Assessment of Gillnets and Other Fishing Gear Used in the Mekong River between Kratie and the Lao PDR Border
By
Chheng Phen So Nam
Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI) Fisheries Administration
August 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 1 LIST OF TABLES ...... 2 LIST OF FIGURES ...... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IN KHMER ...... 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IN ENGLISH ...... 9 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 9 2. STUDY AREAS AND METHODS ...... 11 2.1 Study Area ...... 11 2.2 Selection of Sampled Households ...... 11 2.3 Questionnaire ...... 11 2.4 Calculation of the number of households using gillnets ...... 12 2.5 Groups of fish ...... 12 2.6 Definition of dolphin pool areas ...... 12 3. RESULTS ...... 20 3.1 Gillnet fishing activity in the Mekong River within dolphin pool areas ...... 20 3.2 Gillnet fishing practices in different seasons ...... 21 3.2.1 Gillnet fishing location in relation to each dolphin pool area ...... 21 3.2.2 Gillnet fishing methods in the Mekong mainstream of Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces ...... 22 3.2.3 Catch and fishing purpose ...... 27 3.3 Dolphin distribution and evidence of gillnet by-catch ...... 30 3.3.1 Dolphin distribution ...... 30 3.3.2 Evidence of gillnet by-catch ...... 30 3.3.3 Dolphin protection ...... 31 3.4 Occupation and alternative livelihoods ...... 31 3.4.1 Occupation profiles...... 31 3.4.2 Alternative livelihood ...... 32 3.5 Other Fishing Gears ...... 33 4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 35 4.1 Discussion ...... 35 4.2 Conclusion ...... 37 4.3 Recommendations ...... 38 5. REFERENCES ...... 39 6. ANNEXES ...... 40 6.1 Annex I: Data analysis ...... 40 6.2 Annex II: Questionnaire ...... 51
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Showing average market value of fish caught by a gillnet fishermen in the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border ...... 30 Table 2: Showing the number of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area and the percentage of people who have seen dolphins in their fishing grounds ...... 30 Table 3: Showing the percentage of fishermen who have seen dolphins caught in gillnets or seen dead dolphins with gillnets on their bodies ...... 31 Table 4: List of fishing gear types used in the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR, in local languages and English ...... 33 Table 5: Showing number of respondents in each dolphin pool area, percentage of fishermen involved in fishing activity in the dry season, rainy season, day time and night time ...... 40 Table 6 : List of dolphin pools, villages and communes located closed to dolphin pools where the interviews were conducted, number of correspondent and number of households (HH) in each village ...... 40 Table 7: List of villages within 5 km of the Mekong mainstream in Kratie Province ...... 42 Table 8: List of villages within 5 km of the Mekong mainstream in Stung Treng Province .. 45 Table 9: Showing the differences in gillnet fishing activity in each dolphin pool area between daytime and nighttime in the dry season and the rainy season (Percentages in each categories calculated compare to total number of sample ...... 46 Table 10: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the dry season, d: distance from the pool ...... 46 Table 11: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the rainy season, d: distance from the pool ...... 47 Table 12: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned - unmanned, and cross - along river) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season ...... 47 Table 13: Showing the precentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned - unmanned, and cross - along river) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season ...... 47 Table 14: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry and rainy seasons ...... 48 Table 15: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in different layers of water the column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry and rainy seasons ...... 48 Table 16: List of fish species that people reported as favorite food for Mekong dolphins ..... 48 Table 17: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the dry and rainy season ...... 49 Table 18: Showing the percentage of fishing for different purposes in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border ...... 49 Table 19: Showing average daily catch by 1 fishermen in each dolphin pool area ...... 50 Table 20: Showing the percentage of primary, secondary, and other occupations of the respondents ...... 50
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of Kampi and Chroy Banteay dolphin pools, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 13 Figure 2: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Phdao dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 14 Figure 3: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of the Khsach Mkak dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 15 Figure 4: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Dombang dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 16 Figure 5: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of the Thbaung Kla dolphin pool, villages in the pool area and the surveyed villages ...... 17 Figure 6: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of Koh Santouk and Koh Konsat dolphins pools, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 18 Figure 7: Map of a section of Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Chheu Teal dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages ...... 19 Figure 8: Showing the proportion of respondents involved in gillnet fishing in each dolphin pool area in the dry season and the rainy season ...... 20 Figure 9: Showing the percentage of respondents involved in gillnet fishing in each dolphin pool area during the day and at night in the dry season and the rainy season ...... 21 Figure 10: Showing location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the dry season, d: distance from the pool ...... 22 Figure 11: Showing location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the rainy season, d: distance from the pool ...... 22 Figure 12: Showing percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned and unmanned) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season ...... 23 Figure 13: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned and unmanned) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season ...... 24 Figure 14: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (across and along river) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season ...... 24 Figure 15: Showing percentage of gillnet fishing methods (across and along river) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season ...... 25 Figure 16: Showing percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season ...... 25 Figure 17: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season ...... 26 Figure 18: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing used in different layers of the water column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season ...... 26 Figure 19: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing used in different layers of the water column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season ...... 27 Figure 20: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the dry season ...... 28 3
Figure 21: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the rainy season ...... 28 Figure 22: Showing the percentage of fishing for different purposes in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border ...... 29 Figure 23: Showing the average daily catch by 1 fishermen in each dolphin pool area ...... 29 Figure 24: Showing percentages of primary occupations of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area ...... 32 Figure 25: Showing percentages of secondary occupations of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area ...... 32
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my thanks to the WWF Greater Mekong – Cambodia Country Programme for providing financial support to the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI) to conduct the Assessment of Gillnets and Other Fishing Gear Used in the Mekong River between Kratie and the Lao PDR Border. In particular, Mr. Seng Teak, Mr. Gordon Congdon, and Mr. Gerard Ryan for their support of this research. I also wish to thank Dr. So Nam, Director of the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, and H.E. Dr. Nao Thuok, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in Charge as Director General of the Fisheries Administration for their support of all scientific research work. I thank all my colleagues, FiA staff in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces, and fishermen who have assisted in data collection and provided information.
I am grateful to the Russell E. Train, Education for Natural Fellowship, World Wildlife Fund United States (WWF-US) for providing me with a fellowship to do my M.Sc. in Aquatic Biology and Conservation in USM, Malaysia in 2005. Lastly, I would like to express my warmest thanks to my dear wife, and my two little daughters, for their sweet love and encouragement.
Chheng Phen
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េសចកសេងី ខប
