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Employing Geographical Information Systems in Fisheries Management in the Mekong River: a case
study of Lao PDR
Kaviphone Phouthavongs
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science
School of Geosciences University of Sydney
June 2006
i
ABSTRACT
The objective of this research is to employ Geographical Information Systems to fisheries
management in the Mekong River Basin. The study uses artisanal fisheries practices in Khong
district, Champasack province Lao PDR as a case study. The research focuses on integrating
indigenous and scientific knowledge in fisheries management; how local communities use
indigenous knowledge to access and manage their fish conservation zones; and the contribution
of scientific knowledge to fishery co-management practices at village level. Specific attention is
paid to how GIS can aid the integration of these two knowledge systems into a sustainable
management system for fisheries resources.
Fieldwork was conducted in three villages in the Khong district, Champasack province and
Catch per Unit of Effort / hydro-acoustic data collected by the Living Aquatic Resources
Research Centre was used to analyse and look at the differences and/or similarities between
indigenous and scientific knowledge which can supplement each other and be used for small
scale fisheries management.
The results show that GIS has the potential not only for data storage and visualisation, but also
as a tool to combine scientific and indigenous knowledge in digital maps. Integrating indigenous
knowledge into a GIS framework can strengthen indigenous knowledge, from un processed data
to information that scientists and decision-makers can easily access and use as a supplement to
scientific knowledge in aquatic resource decision-making and planning across different levels.
The results show that when scientific and indigenous knowledge are both stored digitally in GIS
databases, a variety of analysis can be done. Multiple layers or visualising functions in ArcGIS
are an example of ways in which indigenous and scientific knowledge can be combined in GIS.
Maps of deep pools and important fishing grounds gathered using GPS and indigenous
knowledge provide base maps of aquatic resources in the study area. The attribute table
associated with the map links characteristics of each point, including fishing gear and species
found in each pool as well as spawning grounds and migration periods. This information is
useful for management and planning purposes.
ii
This research illustrates that mental maps and GIS digital maps can be used for fisheries
management at different levels. Where mental maps are suitable for communicating with the
local community and have the potential for use in fisheries co-management in small-scale
fisheries; GIS may be appropriated for data storage and analysis at provincial and national
levels, it can be used as a communication tool amongst stakeholders to monitor and understand
the aquatic environment.
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank the DANIDA/NARI project for providing financial support for this
research. Special thanks must go to Mr. Xaypradeth Choulamany, former Director of LARReC
and the present Director Mr. Lieng Khamsivilay, for their support and for giving me the
opportunity to do this research. Thanks also to Mr. Sten Sverdrup-Jensen, Technical Advisor,
NARI Project, for encouraging to me to continue with my studies.
At the University of Sydney, I would like to thank my supervisor Associate Professor Dr. Philip
Hirsch and associate supervisor Dr. Eleanor Bruce for their advice and guidance in helping me
go in the right direction. Thanks also to Simon, Krishna, and Cameron for their comments and
suggestions on my thesis. Thanks to Jagbir Singh for being kind and friendly and to Joan
Schreijaeg for offering help and reading my thesis.
Back home, I would like to thank my colleagues at the Living Aquatic Resources Research
Centre for helping me by providing and sending information related to my research. Thanks to
Sinthavong, Kongpheng and John for correcting the scientific names of fish, and also
Douangkham and Chanthone for providing information on CPUE and deep pools. Thanks to
Terry for his wise discussion of the CPUE study.
Thanks also goes to government officials in the Champasack province and the Khong district
who provided assistance to me with my field research. Special thanks must go to the village
headmen and fishermen who made their time available to me for discussion and who provided
me with useful information, as well as a place to sleep and excellent Lao food during my
fieldwork. Without their help, this research could not have been completed.
