4 - 32 Mystacoleucus marginatus (Valenciennes, 1842) - 5 ------30 - 43 ------13 - 43 33 Parachela siamensis (Günther, 1868) - - 3 ------5 34 Paralaubuca barroni (Fowler, 1934) - - 1 ------6 - 15 45 - - 8 - - - - 2 - - 10 - 2 - 35 Paralaubuca harmandi Sauvage, 1883 - - - 5 ------36 Puntioplites proctozystron (Bleeker, 1865) - - 33 ------3 ------7 - 13 - - - 37 Sikukia gudgeri (Smith, 1934) ------10 ------1 - 28 - - - 38 Thynnichthys thynnoides (Bleeker, 1852) ------13 5 2 ------3 Family Gyrinocheilidae

39 Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (Tirant, 1883) - - 1 ------

4 Family Cobitidae

40 Acanthopsis sp.1 ------15 5 3 - 1 - 8 ------41 Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei - - - - 1 ------42 (Blyth,Lepidocephalichthys1860) hasselti (Valenciennes, 1846) ------3 ------43 Pangio oblonga (Valenciennes, 1846) ------3 ------5 Family Balitoridae

44 Nemacheilus binotatus Smith 1933. - - - - 3 ------

45 Nemacheilus pallidus Kottelat, 1990 ------2 ------

46 Balitora sp. - - - - - 3 ------

47 Homaloptera sp. ------2 ------

6 Family Sisoridae

48 Bagarius yarrelli (Sykes, 1839) ------1 ------

7 Family Loricariidae

49 Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) ------3 - - - -

8 Family Siluridae

50 Kryptopterus cryptopterus (Bleeker, 1851) - - 43 - - - 2 - - - - - 8 ------3 - 10 -

9 Family Schilbeidae

51 Laides longibarbis (Fowler, 1934) ------8 - - - - - 2 ------14 -

10 Family Bagridae

52 Hemibagrus filamentus (Fang & Chaux, 1949) - - 25 - 1 - - - 3 - - - - - 3 - 1 - 3 - 1 - - - 3 - - -

1. Ban Don Tee 2. Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

No Scientific name St 1 St 2 St 3 St 4 St 5 St 6 St 7 St 8 St 9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St 14 Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun Oct Jun 11 Family Sundasalangidae

53 Sundasalanx mekongensis Britz & Kottelat, 1999 9 2 11 5 6 3 8 115 - 2 - - 8 - - 2 18 43 62 55 - - 3 20 3 5 - -

12 Family Phallostethidae

54 Phenacostethus smithi Myers, 1928 - - 1 ------1 - - - 1 - 2 ------

13 Family Hemiramphidae

55 Dermogenys siamensis Fowler, 1934 ------3 ------

14 Family Belonidae

56 Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822) - 2 - - - - - 10 - - - - - 5 - - - 3 - - - - 3 - - - - -

15 Family Synbranchidae

57 Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793) ------1 ------

16 Family Mastacembelidae

58 Macrognathus siamensis (Günther, 1861) ------3 ------

59 Mastacembelus favus Hora, 1924 - - - - 1 ------1 ------

17 Family Ambassidae

60 Parambassis apogonoides (Bleeker, 1851) ------11 - 2 ------2 ------

61 Parambassis siamensis (Fowler, 1937) 1 - 8 - 1 - - 5 ------3 ------5 - - - -

18 Family Nandidae

62 Pristolepis fasciata (Bleeker, 1851) - - 3 - - - 2 ------1 ------

19 Family Cichlidae

63 Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) - - - - 1 ------3 - - - -

20 Family Gobiidae

64 Gobiopterus chuno (Hamilton 1822) 1 ------2 - - - - 43 - 2 - - 3 - - 4 55 - 3 - 5

65 Papuligobius ocellatus (Fowler, 1937) - - 3 ------2 2 - 1 - 3 ------

21 Family Channidae

66 Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) 1 ------

22 Family Tetraodontidae

67 Pao brevirostris (Bleeker, 1850) ------3 - - - -

Sum 110 119 254 50 57 62 134 191 45 42 76 43 113 131 160 149 75 129 94 76 11 7 81 144 260 117 38 162 Average 5 108±77 97±54 114±37 103±86