ករសិក សី ពីករ យតៃលឧបករណំ ៏ មង នង បេភទឧបករណិ ៏ េន ទដៃទេទ ត៏ ែដលេ ប បស់កុនងដង ទេន េមគងគចមង យ បមណ ១៩០ គ.ម តសនងចបឹធ ព់ ីេខត កេចះដល់ ពំ បទល់ បេទស វ ត វបន
អនុវត កុនងរយ:េពល ៦ ែខ ចបព់ ីែខ មក ដល់ែខ មថិ ុន ឆន ំ ២០១១។ េគលបំណងៃនករសិក េនះគឺ ចងែស់ ងយល់ពររេប បី និងេពលេវ េន ទ េ យឧបករណ៏ មងរបស់ បជេន ទែដលរស់េន មដង
ទេន េមគងគ ែដលមនអនុ ងេផ តសំខនៗច់ នំ ួន ០៩ ។ ទិនន យែដលទទ័ ួលបនពីករសិក េនះនង តឹ វេ ប បស់កុនងករេធែផនករ រេឡងវញិ និងករអភរក េផ ត បកបេ យ បសិ ិទធភព។ បទសមភ សនបនេធ៍ េឡងជមយ បជពលរដួ កុនងមូល នចំនួន ៨៥២ គ រ េនកុនងភូមចិ ំននួ ៨៦ ែដលសិថតកុនងរង ង ់ ៥ គ.ម សងខងទេន េមគងគៃនតំបនស់ ិក កុនងេនះមន ៥៥ភូម ិ សិតេនកថ ុងេខតន កេចះ និង ៣១ភូម ិ េទ តសិតកថ ុនង េខត សឹទងែ តង ។
លទធផលៃនករសិក បនបង ញថ បជេន ទេធ ករ យមងជេរ ង ល់ៃថងេន មដងទេន េមគងគចបព់ ី
ចំនុចេខត កេចះដល ់ចនំ ុច ព បទលំ ់សីមរ ងកមុពជនិង វ។ បជពលរដ ែដលរស់េន មទេនេមគង គកុនង រង ងចម់ ង យ ៥គ.ម ភគេ ចនជអនកេន ទេ យេ បឧបករណ ៍ មងែដលកុនងេនះេខត កេចះមន ៤៣.១% ៃនចនំ ួន គ រ និងេខត សឹទងែ តងមន ៧៧.៤% ៃនចនំ ួន គ រ។ ករេ ប បស ់ឧបករណ៏ មងេនកុនងរដូវ បងំ មនរហូតដល់ ៨៣.៣% ៃនចំនួនអកេន ទន ចំែណកឯកុងរដន ូវវស គឺ មន២៧.៩% ៃនចនំ ួនអនក េន ទ។ េហយ បជេន ទទងេនះចំ ូលចិត យមងេនេពលយប ជង យមងេនេពលៃថ់ ង ដូចជេន រដូវ បង បជេន ទេធំ ករេន ទេពលយបមនច់ ំនួន ៦៧.២% ៃនចនំ ួនអនកេន ទេធ បនឹង ៣១.៩%
េនេពលៃថង។ េនកុងរដន ូវវស បជេន ទ េធ ករេន ទេពលយបមនច់ ំនួន ២៧.៤៥% េបេ ប បេធ ប នឺងករេន ទេពលៃថងមនែត ១៥.៦៣% ។ ចំេពះវធិ ី កមងរបស់ ់ បជេន ទមនេ ចនរេប ប ដូចជ ក១កែន់ ងន ិង កបែណ់ តមនមនុស ចជមំ យួ េ យពួកេគេ ចន កកត់ ទេន់ ឬេន មបេ យទេន ៃនែផនកខងេឆ ង ឬខង ំៃន ចងទេនំ និងចំក លទេន េទ មជេ មទឹកខុសៗពីគន ។ បែហល៣០% ៃនអកផន ល់សមភ សនបនឲយដ៍ ឹងថ ពួកេគេ ចន យមងចប យកពព់ ួក តេធី ច ចរណ៍ ផ ស់ទី។ ចំែណក ៣០% ៃនអកផន ល់បទសមភ សនេផ ងេទ ត៍ ពួកេគចបែតពព់ ក បេភទ តួ ីរស់េនទឹកហឹនងមនផិ ស់ទី
េហយចំេពះអនកេផ ងេទ ត ែដលមន បិ បញ់ ូច លកុនងចំេ មអនកផ ល់បទសមភ សនទ៍ ងពំ ីរ បេភទខងេល បន យករណ៏ ថពកេគចបួ ត់ ីច ម ះ ។ ករេន ទេ យឧបករណ៏ មងគឺ មន គនិ ែតស មប់ ប់ េពញំ
េសចកី ត វករហូបចុកបុេ ៉ ះេទ បុែន៉ ែថមទ ងជ បកំ ច់ ំណូ លបែនមកថ ុនង គ រផងែដរ។ កុនងមយៃថួ ងអកន េន ទ ចចបបន ត់ ីចំននួ ៥.៩៦ គ. ក េបគតជ បកិ តៃម់ បែហល ៦.២៥ ដុ េមរកិ ។ េ យ- រែត បកច់ ំណូ លបនពីករេន ទេ យឧបករណ៏ មងេនតំបនេនះមនក់ ំរតខិ សព ់ េទបករអន ុវត ចបប់ ពកព់ ន័ ធនន ជពេសសបទបញិ ជ រេលខ ០១ ប.ប របស់ ជរ ភបលសិ ី ពីករលុបបំបតករេន ទ់
េ យមង មទេនេមគង គចបព់ ីេខត កេចះដល់ ពំសីមរ ងកមុពជ វ ពុំសូវមន បសិទិធភព។ បែហល ៦៩% ៃនអកផន ល់បទសមភ សន ៍ បនឲយដឹងថពួកេគែតងែតបនជួប បទះេផ តេន មកែនងែដលព កេគួ
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ធ បេធ់ ធេន ទទងេនរដំ ូវ បងំ និងរដូវវស ។ ទងេនះំ មននយថេផ តមនផ័ ស់ទីពីចនំ ុចែ ពក បសប់
រហូតដល់ ពំសីមរ ង កមុពជ វ ។ ជកែស់ ងអ នកផល ់បទសមភ សនច៍ ំនួន ១.២៩% ែដលជអនកេន ទ េ យឧបករណ៏ មងបនបេងបឲយដ ឹងថ េផ តធ បជប់ មងរបស់ ់ពកេគេ យៃចដនយទនួ ឹទមនឹងេនះកមនអ៏ កន ផ ល់បទសមភ សនច៍ ំននួ ៤.៨១% បនផ ល់ពត័ មនថ៌ ពួកេគធ បេឃ់ ញេផ តចបបនេ យ បជេន ទ់ ដៃទេទ ត៏ ។ េលសពេនះេទ តី អកផន ល់បទសមភ សនច៍ ំននួ ៥.៥២% បននិយយថពួកេគ បទះេឃញ េផ ត បេ យមងរ់ ុពំ ទ័ ធ ឬជបជ់ ពកំ េ យ ច់ មង។់
ករសិក បនរកេឃញថ មនឧបករណ៍ េន ទ បមណ៤៣ បេភទែដលបនេ ប បស ់េនកុនងេខត កេចះ និងសឹងែ តង។ទ េទះជយ៉ ងេនះកី មនករសនិន នថ ចំននឧបករណួ ៍ េន ទជកែស់ ងមនច នំ ួនេ ចន ជងេនះ េ យ រែត បេភទឧបករណ៍ េន ទខ ះមនទ មង ់ និងេឈម ះខុសគន តិចតួចជមយ បេភទួ
ឧបករណ៍ េន ទែដលបនជួប បទះកុនងេពលចុះសិក េ ពះថឧបករណ៍ េន ទទងេនះ តំ វបនេធ េឡងស មបចប់ បេភទ ត់ ីជក ក់ ម់ យ។ួ ករសិក ទទួលបនពត័ មនថ៌ មនឧបករណ៍ េន ទ ែបបបំផ ញចំននបួ ី បេភទបនេធេន ទេនឃ ុំអូ យែដលសិថតេនចមង យ បមណពីរ េទ ៣ គ.ម ែបក៉
ខងេ កមអន ងេផ តេឈ់ ទល។ េទះជយ៉ ងេនះកេ យ៏ កព៏ ុំទនមនភស់ ុ ងបង ញចបស់ ស់ពី ផលបះពល៉ ់ដល់សត េផ តេនកុនងរបយករណ៍ មយេនេឡួ យេទ។
មងគឺជឧបករណ៍ េន ទដចមបងន៏ មំ ុខកុនងករេធ ឲយសត េផ ត ប ់ បុែន៉ ក បែហលេនមនម៏ ូលេហតុ េផ ងៗេទ តែដលប លឲយេផ ត បផងែដរ។់ ករងបភគេ ច់ នគ ឺេកតេល េផ តវយជ័ ទងំ ់ ែដលរហូត មកដល់េពលេនះពុំទនមនករយល់ ់ចបស់ ស់េនេឡយ។ េហតុដូេចះន ករទប ់ ក តជម់ ុននូវករផុតពូជ េផ តពីមជឈ នទកទេនឹ េមគង គ ឺ ជករងរដស៏ ំខន ់ េហយកជភរក៏ ិចដច ល៏ ំបកមយ។ួ េដមបទទី លបននួ ូវ
លទធផលលក ុនងករអភរក េផ តិ ទមទរឲយមនករេធ កររមគួ ន េ យែផ កេលែផនករយុទធ ស ចបស់ ស់។ បចុចបបននរដបលជលផល ៃន កសួងកសិកមម រុកខ បមញ់ និងេន ទ មនៃដគូសំខនព់ ីរកុនងករ សហករអភរក សតិ េផ តគឺ គណ:កមករេផ តម និងអងគករមូលនិធិអភរក សតិ ៃ ពពិភព-េ ក (WWF)។ េដមបឲយករ ី រេឡងវញិ និងករអភរក េផ ត បកបេ យ បសិ ិទភពធ ភគីទងបំ េនះី ត វែតមនម នី ស មបស ម លរ ង ថ បន័ និង ថ បន។័ ម នី ស មបស ម ល ត វែតអនុវត ករងរេ យែផ កេលល័កខ ណ័ បតបតិ ិ ែដលបេងកតេឡង និងសេ មចពីភគីទងបំ ី។ ម នី ស មបស ម ល គរជម នួ ី ៃនរដ បលជលផល េ យ ថ បនេនះ័ ជ ថ បនរដ័ ែដលបនន ឹងកំពុងមនកិចចសហករយ៉ ងជិតសិទន ធជមយសហគមនួ េន ទ៍
ែដលជអនកកំពុងេធ េន ទេនកុនងែដនជ មកសតេផ តត ំបនទេន់ េមគងគេ យផទ ល់។
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Field research for this report took place from January-June 2011. The main aim of the study was to determine if, how and when gillnets are used by fishermen living in fishing dependent villages along the 190-km stretch of the Mekong River from Kratie to Lao PDR in order to provide necessary information for the formulation of a recovery plan and effective conservation of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. Interviews were conducted with representatives of 852 households in 55 different villages in Kratie Province and 31 different villages in Stung Treng Province located within 5 km of 9 deep pools in the Mekong River that are known to be critical habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins.
Surveys indicated that gillnet fishing happened daily on all stretches of the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao border. In Kratie Province, 43.1% of households located within 5 km of the Mekong use gillnets. In Stung Treng, 77.4% of households within 5 km of the Mekong reported that they use gillnets. Gillnet fishing in the dry season was more active than in the rainy season, 83.3% and 27.9% of respondents respectively. Fishermen preferred to set their nets during nighttime. The difference was clearer during the dry season, with 67.2% of respondents reporting fishing at night compared with 31.9% in the daytime. In the rainy season, the gap was smaller, 27.45% fished at night compared to 15.63% during the day. Gillnet fishing methods in the study area were diverse, with nets manned or unmanned, set across or along the river, set to the left bank, the middle of the river or the right bank, and were set in different layers of the water column. About 30% of respondents reported that they targeted only migrating species, another 30% reported that they targeted only sedentary species, the rest of respondents said that they caught any species. Gillnet fishing here was not only for food, but for additional income for families. A gillnet fishermen caught 5.96 (± 0.1936SE) kg of fish per day, equivalent to US$ 6.25. This is probably the main reason why enforcement of Government Order 01BB on "No Gillnet Fishing in the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao border" has been weak.
About 69% of respondents reported that they witnessed dolphins in their fishing grounds in both seasons. That means dolphins are distributed from Prek Prasob to the Cambodia Lao PDR border. Fishermen also experienced dolphins caught in their nets (1.29% of respondents), and dolphins caught by other fishermen's gillnets (4.81%). In addition, 5.52% of respondents had seen dead dolphins entangled in gillnets.
The study found 43 types of fishing gear used in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. The actual number is probably higher given that some types of gear could have slightly different structures and names depending on the targeted species. People also reported that 3 types of destructive fishing methods were carried out in Au Svay commune, a few kilometers below Chheu Teal dolphin pool, However, no evidence of impact on dolphins was reported.
Gillnets are a significant cause of dolphin mortality, however there may be other causes. Reasons for the death of calves are not yet well understood. Hence, preventing dolphins from disappearing from the Mekong is very crucial and difficult work. Organizations mandated to achieve dolphin conservation have to work together following a very clear strategic plan. Currently, the Fisheries Administration (FiA), of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Dolphin Commission, and WWF are the main partners. The three parties have to select a dolphin conservation coordinator. The coordinator has to comply with a ToR that is fully adopted by the three parties. The coordinator should be the staff of FiA, because this government agency is working closely with community fisheries (CFi) who are fishing in Mekong Dolphins habitat.
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1. INTRODUCTION The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) occurs in three river systems: the Mahakam in Indonesia, the Ayeyarwaddy in Myanmar, and the Mekong in Cambodia and Lao PDR. Recent studies estimate the population in the Mahakam River to be between 60 and 70 individuals (Kreb 2005). The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Mekong River is an important part of Cambodia’s natural heritage. During the lowest water level of dry season, the dolphins normally inhabit 9 deep pools in the 190-km stretch of the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. The population is currently estimated at 85 individuals (Ryan, Dove, Trujillo, and Doherty, 2011).
The Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Strategy states the annual mortality rate of dolphins is at least 13-16 individuals (MAFF 2005), and 88 dolphins were confirmed dead between the years 2003 and 2008 (Dove 2009). The number increased to 104 by the end of 2010 (Pers. comm. Mr. Gordon Congdon, WWF Cambodia). The population size and the high mortality rate of Irrawaddy dolphins as documented here is consistent with their designation as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Smith, et-al, 2007).
The causes of the high mortality rate are not completely clear (Reeves et al. 2009), but gillnets are known to be a significant cause of mortality for adult dolphins in the Mekong and in other Southeast Asian rivers (MAFF 2005; Smith et al. 2007). On 27-28 October 2009, WWF and the Cambodian Government convened a workshop to "Develop a Recovery Plan for the Irrawaddy Dolphin in the Mekong River". Among the outputs was a report by international Dolphin experts from the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group and Veterinary Specialist Group with recommendations about how to recover the population of dolphins in the Mekong (Reeves et al. 2009). One of the key recommendations was to conduct a systematic assessment of fishing gear used in the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia- Lao PDR border.
Gillnets are a very common fishing gear in Cambodia. The structure, mesh size and dimensions of a gillnet depend upon the targeted fish species (Deap et al. 2003). Gillnets mainly catch species with body shapes like Cyprinids or Pangasids, but not snakeheads (Channa spp.) and other species that have a similar body shape (Chheng 2009). Gillnets are legal fishing gear in Cambodia with some limits, i.e. the mesh is larger than 15 mm, and smaller than 150 mm (Article 20, Law on Fisheries 2006). There have been attempts to prevent gillnet use in Mekong mainstream between Kratie province and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border, namely a government order stating a “ban on any type of gillnet fishing activity in Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border to prevent dolphin by- catch” (Order No. 01 BB. 2005). Although the order has been implemented in the upper Mekong mainstream, the enforcement of this government order has been weak.
Deep pools are essential for the survival of fish during the dry season (Poulsen et al. 2002). Based on local knowledge, there are 97 Deep pools in the Mekong between Kratie Province and Cambodia Lao PDR border (Chan et al. 2004). Hence, deep pools are ideal fishing grounds, especially during the dry season. That means such areas are likely to have a high level of fishing activity. With financial support from the WWF Greater Mekong – Cambodia Country Programme, the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute of Fisheries Administration conducted this research with the aim to:
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a) document how and when gillnets are used in the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border in dry season and wet season. b) document dolphin by-catch through interviewing local fishermen c) document the use of other fishing gear in the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. d) document the importance of alternative livelihoods to gillnet fishing.
It is hoped that the results of this study will inform conservation and management of the critically endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin in the Mekong River.
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2. STUDY AREAS AND METHODS 2.1 Study Area
The study area is located in Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces, situated in Northeastern Cambodia. Kratie Province contains 250 villages in 46 communes in 5 districts with a total population of 326,630 in 65,596 households (Kratie Provincial Statistics 2008). Stung Treng Province contains 123 villages in 34 communes in 5 districts with a total population of 111,671 in 21,204 households (Stung Treng Provincial Statistics 2008).
The investigation into gillnet fishing activity focused mainly on villages situated along the 190-km Mekong stretch between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border, where 9 deep pools known to be habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins are located. Consultations with FiA staff and local authorities in the two provinces showed that despite the Government Order "no gillnet fishing in the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border", gillnet fishing occurs daily. Gillnets are used mainly by people who live close to the river, therefore, only villages situated within 5 km of the river were selected for this study. Since the study focused mainly on gillnets used in dolphin habitat, the targeted villages were between Prek Prasob commune approximately 25 km downstream of Kampi dolphin pool and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border.
2.2 Selection of Sampled Households
There are 145 villages in Kratie province and 66 villages in Stung Treng province situated within 5 km of the Mekong mainstream, with 16,339 and 5,998 households respectively. This study selected 55 villages (33% of the total number of villages) in Kratie province and 31 villages (50% of the total number of villages) in Stung Treng province as the study sites. The interviews target only gillnet fishermen. A total of 852 people were interviewed (Figure 1-7 and Table 6 in Annex I). The interviews were conducted between 25 January and 27 February 2011 by 9-10 FiA staff from different departments of the Fisheries Administration (FiA), accompanied by 1 FiA staff in Kratie or Stung Treng provinces. The team divided into 2 groups, working concurrently, one group comprising 6-8 people conducted interviews on land within selected villages, and another group of 2-3 people traveled along the Mekong by boat to investigate fishing activity at each dolphin pool area.
2.3 Questionnaire
A questionnaire consisting of 77 questions was used to document gillnet fishing activity in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. It aimed to define and determine gillnet fishing activities in the dry season and in the wet season, fishing methods in particular locations, other fishing activities, target species in different seasons, purpose of the fishing, market prices, occupation profiles, and alternative livelihoods to gillnet fishing in each village region along the Mekong. The questionnaire also asked fishermen if they had witnessed dolphin by-catch in gillnets and if they knew of ways to prevent dolphin by-catch. The questionnaire also included questions about the use of other types of destructive fishing gear. The interview targeted people who had been fishing in critical dolphin habitat and nearby areas respondents. The survey was conducted near each dolphin pool. Target respondents were 2 fishery officers, 10 members of commune councils, and 80 fishers living within a distance of 20 km above and below each dolphin pool and 10 km inland from the each. Interviews were conducted by 9 people from the central Fisheries Administration with a provincial fishery officer as field guide. In one day, each person conducted 4 to 6 interviews. 11
2.4 Calculation of the number of households using gillnets
Provincial statistics categorize full time fishing households, but do not show part time fishing households and types of fishing gears they use (Provincial statistic 2008). Such information has to be determined through direct interviews with fishermen in each selected village. Respondents were asked to estimate the percentage of households fishing with gillnets in their village. The estimated number always differs from one person to another, hence information on the percentage of families in each village owning gillnets from each respondent was averaged and then multiplied by number of households in each village to determine the number of households in each village using gillnets.
2.5 Groups of fish
In this report, fish were categorized into 4 groups, (1) big fish, meaning long life cycle fish species, (2) medium fish, meaning long life cycle fish species but caught as 1-2 year olds, (3) small fish meaning short life cycle fish species, and (4) lump sum, meaning all fish as weighed together. Fish prices reported by respondents were averaged by each category (Table 1)
2.6 Definition of dolphin pool areas
A dolphin pool area in this report is defined as: an area within a certain distance from a dolphin pool that dolphins may use in the dry season or rainy season, upstream or downstream (Figure 1 to Figure 7). There are 9 dolphin pools in the Mekong. Geographically, Kampi and Chroy Banteay pools are very close; so are Koh Santuok and Koh Konsat. Hence, in this report the 2 close pools were plotted on only 1 map (Figure 1 and Figure 6). All the rest of the pools were plotted in individual maps (Figure 2 to Figure 5, and Figure 7).
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Figure 1: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of Kampi and Chroy Banteay dolphin pools, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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Figure 2: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Phdao dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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Figure 3: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of the Khsach Mkak dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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Figure 4: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Dombang dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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Figure 5: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of the Thbaung Kla dolphin pool, villages in the pool area and the surveyed villages
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Figure 6: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of Koh Santouk and Koh Konsat dolphin pools, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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Figure 7: Map of a section of the Mekong River showing the location of the Koh Chheu Teal dolphin pool, villages in the pool area, and the surveyed villages
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3. RESULTS
3.1 Gillnet fishing activity in the Mekong River within dolphin pool areas
The results of this survey shows that approximately, 43.1% of households located within 5 km of the Mekong River in Kratie province, and about 77.4% of households in Stung Treng Province fishing with gillnets in the Mekong (Table 6). Much of the gillnet use occurs during the dry season (83.3%), fewer fishermen (27.9%) report that they use gillnets during the rainy season (Figure 8 and Table 9). The sum of the two numbers is 111.2%, meaning that as all respondents were gillent fishermen, 11.2% of the respondents fished with gillnets in both seasons.
The results of this survey show that in both seasons, fishermen prefer to set their nets at night (Figure 9 and Table 9). In the dry season, the difference was clearer, 67.2% at night compared with 31.9% during the day. In the rainy season, the gap was narrower, 24.8% fished at night compared to 14.2% during the day. Many of them revealed that by fishing at night they could escape detection by the river guards. Some fishermen said fish are more active at night. Different species of algae become abundant in the upper Mekong during the dry season, leading to difficulties for gillnet fishing, especially at night.
Figure 8 shows that the amount of fishing activity in the dry season increased upriver from Koh Phdao and remained high in all upstream areas, and fishing activity in the Mekong upriver from Koh Phdao is quite low during the rainy season. Gillnet fishing activity in Kampi-Chroy Banteay dolphin pool area during the rainy season was higher than other locations (Figure 1).
100.0 % of correspondent 80.0 involved in gillnet fishing 60.0 in dry season
40.0 % of 20.0 correspondent involved in 0.0 gillnet fishing in rainy season
Figure 8: Showing the proportion of respondents involved in gillnet fishing in each dolphin pool area in the dry season and the rainy season
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120.0 % Fishing activity in day 100.0 time in dry season 80.0 % Fishing 60.0 activity in night time dry 40.0 season
20.0 % Fishing activity in day 0.0 time in rainy season % Fishing activity in night time rainy season Figure 9: Showing the percentage of respondents involved in gillnet fishing in each dolphin pool area during the day and at night in the dry season and the rainy season
3.2 Gillnet fishing practices in different seasons
3.2.1 Gillnet fishing location in relation to each dolphin pool area
This study found that during the dry season, there was gillnet fishing activity in 4 of the 5 dolphin pools in Stung Treng province. The gillnet free area is Chheu Teal pool situated close to the Lao PDR border. Respondents did not admit to gillnet fishing in the four downstream pools in Kratie province. People revealed that they did gillnet fishing in the area between 2-5 km from the Dolphin's pool, and this fishing activity was positively correlated with the increasing distance from each pool. Notably, the percentage of gillnet fishing reported in the area between 2-5 km from Kampi pool was much lower compared to the Chroy Banteay pool, 8% and 35% respectively, even though the two pools are situated only 1 km from each other. Figure 10 suggests a strong negative correlation between law enforcement and the increasing distance from the provincial town, meaning law enforcement was weaker with increasing distance from the provincial town.
As a whole, the number of people involved in gillnet fishing during the rainy season decreased (Figure 8). However gillnet fishing in the 4 dolphin pools in Stung Treng Province did not change as much between the dry and the wet season, and people set nets everywhere in those upstream pools (Figure 11). Notably, Figure 11 shows people admitted gillnet fishing in Kampi pool in this season.