6.5 Habitat ground truth and GPS positioning The result of on ground truth survey and GPS habitats positioning was showed in Table 12. Table 12: The GPS positioning of fish conservation zone in the Mekong River of those 4 target villages. Rechecking result at the village community Categories 1. Ban Don Tee 2.Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek

Spawning Habitats

Name and Kok Ma Tao Haad Mae Maay Ing River Teen River (Lao side) location GPS N 2023941 E 10016038 N 2021229 E 10022066 N 2012348 E 10027024 N 2010397 E 10033351 Spawning and nursing Habitats

Name and Kok Pha Lat Kok Pha Thak Wang Namwon Kang Pha Dai location GPS N 2023927 E 10016047 N 2022904 E 10020959 N 2011839 E 10027342 N 2010094 E 10034480 Nursing and refuge in dry season Habitats

Name and Chong Pha Gub Kok Pha Khee FCZ at Wat Doy Ya Mon FCZ at Ban Huai Luek location GPS N 2023858 E 10017313 N 2022885 E 10020964 N 2011789 E 10027407 N 2009587 E 10032507 Refuge in dry season Habitats

Name and Kok Pha Yang Pha Kun Tung Wang Takean Yai Kang Kon Khum location GPS N 2023983 E 10016842 N 2022885 E 10020976 N 2011808 E 10027856 N 2010435 E 10033786 Refuge in dry season Habitats -

Name and Kok Ma Tao Kok Pha Yead Wang Pha Ngok - location GPS N 2023941 E 10016038 N 2022886 E 10020991 N 2011858 E 10027444 Refuge in dry season Habitats -

Name and Kok Pha Lat Long Pha Wua Wang Ta Kean lek - location GPS N 2023927 E 10016047 N 2021598 E 10021644 N 2011791 E 10027825 Refuge in dry season Habitats - - -

Name and Wang Suan Kha - - - location GPS N 2011822 E 10027800

6.6 Rechecking data by Focus group discussion

The rechecking data and information by focus group discussion with LEK experts had conducted in February 2015 at the period of our team joint the meeting with local communities in order to validate information and established a local village fisheries management plan. Our research team had presented the result and asked the LEK expert to comment and suggest in order to validating data and information. So, finally they had provided a few comments but no suggestion during the meeting period (Table 13). Table 13: Group discussion for recheck of all habitats investigation in 4 target villages.

Categories 1. Ban Don Tee 2.Ban Muang Kan 3. Ban Pak Ing Tai 4. Ban Huai Luek Date 18 February 2015 19 February 2015 17 February 2015 20 February 2015 Location Community hall Community hall Community hall Community hall Duration 19.00-21.00 pm 19.00-21.00 pm 19.00-21.00 pm 19.00-21.00 pm No of fisher 11 31 28 11 participation

Activities

6.7 Integrated information analysis

From all 14 parameters consideration when we classified in to 6 groups of 6 aspects as showed in Table 14 and Figure 22 where we weighted the score of those village situation as 5 levels determination which ranking from very poor, poor, fair, good and very good. The result from overall 6 dimensions comparison can provide result and source of suggestion for management option as follows; 1. At Ban Don Tee village showed the first potential of good place for spawning area, while the second was belonging to Ban Pak Ing Tai village and the other two were the same situation. For nursing ground area, the three lower part study sites were not much different for nursing ground aspects. Also Ban Don Tee village showed a high conflict of illegal fish gear. 2. At Ban Pak Ing Tai village was a good place for refuge fish habitats and also very high fishing pressure and good of villager community cooperation. 3. Ban Huai luek and Ban Muang Kan were not much impact from fishing pressure and community participatory, and also poor for the present fish conservation zone in their village area. Table 14: Comparison of fisheries potential in the study area from 6 dimensions of 14 topics.