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100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% d>5 km 40% 30% 2 km Figure 10: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the dry season, (d: distance from the pool) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% d>5 km 40% 30% 2 km Figure 11: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the rainy season, (d: distance from the pool) 3.2.2 Gillnet fishing methods in the Mekong mainstream of Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces The fishing methods for gillnets, manned (drift) and unmanned (stationary), are applied depending upon the morphology of the fishing area, water velocity, and target species. The manned gillnet is mainly used in large river areas with a certain water velocity, and usually targeting migrating species. The net is usually set across the river in the middle layer of the water and drift with the current. Drift net fishing common in the Tonle Sap River in October to March. Nets with mesh size of 65 - 80 mm are commonly used. In Stung Treng the largest sizes are often used, 80 mm (Deap et al. 2003). The study shows that drift net fishing activity took place in 6 dolphin areas although it existed in lower percentages. The unmanned gillnet fishing method is common in Cambodia. Usually, unmanned gillnets are set where there is standing water or weak flow. This study shows that in the dry season 22 approximately 40% of gillnets were set across the river. This percentage decreased by 50% during the rainy season (Figure 14 and Figure 15). This may be because during the dry season water velocity in many locations in the Mekong was very low and thus gillnets could be set in any direction. Conversely, water velocity in the Mekong is very strong during the rainy season (flooding season) and thus gillnets could be set only along with the water current. (Table 12 and Table 13) Gillnets could be set close to the riverbank where water velocity is low or in the middle part of the river where water current is very strong during the rainy season. The proportions of gillnet fishing at the two riverbanks were about the same but significantly higher compared to the proportion of gillnet fishing at the middle of the river (Figure 16 and Figure 17). There were different fishing methods used depending on the layer of water. Fishermen prefer to set their nets in different layers. Some set their nets in the bottom layer, some in the middle layer, some in the surface layer, and some in the whole water column. However, the differences among groups were not clearly defined (Figure 18 and Figure 19). This means that gillnets were set everywhere and at all water levels (see more detail in 23 Table 14 and Table 15). 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Unmanned 30% 20% Manned 10% 0% Figure 12: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned and unmanned) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season 24 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Unmanned 30% 20% Manned 10% 0% Figure 13: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned and unmanned) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Across river 30% 20% Along river 10% 0% Figure 14: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (across and along river) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season 25 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Across river 30% 20% Along river 10% 0% Figure 15: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (across and along river) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% All 40% Right bank 30% 20% Middle 10% Left bank 0% Figure 16: Showing percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season 26 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% All 40% Right bank 30% 20% Middle 10% Left bank 0% Figure 17: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) used in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% All 40% Bottom 30% 20% Middle 10% Surface 0% Figure 18: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing used in different layers of the water column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season 27 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% All 40% Bottom 30% 20% Middle 10% Surface 0% Figure 19: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing used in different layers of the water column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season 3.2.3 Catch and fishing purpose 3.2.3.1 Target species The study shows that about 30% of respondents reported that in the dry season they targeted only migrating species, which migrate between the upper Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake. Conversely, about 30% of respondents reported that they targeted only sedentary species. The sedentary species in the upper Mekong mainstream occur only in the upper Mekong, and mainly inhabit deep pools during dry season. The remaining 30% of the respondents said that they targeted whatever species could be caught in their nets (Figure 20). A lower percentage of fishermen targeted sedentary species in Kampi and Chroy Banteay dolphin pool areas (Figure 20). Although there is less gillnet fishing during rainy season (Figure 8), there is still some gillnet fishing in the upper Mekong mainstream during the rainy season. These fishermen target rainy season migrating species (Poulsen and Valbo-Jørgensen 2000). At this time the water level in the mainstream is very high and the river expands into associated floodplains. The upper Mekong's sedentary species spread into the floodplains. Only migrating species usually stay in the mainstream as they move up and down river. Only a minority of respondents reported that they targeted sedentary species. The rest of respondents gave an unclear answer that they targeted whatever species that could be caught in their net (Figure 21). 28 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% All species 30% Sedentary species 20% Migrating species 10% 0% Figure 20: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the dry season 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% All species 30% Sedentary species 20% Migrating species 10% 0% Figure 21: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the rainy season 3.2.3.2 Purpose of fishing This study found that the percentage of gillnet fishing done only for selling to the market was less than 1%. Fishing only for family consumption was 24% and fishing for family consumption and selling to the market was 75%. This means that gillnet fishing activity in the dolphin pools areas was highly intensive, but mostly at the family scale (Law on Fisheries 2006). This shows that people in this area depend heavily on natural fisheries resources, especially to meet daily protein demands. 29 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Food and Sell 30% Sell 20% Daily food 10% 0% Figure 22: Showing the percentage of fishing for different purposes in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border 3.2.3.3 Daily catch and market price This survey shows that the average daily catch for gillnet fishermen ranged from 3.99 kg to 7.88 kg in different dolphin pool areas. The average catches in the area between Prek Prasob and Khsach Mkak are higher than in the river section from Thbaung Khla to Koh Konsat. The average catch in the Chheuteal pool was similar to the daily catch in the Prek Prasob to Khsach Mkak stretch (Figure 23). On average, a gillnet fishermen caught 5.96 kg per day (Table 19 in Annex), equivalent to a market value from 24,960 to 68,498 riel depending upon the size of fish. Table 1, below. Catch per day (kg) 7.31 7.88 Kam Pi Chroy Banteay 3.99 Koh Phdao 7.97 Khsach Mkak 3.78 Koh Dombang Thbaung Khla 4.15 Koh Konsat 7.20 4.94 Koh Santuok 6.46 Chheu teal Figure 23: Showing the average daily catch by 1 fishermen in each dolphin pool area 30 Table 1: Showing average market value of fish caught by a gillnet fishermen in the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border Category Big fish Medium fish Small fish Lump sum Mean of market value (riel/kg) 11,493 6,622 4,028 4,188 Mean of fish caught (kg) 5.96 5.96 5.96 5.96 Daily market value 68,498 39,467 24,007 24,960 3.3 Dolphin distribution and evidence of gillnet by-catch 3.3.1 Dolphin distribution Nearly 70% of respondents in each dolphin pool area reported that they have seen dolphins in their fishing grounds. As shown, in section 2, the study area and methods, this survey was conducted in 86 villages along the 190 km stretch of the Mekong from Prek Prasob commune to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. Nearly all respondents reported that they fish mainly in sections of the Mekong close to their village or near their homes. This means that dolphins have been seen in most sections of the Mekong from Prek Prasob commune up to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. This finding is similar to previous research findings that showed that dolphins are distributed in this area (Dove et al. 2008). People said that dolphins mainly migrated in search of prey, because the amount of fish in the pool areas alone was insufficient. Based on the remains of fish bodies believed to have been partly eaten by dolphins, respondents pointed out 20 fish species that dolphins prefer to eat (Table 16 in the Annex). The 20 species are mainly high market value species that are also targeted by gillnet fishermen. Table 2: Showing the number of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area and the percentage of people who have seen dolphins in their fishing grounds Location No. samples % of fishermen saw dolphin in their fishing areas Kampi 113 59.29 Chroy Banteay 71 87.32 Koh Phdao 124 66.13 Khsach Mkak 80 70.00 Koh Dombang 69 57.97 Thbaung Khla 96 82.29 Koh Konsat 119 83.19 Koh Santuok 75 66.67 Chheu Teal 105 48.57 Mean 94.67 69.05 St. error ±2.3953 ±1.4495 3.3.2 Evidence of gillnet by-catch This study shows that 1.29% of fishermen reported that they had caught dolphins in their gillnets, 4.81% reported that they had seen dolphins caught in the nets of other gillnet fishermen, and 5.52% reported that they have seen dead dolphin with gillnets on their bodies (Table 3). This indicates that gillnets are significant cause of dolphin mortality. 31 Table 3: Showing the percentage of fishermen who have seen dolphins caught in gillnets or seen dead dolphins with gillnets on their bodies % Known to be % Seen dead No. % Caught in respondent's caught in nets of with gillnets Location samples gillnet other fishermen on the body Kampi 113 1.77 1.77 1.77 Chroy Banteay 71 2.82 2.82 4.23 Koh Phdao 124 0.00 0.81 8.87 Khsach Mkak 80 2.50 6.25 0.00 Koh Dombang 69 1.45 2.90 2.90 Thbaung Khla 96 2.08 13.54 10.42 Koh Konsat 119 0.84 5.88 6.72 Koh Santuok 75 0.00 2.67 2.67 Chheu teal 105 0.95 6.67 8.57 Overall % 1.29 4.81 5.52 3.3.3 Dolphin protection Respondents provided the following opinions on how to prevent dolphin by-catch: (1) totally stopping large mesh gillnet fishing (bigger than 6 cm); (2) stop all fishing activities in dolphin pools and in the area within 2 km from the pool; (3) fishing with gillnets allowed only in shallow water , and close to the riverbanks; (4) no gillnet fishing in dolphin areas, especially in the months June-October, this is believed to be the time dolphins migrate upstream to catch fish migrating downstream, and in the months January to March, the period fish migrate upstream from Tonle Sap Lake to the upper Mekong and dolphins are believed to move downstream to catch the migrating fish. Respondents also pointed out two items that dolphins are afraid of: strong light and noise. They said that the fishermen have to stay with their net and hit the water and shout when dolphins approach their net People reported that river guard’s obligations are mainly to protect dolphin pools from gillnet fishing activity. Their protection activities however are ineffective, because the number of river guards are limited, and gillnet fishing is very important to local people. Respondents mentioned that fisheries communities should be involved in dolphin protection. At the same, the government should increase awareness of local people about the importance and vulnerability of the species. 3.4 Occupation and alternative livelihoods 3.4.1 Occupation profiles This study shows that gillnet fishing was not the primary occupation of most people who use gillnets in the study area (Figure 23). The primary occupation of the local fishermen is agriculture (87.21%), mostly rice farming and raising livestock (Figure 23). This means that local people were fishing for daily protein demands and extra income (Figure 22). Only 8.35% of the respondents reported fishing as their main occupation. The remaining 3% reported their main occupation as motor-taxi, house builder, groceries seller etc. People who reported fishing as their primary occupation mainly lived in the dolphin pool areas of Kratie province (Figure 24). Fishing was the secondary occupation (77.06%) of the respondents, 32 14.04% reported their second occupation as agriculture related, and the rest took other jobs (Figure 25). These figures indicate that gillnet fishing was the main occupation of 8.35% of respondents, secondary occupation of 77.06%, and 14.5% of respondents did gillnet fishing in their spare time. This information shows that capture fisheries are not the main occupation for most respondents, but fishing is done to provide additional daily protein and extra income. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Others 30% Agriculture 20% Fishing 10% 0% Figure 24: Showing the percentages of primary occupations of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Others 30% Agriculture 20% Fishing 10% 0% Figure 25: Showing the percentages of secondary occupations of gillnet fishermen in each dolphin pool area 3.4.2 Alternative livelihood Respondents have suggested some alternative fishing methods to replace gillnet fishing activity in the main stream, such as fishing with cast nets, hooks, hook lines, traps, and scoops. Some suggested that people should fish in paddy fields. This idea has been suggested 33 and applied since the year 2005. However, gillnet fishing is still widely practiced in the river. Banning gillnet fishing is a very crucial issue but very hard to implement. An effort to ban gillnets would have to provide a fair tradeoff by providing alternative livelihoods and replacement sources of protein. 3.5 Other Fishing Gears This study found that 43 types of fishing gear are used in Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces. Some types of gear listed in Table 4 could have slightly different structures and names depending on the target species (Deap et al. 2003). Hence there actually may be more than 43 gear types used in the area. There were 4 gear types commonly used: line-hooks, cast nets, and two types of trap (Sai Yoen "Basket traps" or Chan "drop door traps"). People reported that there are 4 gear types considered as destructive: dynamite, electro- fishing, poisoning, and large mesh size gillnets (Fisheries Law 1987). Dynamite fishing occurs frequently in areas near Au Svay commune, about 5-10 km below the Chheu teal dolphin pool. This fishing method could kill dolphins if they were close to the blast. Electro- fishing occurs throughout the study area. There are two type of electro fishing used: (1) considered as small scale, conducted by 1-2 people per outfit, with or without a boat. Fishermen put the electric shocker in the water manually (local people call this method "hot electro-fishing"), (2) conducted by 2-3 people with 1-2 boats, the electric shocker cables are sunk in the water. The boat moves on gradually and the electric shocker is active continuously. The other boat follows behind collecting the fish (local people call this method "cool electro-fishing"). Cool electro-fishing could kill dolphins. The electro-fishing and large mesh size gillnet fishing were reported to occur in all areas. Poison fishing was reported to occur mainly in small canals and isolated shallow ponds in the Au Svay commune area. Respondents reported that all four of these “destructive” fishing methods affect dolphins, directly or indirectly. They could kill the animal directly or indirectly by destroying the fisheries resources that dolphins (and humans) depend on. Table 4: List of fishing gear types used in the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodia-Lao PDR border, in local languages and English Khmer Name English Name Khmer Name English Name ចន Drop door trap មងបែណ ត Drifting net ៃច ៉ Deep water seine net ម៉ ញ់-អំពូលេភ ង Seine net with lighting Barbed spear Filter trap ចបូក យ៉ ឆក់េក Hot electro fishing យុ ំងកវ Drag seine net ឆក់ តជក់ Cool electro fishing លប Trap ជន Push net ន Trap ឈឹប Rice field drag net លូៃសបមុង Mosquito trap net Trap Common fishing rod ជុច សនូចបបកទ ់ Scoop basket Common single hook line ឈន ង សនូចទ Scoop basket Pole and line fir frogs ឈន ងៃដ សនូចបៃងទ ក Scoop basket Hook long line ឈន ង សនូចរេនងទ ឈន ង ំ Scoop basket ស មស់ Brash park 34 យ Bag net ង Barbed spear ទ មុខពី Trap two entrance ៃសយុឺន Vertical cylinder trap តុំ Trap ស ន Fork េ តង Current filtering gear ៃសបមុង Mosquito net ថនង Scoop net សំ ញ់ Cast net ទ មុខមួយ Trap one entrance អ ងត Trap ធនស់ Fence system with pen អយន Trap បយុង Seine net with food trap អួនហុំ Seine net មង Gillnet អួនអូស Drag net មងជំេ Deep water gillnet 35 4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 4.1 Discussion The interviews with households located within 5 km of the Mekong River have shown 43.1% of households in Kratie province, and about 77.4% of households in Stung Treng Province fish with gillnets in the Mekong. This percentage indicates that gillnets are a very common fishing gear used by fishermen in Mekong River from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border. Gillnet use occurred during dry season more frequently than rainy season. It could be explained by the fact that during the dry season, velocity and water levels are low, and fish are concentrated in the Mekong mainstream. This is also the time that fish migrate from Tonle Sap (Poulsen and Valbo-Jørgensen 2000), hence there are many fish in the mainstream. Conversely, in the rainy season the water level is very high in Mekong mainstream, the flow is very fast (BDP2-MRC 2011), and hence, it is very difficult to fish with gillnets This survey shows that fishermen preferred to set their gillnets at night rather than in the daytime. That doesn’t mean fishing at night results in catching more fish than in the daytime, especially in the dry season, because using gillnets in the dry season mainly target white fish migrating from downstream. Likewise, fish migration from the Tonle Sap Lake through the Tonle Sap River is not dependent on time, but the lunar cycle (Chheng and So 2011). In addition, during the dry season algae are very abundant in the Mekong, making it very difficult to fish with gillnets, especially at night. Hence, the main reason why people prefer to fish at nighttime appears to be that they try to escape from river guard detection. The amount of fishing activity in the dry season increased upriver from Koh Phdao and remained high in all upstream areas. This could be explained by the fact that the Kampi- Chroy Banteay pools located close to a provincial town, and river guards are under scrutiny, hence the guarding activity was more effective. In addition, many members of the Kampi fishery community benefit from dolphin watching tourism. Fishing activity in the Mekong upriver from Koh Phdao is quite low during the rainy season. The reason could be due to the strong currents in the rainy season and because there are many rocks in this stretch of the river, causing difficulties for manned gillnets (drifting gillnets). Gillnet use occurred in the area 2-5 km out of Kampi pool was very low. It seems that respondents in the Kampi area were afraid to report that they fish close to the dolphin pool. During the survey, the river team witnessed a group of more than ten boats with gillnets in the boats parked on the river bank in front of Khsach Tob village, and a group of 9 migrant gillnet fishermen resting on the sand bank approximately 4.5 km downstream of Kampi pool. Beside this, people did not admit fishing with gillnets in Koh Phdao and Ksach Mkak, the survey team travelling on the river witnessed gillnets were set in the pools. During the rainy season gillnet use occurred over a wide areas. This is likely because the water level in the river is very high and spread over associated floodplains and fish are not concentrated in the pools. Results also show that there was different gillnet fishing methods in the study area. The nets were set in different directions, across or along the river, the nets were set at different places, at left bank, middle, or right bank,and in different layers of water column, surface, middle, bottom or throughout. That means each fishing method used depended upon the morphology of each fishing ground, hydrology at the fishing place, ecology