1. Ban 2. Ban 3. Ban 4. Ban Information Aspects Don Tee Muang Kan Pa kIng Tai Huai Luek 1. Fishing pressure 1.1 Amount of occupation fisher 2 1 4 2 1.2 Opportunity of fishing 3 1 4 2 1.3 Demand of the catch 3 2 4 3 Mean 2.7 1.3 4.0 2.3 2. Spawning opportunity 2.1 spawning habitats 4 3 2 2 2.2 amount of fish species found 3 2 4 3 Mean 3.5 2.5 3.0 2.5 3. Nursing opportunity 3.1 abundance of fry and fingerling 3 2 4 3 3.2 amount of nursing habitats 1 4 2 3 Mean 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4. Refuge habitat and conservation zone 4.1 amount of refuge habitats 3 4 3 3 4.2 amount of conservation zone 2 1 3 1 Mean 2.5 2.5 3.0 2.0 5. Participation of the community 5.1 Fisheries contribution to the village 3 2 4 2 5.2 action of fisheries village committee 3 1 4 2 5.3 action of village leader 3 2 4 2 Mean 3.0 1.7 4.0 2.0 6. Problem and conflict and pollution 6.1 Illegal fishing 4 4 3 2 6.2 Conflict of water resource utilization 3 2 3 3 Mean 3.5 3.0 3.0 2.5

Figure 22: Comparison of fisheries potential in the 4 target study areas from 6 dimensions of 14 topics consideration. 41

7. Conclusion

1. At present study found that the daily water regime and river ecosystem in the 4 study sites were changing especially for river flow and its daily variation during dry season where will impact to fish habitats, fish biology, fishing activities and also the ways of life of the people in those villages which still do not clear for the level of impact. 2. All of the 4 study areas in the Mekong mainstream played an important role for fish biology, fish habitats and fisheries management. Some places may good for the role of spawning habitats and refuge habitats in dry season and some for nursing habitats. However, all of those study sites of habitats have to linked and interconnecting together for the all life cycle of the dominant fish species in this part of the Mekong mainstream. 3. The Mekong mainstream area between Ban Don Tee and Ban Muang Kan and some part below Ban Pak Ing Tai and Ban Huai Luek were played very good places for fish spawning habitats and also habitats for refuge in dry season period. Due to the available of many rapids and deep pool areas. 4. The Mekong mainstream area around Ban Muang Kan, Ban Pak Ing Tai and Ban Huai Luek also has suitable for nursing ground habitats especially for the location that connected to tributaries and flood area while Ban Don Tee area was presented a high variation of larvae abundance between 2 year studies. 5. Almost all of village communities in the 4 study sites were already having a good cooperation between their community and local fisheries officer which a good opportunity to encourage their management practice for fisheries management in many directions in this area.

8. Recommendation

1. From this study we have seen many aspects and problems concerning to village communities, fisheries activities and fisheries management. There are many ways can be done and implement for fisheries management in this area. For example; 1.1 The way to conserve and maintain fish stock in the Mekong mainstream in this area by increasing the amount of natural dominant fish stock in the Mekong river for the future recruitment such as increase the number of fish conservation zones especially at the refuge of dry season habitats, limitation of some mesh sizes of some gear, or set a regulation for stop fishing in a few or 1-2 weeks period during the first rising water period where is the peak of fish spawning season and when activities are more intense. 1.2 The way to enhance fish population by community practices i.e. to conduct the fisheries mobile hatchery and nursing system in the local community or by setting new fishing rule and regulation for do not catch the immature of dominant fish species and let them have a chance to spawn first. 42

2. Because of the characteristic of the Mekong mainstream in this area was quite different from the other part of the lower Mekong River basin, due to the high abundance of rapids and small deep pools that more suitable for many fish species habitats and theirs propagation. And also this area still facing the impact from the development of the upper part of the Mekong mainstream that going to be a vulnerability area and need the way and timing for their adaptation. Therefore Mekong River Committee should take in account to continue activities and cooperation for leading fisheries activities and fisheries management in this area. 3. Mekong River Committee and the two bordering committee should have an opportunity and good cooperation to support, discuss and consider on the future fisheries management plan in order to finalize and find the appropriate options to implementation fisheries management activities in this area.