and the target fish species, e.g. (1) as shown in the interview that proportion of gillnet set across the river during the dry 36 season was twice that of the rainy season. That was because the water current in the rainy season was very strong. (2) fishermen targeted different groups of species, some targeted migrating species (30% of respondents), the others target sedentary species (30% of respondents), and the rest were willing to catch any species. Results of the survey are consistent with Deap et al. (2003). The survey shows 24% of gillnet fishing was subsistence (for family daily food). However, 75% of fishers depended on gillnetting for family food and for additional income as well. This means fishing with gillnets is an important livelihood of the inhabitants of the study area. Respondents reported that they have seen dolphins along the Mekong River from Prek Prasob Commune in Kratie Province to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border in both the dry and the rainy seasons. In addition, 1.29% of respondents reported that they had caught dolphins in their gillnets, 4.81% reported that they had seen dolphins caught in the gillnets of other fishermen, and 5.52% reported that they have seen dead dolphins with gillnets on their bodies. As shown above, gillnets were exploited actively in the dolphin areas. Hence, we can conclude that gillnet fishing is a significant threat to Mekong dolphins. Gillnets have been considered one of the main causes of mortality for Mekong dolphins. On 04 March 2005, the Royal Government of Cambodia issued an Order on "Ban gillnet fishing in the Mekong from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border" (Order No. 01 BB 2005). Order No. 01 BB has been implemented, but the enforcement of the Government Order is weak. As shown in the results of this survey, gillnet use occurs anywhere and anytime throughout the study area. The following reasons may weaken the enforcement of the Government Order: (1) there are very few occupations available. Livelihoods depend mostly on agricultural jobs and fishing. (2) the number of households located within 5 km of the Mekong River that use gillnets is high, 43.1% in Kratie Province, and 77.4% in Stung Treng Province. (3) gillnets are an effective and legal family fishing gear in Cambodia (Law on Fisheries 2006). (4) there is strong incentive for fishing with gillnets in the area, i.e. 75% of gillnet fishing aimed for additional income, and a gillnet fishermen can catch 5.96 kg of fish per fishing day, which was equivalent to a local market price of 25,000 riel (US$ 6.25). (5) the price of fish in Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces (4,188 riel/kg) is higher than in other Cambodian provinces. (6) the number of river guards is limited and they work independently from other line agencies such as the Fisheries Administration, and other national and international organizations, local authorities, and especially fisheries communities along this stretch of the Mekong River whose mandates are to sustainably manage the fisheries resources. There is a high probability that Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River will go extinct in the near future. Despite significant efforts to protect this species, the population is estimated to be only 85 animals and it appears to be declining slowly. Mortality rates appear to be unsustainably high. Since 2003, at least 109 animals are known to have died, roughly 60% of them calves. The reasons for the high mortality rate of calves are not clear. Currently there are three main entities working on Dolphin conservation in Cambodia: the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Commission for Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Tourism Zone (Dolphin Commission) and non-governmental partner WWF. Unfortunately, presently there has been very little cooperation between the Dolphin Commission and WWF. FiA is the government agency responsible for aquatic organisms (Article 3, 4 and 6, Law on Fisheries 2006). However, the Government of Cambodia has assigned the Commission for 37 Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Tourism Zone (Anukret no. 15 A.N.KR B.K. 17th Feb 2006). The commission has a clear mandate comprising seven bullet points. On 04 March 2005, the Royal Government ordered the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to collaborate with other related agencies to ban all gillnet fishing activities in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border in order to prevent dolphin by-catch (Order No. 01 BB. 2005). This means that MAFF is the core agency for dolphin conservation work. Prevention of the extinction of the Irrawaddy dolphin from the Mekong is very crucial and difficult work. In order to implement this work effectively, relevant parties have to work together. Eleven hydropower dams on the Mekong mainstream are proposed, including 2 sites in Cambodia situated in dolphin habitat, and one very close in Southern Lao PDR. Knowledge is limited on the impacts of the hydropower dams on dolphins. However, the dams are unlikely to be built before the next 5 years. Hence, there is time for effective action to save the species in the Mekong River. The very first thing needed is a coordinating body. The coordinator should be nominated by the Fisheries Administration and approved by an official meeting with participation from FiA/MAFF, the Commission for Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Tourism Zone, and WWF. The coordinator should coordinate all dolphin related work, and will comply with a terms of reference (ToR) adopted by the three main entities mentioned above. 4.2 Conclusion High levels of gillnet use occur in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie province to the Lao PDR border. There is greater incentive for gillnet use during the dry season compared to the rainy season. The nets can be set anywhere in the river. However, gillnet use occurs less frequently in Kampi and Chroy Banteay during the dry season. Gillnets are deployed with a variety of different methods; manned or unmanned, and at the surface, middle or bottom of the water column. Fishermen considered four types of gear to be destructive: dynamite fishing, electric-fishing, poisoning, and large mesh gillnets. Electro-fishing and large mesh gillnets are used throughout the study area. Dynamite fishing and poison fishing appears to occur mostly near Au Svay commune near the northern extreme of the area. These fishing methods can affect dolphins directly or indirectly. They can directly kill the animal or they can destroy the fisheries resources on which dolphins (and humans) depend. Gillnets are a significant cause of dolphin mortality. The existing river guard work force is very limited, and they work independently without involvement of local authorities and communities, resulting in less effective prevention of gillnet use in dolphin habitats. Preventing gillnet use in the Mekong River stretch from Kratie to Cambodia-Lao PDR border is very difficult, because gillnet fishing is an attractive occupation for the inhabitants, which besides being the main protein source, also generates additional income for fishermen living in the Mekong dolphin habitat areas. 38 4.3 Recommendations Banning gillnet use in the dolphin habitat will not work without a fair tradeoff. The Government has to provide many alternative livelihoods to replace gillnet fishing by local fishermen, such as aquaculture, livestock, and enhanced agricultural capacity. The Government must also increase the awareness of local people on the critical importance of the Mekong dolphin and the fisheries resources of the upper Mekong area to the region and to the country. Gillnets are a cause of dolphin mortality, however there may be other causes too. The reason for the high mortality rate of calves is not well understood. Hence, preventing dolphins disappearing from the Mekong is important and difficult work; any individual cannot complete it successfully. Organizations with the mandate to conserve dolphins have to work together following a very clear strategic plan. Currently, the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, the Commission for Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Tourism Zone, and WWF are the main players. The three parties should also work closely with Community Fisheries (CFi) who are fishing in Mekong dolphin habitat, and thus must play a crucial role in their conservation. 39 5. REFERENCES BDP2-MRC. (2011). Assessment of Basin-wide Development Scenarios Main Report Pt-1 110420.doc http://www.mrcmekong.org/programmes/bdp/bdp-publication.htm Cambodia Government Orders No. 01 BB. (2005). Banned of any types of gillnet fishing in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to Cambodia-Lao PDR border. Chheng P. (2009). 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ANNEXES 6.1 Annex I: Data analysis Table 5: Showing the number of respondents in each dolphin pool area, percentage of fishermen involved in fishing activity in the dry season, rainy season, day time and night time Dry season Rainy season No. % % Fishing % Fishing % % Fishing % Fishing Location Sample Fishermen day time night time Fishermen day time night time Kampi 113 81.4 44.2 70.8 56.6 34.5 49.6 Chhroy Banteay 71 78.9 31.0 56.3 62.0 31.0 56.3 Koh Phdao 124 88.7 18.5 79.8 24.2 8.1 21.0 Ksach Makak 80 100 22.5 96.3 22.5 5.0 18.8 Koh Dom Bong 69 98.6 33.3 63.8 14.5 14.5 13.0 Tbong Klar 96 95.8 50.0 78.1 16.7 11.5 13.5 Koh Kon Sat 119 94.1 52.1 43.7 17.6 7.6 14.3 Koh San Tuok 75 94.7 32.0 88.0 32.0 13.3 32.0 Chheu Teal 105 100 34.3 94.3 31.4 15.2 28.6 Table 6 : List of dolphin pools, villages and communes located closed to dolphin pools where the interviews were conducted, number of respondents and number of households (HH) in each village % HH Deep Pool District Commune Village No. sample No. HH had gillnets Chhloung Pong Ro Pong Ro 3 446 25.00 Bos Leav Leu 7 219 27.75 Prey Ta Am 7 1300 64.00 Bos Leav Prey Ta Theung 7 110 57.43 Khbal Chou 1 384 20.00 Sombok Sombok 5 703 15.00 Koh Chreng Roka Khnoa 7 358 50.25 Reusey Char 6 399 34.00 Chit Borey Thmor Kre Thmor Kreleu 7 488 10.00 Prek Prasoap Prek Prasoap Leu 7 329 30.25 Prey Roka 7 225 61.50 Prek Prasoap Soab Prek Proulung 7 186 48.57 Krokor Krokor 7 57 23.29 Roka Kondal Roka Kondal 1 6 565 17.50 Prey Sdav 6 600 30.00 Au Reusey Au Reusey 2 1 502 27.00 Soab Soab Krom 7 330 42.85 Thmor Kre Thmor Krekondal 6 237 30.00 Koh Trong Khbal Koh 8 280 32.00 1. Kampi Kratie Kratie Dun Chroang 1 292 15.00 San Dan San Dan 5 448 43.60 Wathanak 7 234 43.57 Ta Ngoun 7 152 30.00 2. Chhroy An Long Prahko 7 188 60.00 Banteay Sambo Wathanak Prek Krieng 8 280 36.66 41 Lo Earch 8 196 49.00 Chroy Banteay 8 456 26.25 Khsach Tob 7 376 20.83 Chroy Kampong Dor 7 380 51.67 Prek Prasoap Banteay Keng 7 380 62.86 A Char Thnoal 10 166 29.00 Sre Kheun 9 174 58.57 Sambo 11 376 35.82 Keng Prasat 11 522 51.36 Doun Meas 9 180 40.00 Som Roang 10 87 38.70 Sambo Koh Som 9 196 31.11 Bay Somnom 9 179 31.67 Svay Cheik 10 237 40.56 Koh Khmer Cheung Peat 5 232 48.00 A Chein 10 320 25.10 Kampong Yeav 11 412 28.45 3. Koh P'Dao Sambo Cham Ton Soang Thlark 10 438 35.53 Ampil Tik 14 262 66.15 Kampong Koh Phdao 11 163 79.44 Cham Kampong Krobey 15 149 71.07 Dom Re 15 68 74.67 Beung Char Kampong Roteis 10 139 54.50 Koh Khmer Cheung Pout 4 232 45.00 4. Ksach Makak Sambo Au Kreang Pun Chea 11 110 67.27 Kampong Khbeung 6 68 85.00 Beung Char Koh Dombang 26 64 59.25 Kampong Cham Som Phin 10 255 73.50 5. Koh Dom Koh Khmer 12 139 62.50 Bong Sambo Au Krieng Khsach Leav 15 71 87.86 Koh Prah Koh Prah 21 277 76.18 Thbaung Khla 18 167 68.75 Koh Chrim 19 120 73.21 Au Mrah 20 32 72.50 6. Tbong Klar Siem Bok Au Mrah Au Chrolong 18 64 70.67 Svay 18 242 87.78 Snakoh 15 125 89.67 Phchol 18 149 71.67 Koh Srolai Kang Dek 14 204 86.07 Siem Bok 17 146 81.88 Ton Soang 18 61 83.13 7. Koh Kon Sat Siem Bok Siem Bok Au Long 19 176 81.25 Koh Sompeay 17 235 87.35 Koh Sompeay Domrey Phong 18 147 83.89 Koh Kroch 16 125 60.00 Sre Krasang Sre Krasang 18 424 68.05 Reusey 968 8. Koh San Tuok Siem Bok Kondal Reusey Kondal 6 19.17 Thalaborivath Au Trel 6 390 76.67 Kralar Peas 5 148 88.00 An Long Svay 4 148 100 9. Chheu Teal Thalaborivath Prah Rumkil Koh Lngor 7 73 96.43 42 Koh Chheuteal 102 Thom 5 100 Kroam 7 197 86.43 Leu 8 117 98.33 Kondal 7 200 78.57 Koh Chheuteal 106 Touch 7 81.43 Koh Phnau 11 105 91.11 Au Run 8 189 85.00 Au Svay Au Svay 13 148 62.31 Kam Cham Kam Cham 9 283 87.78 Au Rey Poung Tik 8 130 78.75 Table 7: List of villages within 5 km of the Mekong mainstream in Kratie Province and their map coordinates (UTM Indian-Thailand) Village Name X Y Commune Name District Kandal 607148 1354277 Chhloung Chhloung Kampong Srae 607507 1353141 Chhney 607583 1353882 Kaoh Kandaor 606978 1354140 Chrouy Thma Leu 606464 1354384 Chrouy Thma Kraom 605495 1354821 Prey Kou 610339 1351885 Damrei Phong Hanchey Ti Buon 600616 1354437 Han Chey Hanchey Ti Bei 602361 1354883 Hanchey Ti Muoy 603864 1354955 Hanchey Ti Pir 603675 1354981 Chheu Teal Phluoh Kraom 613419 1360218 Kanhchor Chheu Teal Phluoh Leu 613677 1360815 Kanhchor 614305 1362551 Preaek Chamlak 614654 1363120 Preaek Ta Hob 591372 1354164 Khsach Andaet Thmei Ti Pir 592309 1354222 Thmei Ti Muoy 592949 1354245 Preaek Samraong Ti Muoy 595488 1354317 Preaek Samraong Ti Pir 593924 1354340 Tnaot 596953 1354277 Pongro Dang Kdaong 597946 1354367 Pongro Muoy 600432 1354552 Pongro Pir 599388 1354593 Pongro Bei 598809 1354625 Dei Thmei 608945 1354670 Preaek Saman Chhak Kantoung 614070 1354797 Lvea Thum 610468 1355973 Preaek Saman 611691 1357371 Chheu Teal Phluoh 612522 1358474 Preaek Ta Am 615335 1368236 Bos Leav Chet Borie Preaek Ta Thoeng 615083 1368915 Bos Leav Leu 612988 1372841 Preaek Kov 617050 1373784 Preah Konlong 614566 1374368 43 Ta Lus 612643 1375246 Lvea Tong 617185 1376595 Bos Leav Kraom 613687 1371513 Voat 614022 1366768 Kaoh Chraeng Roka Knaor 613332 1367364 Preaek 613870 1368028 Kandal 613548 1369040 Kbal Kaoh 612806 1370041 Kbal Kaoh Ti Pir 609600 1380100 Kaoh Trong Krati Kbal Kaoh Ti Muoy 609000 1381500 Tuol Monourom 612644 1384077 Krakor Krakor 610768 1381990 Voat 610942 1380317 Kracheh Doun Chroam 611329 1380519 Phsar Veaeng 610855 1380880 Kracheh 611432 1379075 Trapeang Pring 611557 1380964 Srae Sdau 613062 1380972 Ou Ruessei Ou Ruessei Ti Muoy 612479 1381782 Ou Ruessei Ti Pir 612975 1381926 Kantring 613682 1382337 Ti Pir 612115 1377410 Roka Kandal Ti Muoy 611800 1378600 Sambok 611291 1389949 Sambok Chet Borie Boeng Run 615174 1395505 Kbal Chuor 611331 1395524 Srae Ta Haen 611383 1397542 Kakot 610700 1399200 Ruessei Char 609438 1384494 Thma Kreae Thma Kreae Kandal 609463 1386730 Thma Kreae Leu 610224 1387704 Chrouy Thma 591966 1356498 Chambak Preak prasab Chrouy Ampil Muoy 589489 1356603 Chrouy Ampil Pir 589036 1356711 Chambak Ti Muoy 588477 1356828 Chambak Ti Pir 587709 1356938 Kaeng 607041 1384282 Chrouy Banteay Kampong Dar 607282 1385047 Tuol Prich 607363 1387034 Roka Thum 607974 1387577 Khsach Tob 608683 1389395 Liet 609365 1391313 Chrouy Banteay 609528 1392022 Chrouy Snaeng Krabei Kraom 607268 1356598 Kampong Kor Kampong Kor 605364 1356732 Chrouy Snaeng Krabei Leu 608785 1357045 Ta Mau Leu 603459 1357401 Kandal Kaoh 599388 1356431 Kaoh Ta Suy Kbal Kaoh 600579 1356434 Chong Kaoh 596635 1356783 Dei Doh Kraom 610405 1358599 Preaek Prasab Ou Lung 610791 1360570 Dei Doh Leu 612257 1361035 44 Boeng Leach 607934 1362539 Prey Kur 612780 1362735 Preaek Prasap Kraom 613077 1364650 Preaek Prasap Kandal 613000 1365580 Preaek Prasap Leu 612434 1366686 Preaek Prang 611467 1368512 Thma Reab 611148 1372748 Svay Chum 586640 1357280 Ruessei Kaev Ruessei Kaev 585143 1357630 Sralau Damnak 584712 1357736 Boeng Rey 582127 1358537 Preaek Prolung 610984 1375749 Saob Preaek Roka 610083 1378056 Saob Kraom 609708 1378405 Kla 608157 1379196 Saob Leu 608261 1379816 Boeng Chraeng 607541 1380928 Preaek Chik 606910 1382278 Ta Mau Kandal 601656 1357574 Ta Mau Ta Mau Kraom 599966 1357921 Preaek Svay 594533 1357935 Kraham Ka Kraom 595546 1358096 Kraham Ka Leu 597116 1358097 Damrae 604640 1416877 Boeng Char Sam Bour Kaoh Dambang 605766 1418236 Kampong Roteh 606693 1424594 Yeav 602741 1410816 Kampong Cham Samphin 603149 1415150 Kaoh Phdau 602812 1419168 Tonsaong Thleak 601059 1421200 Kampong Krabei 602885 1421906 Ampil Tuek 603885 1423280 A Chen 602108 1423370 Bay Samnom 606589 1414685 Kaoh Khnhaer Svay Chek 607036 1416254 Cheung Peat 607092 1417237 Kaoh Chbar 609977 1426775 Kampong Pnov 613054 1432494 Ou Kak 615136 1435595 Ou Krieng Pon Chea 616150 1446191 Kaoh Khnhaer 614847 1447912 Khsach Leav 613494 1450128 Samraong 610025 1405529 Sambour Char Thnaol 609435 1406525 Kaoh Sam 604477 1406674 Srae Khoean 608070 1408476 Kaeng Prasat 605479 1411188 Sambour 605248 1412485 Doun Meas 605717 1413835 Kaoh Real 606485 1416990 Thum 610939 1401645 Sandan Thmei 612351 1402549 Sandan 610903 1402621 45 Preaek Krieng 607539 1397341 Voadthonak Anlong Preah Kou 608324 1399484 Vodthonak 607609 1401722 Ta Nguon 606162 1405233 Table 8: List of villages within 5 km of the Mekong mainstream in Stung Treng Province and their map coordinates (UTM Indian-Thailand) Village Name X Y Commune District Kaoh Preah 601834 1468819 Kaoh Preah Siem Bok Damrei Phong 602303 1480005 Kaoh Sampeay (Mekong rever) Kaoh Sampeay 603446 1484393 Svay 600280 1486941 Kaoh Sralau Phchul 599746 1476054 Kang Daek 597676 1489377 Sma Kaoh 599573 1489617 Ou Chralang 610630 1461905 Ou Mreah Ou Mreah 608383 1463113 Kaoh Chruem 604928 1463708 Tboung Khla 605418 1465543 Ou Lang 601498 1463950 Siem Bouk Siem Bouk 600533 1467899 Tonsang 600243 1470143 Kaoh Krouch 604673 1474912 Srae Krasang Srae Krasang 604811 1476076 Reacheanukoul 605444 1492215 Stueng Traeng Stung Treng Preaek 604979 1495575 (Mekong rever) Trapeang Pring 605748 1495577 Kandal 605763 1494888 Spean Thma 605886 1495720 Thma Leaph 606600 1495600 Sarh Ruessei Leu 607196 1495837 Srae Pou 607451 1495973 Kang Memay 601755 1493335 Preah Bat Ba Chong 602587 1495404 Kilou Lekh Prambei 611325 1500950 Sameakki Thmei 608787 1501084 Kaoh Khan Din 610804 1502421 Kham Phan 612018 1503801 Hang Khou Ban 608187 1497302 Hang Khou Suon 606184 1497606 Kang Kngaok 597700 1476337 Kang Cham Thala Barivat Kampong Pang 593650 1481408 (Mekong rever) Kang Cham 595225 1483726 Kaoh Sralau 611172 1508787 Kaoh Snaeng Kaoh Snaeng 612037 1510838 Kaoh Kei 611092 1515566 Choam Thum 608996 1516091 Pong Tuek 596759 1488874 Ou Rai Kang Dei Sa 601951 1489875 Ou Rai 597800 1490600 Anlong Svay 600301 1494269 Kaoh Hib 606228 1519706 Ou Svay 46 Veun Sien 606460 1523212 Ou Run 608477 1532545 Ou Svay 608618 1534269 Kaoh Pnov 608564 1536193 Kaoh Chheu Teal Touch 606322 1534603 Preah Rumkel Kraom 604675 1535984 Kandal 604529 1536473 Leu 604188 1537430 Anlong Svay 603784 1538027 Kaoh Chheu Teal Thum 607577 1538344 Kaoh Lngo 604904 1538880 Krala Peas 605069 1534189 Ou Trael 602117 1496416 Thala Kang Dechou 602391 1496943 Thalabarivat 603794 1498155 Veal Khsach 606116 1500988 Table 9: Showing the differences in gillnet fishing activity in each dolphin pool area between daytime and nighttime in the dry season and the rainy season (Percentages in each categories calculated compared to total number of samples) Dry season Rainy season % % % % No. % day night % day night Location Samples Fishermen time time Fishermen time time Kampi 113 81.4 44.2 70.8 56.6 34.5 49.6 Chhroy Banteay 71 78.9 31.0 56.3 62.0 31.0 56.3 Koh Phdao 124 88.7 18.5 79.8 24.2 8.1 21.0 Ksach Mkak 80 100 22.5 96.3 22.5 5.0 18.8 Koh Dom Bong 69 98.6 33.3 63.8 14.5 14.5 13.0 Thbaung Klar 96 95.8 50.0 78.1 16.7 11.5 13.5 Koh Kon Sat 119 94.1 52.1 43.7 17.6 7.6 14.3 Koh San Tuk 75 94.7 32.0 88.0 32.0 13.3 32.0 Chheu Teal 105 100 34.3 94.3 31.4 15.2 28.6 Mean 85.3 83.3 31.9 67.2 27.9 14.2 24.8 Table 10: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the dry season, (d: distance from the pool) Location In pool d<2 km 2 km 47 Table 11: Showing the location of gillnet fishing activity in relation to each dolphin pool during the rainy season, (d: distance from the pool) Location In pool d<2 km 2 km Table 12: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned - unmanned, and cross - along river) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry season Location Manned Unmanned Along river Across river Kampi 21.74 79.35 42.39 29.35 Chroy Banteay 25.00 78.57 55.36 39.29 Koh Phdao 7.27 86.36 70.91 48.18 Khsach Mkak 0.00 98.75 83.75 42.50 Koh Dombang 11.76 80.88 76.47 60.29 Thbaung Khla 4.35 96.74 93.48 52.17 Koh Konsat 0.00 103.57 77.68 75.89 Koh Santuok 2.82 100.00 85.92 50.70 Chheu Teal 3.81 96.19 85.71 51.43 Table 13: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing methods (manned - unmanned, and cross - along river) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the rainy season Location Manned Unmanned Along river Across river Kampi 28.13 73.44 39.06 23.44 Chroy Banteay 29.55 79.55 61.36 38.64 Koh Phdao 6.67 86.67 83.33 33.33 Khsach Mkak 0.00 66.67 44.44 5.56 Koh Dombang 0.00 100.00 90.00 30.00 Thbaung Khla 0.00 93.75 87.50 25.00 Koh Konsat 9.52 76.19 76.19 19.05 Koh Santuok 0.00 100.00 70.83 12.50 Chheu tTeal 