9. References

Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, 2011. Project completion report: Transboundary Conservation of the Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) in Chiang Rai (Thailand) and Bokeo (Lao PDR) Provinces, Mekong River. Avialable from: http:// www.avjcf.org/archives/transboundary-conservation-of-the-mekong-giant-catfish/ Baran, E.N., van Zalinge and Ngor P.B. 2001, Floods, floodplains and fish production in the Mekong basin: present and past trends, Contribution to the Asian Wetlands Symposium 2001, Penang, Malaysia. Chiang Khong-Wieng Kane Research Group, 2004. The Mekong: River of life and culture. Thai Ban Research, Southeast Asia Rivers Network, Wanida Press. 102 pp. Chiang Khong-Wieng Kane Research Group, 2006. Local knowledge on Mekong Fishes. Thai Ban Research, Southeast Asia Rivers Network, Wanida Press. 145 pp. Soe-been, S., Panboon, K. and Keawkiew, P. 2008. Structure and Distribution of Fish Community in the Ing River, Phayao Province. Technical Paper No. 23/2008, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Bureau, Department of Fisheries. 50 pp. Nédélec, C.; Prado, J. 1990. Definition and classification of fishing gear categories. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 222. Revision 1. Rome, FAO. 92 pp. Sukumasavin N. 2013. Transboundary Fisheries Management on the Mekong River Basin in Bordering Provinces of Bokeo in Lao PDR and Chiang Rai in Thailand Project. Consultation report. Fisheries programme, MRC. 43 pp. WWF. 2007. Rivers at Risk, Dams and the Future of Freshwater Ecosystems. Gland, Switzerland: World Wildlife Fund International.

Appendix 1: Lists of fishing gear found in Mekong river of Chiang Khong

No. Local Name English Name No. Local English Name 1 มองปลิว Drifting gillnet-at surface 33 เบ็ดโจ้Name Hook 2 มองลาก Drifting gillnet-at bottom 34 เบ็ดระแวง Hook 3 มองเทียน Gillnet 35 เบ็ดเลาะหรือ Hook 4 แหล้า Cast net 36 เบด็ คา่ วขา้ ง Hook 5 แหถี่ Cast net 37 เบ็ดแขวน Hook 6 แหห่าง Cast net 38 เบ็ดน๊อก Hook 7 โตง่ -ตว่ ง Trawl/Stationary bag net 39 เบ็ดเด้ง Hook 8 โพงพาง Trawl/Stationary bag net 40 เบ็ดปลา Hook 9 ลิม NA 41 เอี่ยนเบ็ดล้อ Hook 10 คง่ั Barrage 42 เบด็ ล่ามลอย Hook 11 บ้งั แลน Bamboo stick trap 43 เบ็ดไก Hook 12 หิง Scooping Basket 44 เบ็ดคิด Hook 13 จ่า NA 45 เบ็ดมาบ Hook 14 แซะ Push net 46 โตง่ เตน้ Trawl/Stationary bag 15 โอน-อวน Seine/Beach seine net 47 จิบ Horizontalnet slit trap 16 เคาะบอด NA 48 ดาง Hand dragged gillnet 17 ซ้อน Scooping Basket (handled) 49 คา่ ว Rope 18 สุ่ม Scooping Basket (handled) 50 ลากวอด NA 19 มองยัง Stationary gillnet 51 แซ่กุง้ Fine net trap for 20 มองปลาบึก Mekong Giant catfish 52 สอด NAshrimp 21 ตุ้มปลาดุก Catfishgillnet trap 53 เออ Bamboo trap 22 ตุ้มปลาเอี่ยน Basket eel trap 54 เรือจ้ิบ Fishing boat 23 ซ่อลอ้ NA 55 เรือหางยาว Fishing boat 24 ไซลน่ั Two funnel trap 56 ขอ้ งใส่ปลา Bamboo basket 25 ไซหัวหมู Two funnel trap 57 กระต้องตัก Bamboo basket 26 ไซสองงา Two funnel trap 58 ปลาแพ-แป Bamboo raft 27 ไซกุง้ Two funnel trap 59 กระชัง cage 28 ไซหลอด Two funnel trap 60 เรือโก๋น Fishing boat 29 ไซหัวหมู Two funnel trap 61 เรือกาบ Fishing boat 30 เบด็ คา่ ว Long line, bottom set 62 มีด Knife 31 เบ็ดข้าม Hook 63 กระต้มั ใส่ Basket 32 เบด็ ล่าม Hook long line ปลา