12.12 81.82 78.79 36.36 48 Table 14: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing sites (right, middle, and left bank) in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry and rainy seasons % Dry season % Rainy season Left Middle Right All Left Middle Right All bank bank bank bank Kampi 32.61 6.52 30.43 30.43 43.75 14.06 34.38 7.81 Chroy Banteay 23.21 7.14 66.07 3.57 22.73 13.64 61.36 2.27 Koh Phdao 43.64 16.36 27.27 12.73 33.33 10.00 40.00 16.67 Khsach Mkak 37.50 20.00 25.00 17.50 27.78 5.56 33.33 33.33 Koh Dombang 26.47 20.59 48.53 4.41 30.00 10.00 60.00 0.00 Thbaung Khla 50.00 8.70 22.83 18.48 50.00 6.25 25.00 18.75 Koh Konsat 16.07 7.14 61.61 15.18 19.05 9.52 42.86 28.57 Koh Santuok 42.25 12.68 19.72 25.35 41.67 12.50 29.17 16.67 Chheu Teal 25.71 12.38 49.52 12.38 30.30 18.18 30.30 21.21 Table 15: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in different layers of water the column in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border during the dry and rainy seasons Dry season Rainy season Location Surface Middle Bottom All Surface Middle Bottom All Kampi 34.78 16.30 42.39 6.52 53.13 14.06 29.69 3.13 Chroy Banteay 35.71 16.07 30.36 17.86 27.27 25.00 29.55 18.18 Koh Phdao 9.09 13.64 53.64 23.64 36.67 0.00 10.00 53.33 Khsach Mkak 13.75 13.75 56.25 16.25 22.22 5.56 27.78 44.44 Koh Dombang 13.24 17.65 57.35 11.76 30.00 0.00 40.00 30.00 Thbaung Khla 14.13 22.83 61.96 1.09 6.25 37.50 50.00 6.25 Koh Konsat 7.14 30.36 57.14 5.36 14.29 4.76 33.33 47.62 Koh Santuok 7.04 15.49 61.97 15.49 25.00 41.67 29.17 4.17 Chheu Teal 1.90 14.29 73.33 10.48 3.03 15.15 3.03 78.79 Table 16: List of fish species that people reported as favorite food for Mekong dolphins Khmer Khmer in phonetic English Scientific Name តីែក Trey ke Pangasius conchophilus តី ប Trey pra Pangasianodon hypophthalmus តីខយ Trey khya Hemibagrus wyckioides តីេព Trey po Pangasius larnaudii តីេកស Trey kes Kryptopterus apogon តីខ ំង យ Trey klang hay Belodontichthys truncatus តី តសក់ Trey traw sork Probarbus jullieni តីែក ក Trey kaek Labeo chrysophekadion តី គំ Trey krum Osteochilus melanopleura តីេឆក ក Trey chhkok Cyclocheilichthys enoplos 49 តី កបី Trey kraw bey Bagarius bagarius តី េនល Trey tanel Hemibagrus filamantus តី បម Trey promar Boesemania microlepis កយ Trey krai Chitala ornata ប៉ ៉ Trey pawa Labeo pierrei ប៉ េសអុី Trey pase ee Mekongina erythrospila ព ល Trey proul Cirrhinus microlepis កពត់ Trey krawport Wallago attu ឆិពន Trey chhpin Hypsibarbus malcolmi ស យ Trey sanday Wallago attu Table 17: Showing the percentage of gillnet fishing in relation to groups of species in the dry and rainy season Dry season Rainy season (%) Migrating Sedentary All Migrating Sedentary All species species species species species species Location (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Kampi 26.09 11.96 65.22 31.25 4.69 65.63 Chroy Banteay 55.36 23.21 44.64 54.55 22.73 45.45 Koh Phdao 43.64 29.09 43.64 53.33 10.00 53.33 Khsach Mkak 28.75 48.75 28.75 16.67 11.11 50.00 Koh Dombang 30.88 47.06 33.82 60.00 0.00 50.00 Thbaung Khla 19.57 43.48 36.96 25.00 6.25 62.50 Koh Konsat 38.39 46.43 30.36 23.81 0.00 71.43 Koh Santuok 38.03 45.07 47.89 41.67 25.00 54.17 Chheu Teal 55.24 37.14 24.76 60.61 6.06 45.45 Table 18: Showing the percentage of fishing for different purposes in the Mekong mainstream from Kratie to the Cambodia-Lao PDR border Location Daily food Sell Food and Sell Kampi 17.70 0.88 74.34 Chroy Banteay 19.72 1.41 78.87 Koh Phdao 28.23 0.81 70.97 Khsach Mkak 21.25 1.25 76.25 Koh Dombang 5.80 0.00 92.75 Thbaung Khla 14.58 0.00 83.33 Koh Konsat 33.61 0.00 65.55 Koh Santuok 37.33 1.33 58.67 Chheu teal 34.29 0.95 66.67 50 Table 19: Showing average daily catch by 1 fishermen in each dolphin pool area Dry season Rainy season No. Daytime Nighttime Daytime Nighttime Catch/day Location samples (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) Kampi 113 4.50 3.19 2.88 5.19 7.88 Chroy Banteay 71 3.17 2.85 5.14 4.78 7.97 Koh Phdao 124 1.89 3.40 3.94 5.17 7.20 Khsach Mkak 80 1.66 3.50 4.00 3.75 6.46 Koh Dombang 69 1.48 2.77 3.00 2.64 4.94 Thbaung Khla 96 2.10 1.39 1.89 2.92 4.15 Koh Konsat 119 1.62 2.31 1.69 1.94 3.78 Koh Santuok 75 2.03 1.65 1.00 3.31 3.99 Chheu teal 105 3.34 2.08 4.20 5.00 7.31 Mean (kg) 94.67 2.42 2.57 3.08 3.86 5.96 STDEV 21.5581 1.0240 0.7587 1.3606 1.2260 1.7423 Table 20: Showing the percentage of primary, and secondary occupations of respondents Primary occupation Secondary occupation Location Fishing Agriculture Others Fishing Agriculture Others Kampi 32.74 58.41 8.85 63.72 19.47 10.62 Chroy Banteay 16.90 83.10 0.00 70.42 11.27 8.45 Koh Phdao 8.06 87.90 4.03 72.58 12.90 12.90 Khsach Mkak 5.00 93.75 1.25 86.25 10.00 0.00 Koh Dombang 5.80 94.20 0.00 76.81 17.39 4.35 Thbaung Khla 1.04 96.88 2.08 84.38 6.25 5.21 Koh Konsat 0.84 85.71 3.36 73.11 20.17 5.04 Koh Santuok 0.00 90.67 9.33 72.00 28.00 0.00 Chheu teal 4.76 94.29 0.95 94.29 0.95 2.86 Mean 8.35 87.21 3.32 77.06 14.04 5.49 STDEV 10.4785 11.7065 3.5481 9.4745 8.1426 4.4558 51 6.2 Annex II: Questionnaire QUESTIONNAIRE Name of Interviewer:……………………………………………………Date:………………….2011 A. Beginning question Are you a fishermen? Yes No Did you fish with gillnets? Yes No (For villagers the interview will be continued only if they say Yes to both questions) B. General questions 1. Name of respondent: Sex: Age: 2. Address: Village Commune: District: Province: KT ST 3. How long have you been fishing? year(s), Since: 4. Main occupation: 5. Second occupation: 6. Other occupations: C. Technical questions (a) Gillnet fishing activity during the dry season 7. Where do you fish? UTM: Section of river: Village: Commune: District: Province: KT ST In deep pool Close to deep pool Over 2 km from deep pool Over 5 km from deep pool 8. Do you fish at daytime? Yes No From: To: 9. Do you fish at nighttime ? Yes No From: To: 10. If the respondent fishes at only 1 time, why? 11. What method do you use to fish? Manned Unmanned Along the river Across the river Others (list) 12. Where do you set your net? Left bank Middle Right bank Deepest place Shallow place All Why? 13. In which level of the river did you set your net? Surface Middle Bottom All Why? 14. What species do you target? Migrating species Sedentary species All species Particular species (Please list) 52 15. Dimension of the gillnet, Depth: (m) Length: (m) Mesh size: (cm) 16. How many gillnet units do you use at one time? 17. How many kilograms is your average catch in 1 day? 18. How many kilograms is your average catch in 1 night? 19. How many kilograms is your average catch in 24 hours? 20. Please list the 10 most abundant species in your fishing area in dry season? 21. Please tell us what species dodolphins like to eat most in dry season? (b) Gillnet fishing activity during rainy season 22. Where do you fish? UTM: Section of river: Village: Commune: District: Province: KT ST In deep pool Close to deep pool Over 2 km from deep pool Over 5 km from deep pool 23. Do you fish at daytime? Yes No From: To: 24. Do you fish at nighttime ? Yes No From: To: 25. If the respondent fishes at only 1 time, why? 26. What method do you use to fish? Manned Unmanned Along the river Across the river Others (list) 27. Where do you set your net? Left bank Middle Right bank Deepest place Shallow place All Why? 28. Which level of river do you set your net? Surface Middle Bottom All Why? 29. What species do you target? Migrating species Sedentary species All species Particular species (Please list) 30. Dimension of the gillnet, Depth: (m) Length: (m) Mesh size: (cm) 31. How many gillnet units do you use to fish at one time? 32. How many kilograms is your average catch in 1 day? 33. How many kilograms is your average catch in 1 night? 34. How many kilograms is your averages catch in 24 hours? 35. Please list the 10 most abundant species in your fishing area in rainy season? 36. Please tell us what species do dolphins like to eat most in rainy season? (c) Fish consumption 37. What is your purpose for fishing Daily food Sell Food and Sell 38. What is the prices per kg of: Big fish Medium fish Small fish Lump sum 39. What species are most expensive in your area? 40. Are expensive fish caught by gillnet or by others fishing gears/methods? 41. If caught by other fishing gear/methods, please list those gears/methods? (d) Dolphins 53 42. Do dolphins ever appear in your fishing areas? Yes No if Yes 43. Where do they appear? 44. How many individuals appear in you fishing ground? 45. In what month do dolphins appear? 46. How long do dolphins appear in that area? from which month to which month Year 47. Have dolphins ever been caught in your net? Yes No if Yes How many times? When? 48. Have dolphins ever been caught in other nets in your fishing ground? Yes No if Yes How many times? When? 49. Have you ever seen dead dolphins in you fishing ground? Yes No if Yes How many times? When? 50. What was the status of the dead dolphins? Entangled in a gillnet? Not entangled in a gillnet? Other status: 51. What fishing gears or fishing methods do you think have bad impact on dolphins? (List them, and why?) (e) Other fishing gears 52. How many types of fishing gear are used in your village and neighboring villages? (Please list their names) 53. Please list 5 gears/methods that are common in your area? 54. Please list the 3 most effective gears/methods used in your area? 55. Are there destructive fishing gear/method used by people in your village or neighboring villages, such as, explosive fishing, electro-fishing, poison fishing, etc. 56. What are the targeted species? 57. What is the purpose of fishing? 58. What group of people often used the destructive fishing gears/methods? 59. Where are destructive fishing gears/methods used? UTM: Section of River: Village : Commune: District: Province: KT ST 60. Are there dolphinsin that fishing ground? Yes No if Yes When? Dry season Rainy season Or particular month (List)? 61. Do those fishing methods ever effect dolphins? Yes No if Yes How? D. Development question 62. Do you have any ideas how to protect dolphins in general? 63. Do you have any ideas how to protect dolphins in your area? 64. Do you know how to prevent dolphin by-catch in gillnets? 65. Do you know how to prevent dolphin by-catch in gillnet while still maintaining your fishing activity? 66. Do you know what substances that dolphins are afraid of or avoid, e.g. Herbal, Plant, Animal, Sound, light? 67. Do the river guards benefit ed protection? 68. What do you think about the effectiveness of the river guards? 69. Do we need to increase the number of river guards and guard points? 54