Last but not least, I wish to thank my family, especially my wife, who has taken great care of
my sons during my study time in Australia. I would also like to acknowledge my father, Tout
Phouthavongs, who continues to work hard to support our family and provide the opportunity
for all of us to study. I am not the only one who has a chance to study at the Masters level in
Australia. My brothers also graduated and received their Masters degrees in Australia in 1992
and 1998. Thank you Dad.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................................ iii
Table of contents........................................................................................................................... iv
List of figures ................................................................................................................................ ix
List of tables................................................................................................................................... x
Acronyms...................................................................................................................................... xi
Chapter I: Introduction............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Background and rational .......................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Research objective and questions ............................................................................................ 6
1.4 Research design and methods .................................................................................................. 6
1.4.1 Research design................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.4.2.1 Secondary data collection………………………………………………………...7
1.4.2.2 Village stay and observation……………………………………………………...8
1.4.2.3 Semi structure open-ended interview…………………………………………….8
1.4.2.4 Qualitative questionnaire design……………………………………………….…9
1.4.3 Research village ... ………………………………………………………………………..9
1.4.4 Fieldwork methods and data collection……………………………..…………………...10
1.4.4.1 Field data collection……………………………………………………………..10
1.4.4.2 Mental mapping and global positioning system………………………………...12
1.5 Outline of thesis ..................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter II: Knowledge systems................................................................................................ 20
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 20
2.2 Indigenous knowledge ........................................................................................................... 20
v
4.3 Fisheries co-management....................................................................................................... 25
2.4 Catch Per Unit of Effort and Hydro Acoustic Study ............................................................. 30
2.4.1 Catch Per Unit of Effort …………………………………………………………..30
2.4.2 Hydro acoustic study……………………………………………………………...31
2.5 GIS and natural resource management .................................................................................. 33
2.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 37
Chapter III: The Mekong River Fisheries............................................................................... 39
3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 39
3.2 The importance of fisheries to the people in the Lower Mekong River Basin ...................... 39
3.3 Capture fisheries and aquaculture development .................................................................... 41
3.4 Laos fisheries profile.............................................................................................................. 43
3.5 Fisheries of Khong District .................................................................................................... 46
3.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 52
Chapter IV: Spatial location ..................................................................................................... 53
4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 53
4.2 Scientific knowledge.............................................................................................................. 53
4.2.1 Geographical Information Systems and GPS.................................................................... 53
4.2.1.1 Digital base map………………………………………………………………...53
4.2.1.2 GPS data acquisition and processing……………………………………………54
4.2.2 Spatial location.................................................................................................................. 54
4.2.2.1 Village location………………………………………………………………….54
4.2.2.2 Deep pools and other natural resources…………………………………………56
4.2.2.3 The importance fishing grounds..……………………………………………….58
4.2.3 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 59
4.3 Community knowledge......................................................................................................... 62
4.3.1 Mental mapping ................................................................................................................ 62
4.3.1.1 Geographical knowledge………………………………………………………..62
vi
4.3.1.2 Preparing of materials and meetings……………………………………………62
4.3.1.3 Drawing a map…………………………………………………………………..63
4.3.2 Geographical references.................................................................................................... 65
4.3.2.1 Place and location……………………………………………………………….65
4.3.2.2 Distance and depth………………………………………………………………66
4.3.2.3 Community knowledge of deep pools…………………………………………..66
4.3.2.4 Fishing ground and method……………………………………………………..68
4.3.3 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 68
4.4 Comparative discussion ......................................................................................................... 69
4.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 71
Chapter V : Fish species and abundance................................................................................. 77
5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 77
5.2 Scientific knowledge.............................................................................................................. 77
5.2.1 CPUE study in the Khong District .................................................................................... 77
5.2.2 Understanding the migration process................................................................................ 80
5.2.3 Upstream migration........................................................................................................... 81
5.2.4 Relative index of fish abundance and fish species............................................................ 84
5.2.5 National fisheries statistics................................................................................................ 88
5.2.6 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 91
5.3 Community Knowledge ........................................................................................................ 92
5.3.1 Perceptions of fish abundance........................................................................................... 92
5.3.1.1 Fishermen knowledge of hydrological changes and lunar phases…………..…..92
5.3.1.2 Fishermen knowledge of fish habit and behaviours..…….……………………..93
5.3.2 Perceptions of species and catches.................................................................................... 95
5.3.2.1 The appearance of rare species………………………………………………….95
5.3.2.2 The total fish catch in the main fishing season………………………………….98
5.3.3 Summary………………………………………………………………………… 99
5.4 Comparative discussion ........................................................................................................ 99
5.5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 102
vii
Chapter VI: Deep pool and fish stocks .................................................................................. 103
6.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 103
6.2 Scientific knowledge............................................................................................................ 103
6.2.1. Theoretical principles of hydro-acoustic systems.......................................................... 103
6.2.2 The use of acoustic systems ............................................................................................ 106
6.2.3 Deep pools study in the Khong District .......................................................................... 107
6.2.4 Fish densities and behaviours ......................................................................................... 109
6.2.5 Fish stock and size composition...................................................................................... 111
6.2.6 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 114
6.3 Community Knowledge ....................................................................................................... 115
6.3.1 The importance of deep pools for fish stock................................................................... 115
6.3.2 Deep pools as recreational and cultural resources .......................................................... 117
6.3.3 Deep pools and fishery management in Ban Don Houat ................................................ 117
6.3.3.1 Fish conservation zones…….………………………………..………………...117
6.3.3.2 Fishermen knowledge of fish stock………………………….………………...121
6.3.4 Deep pools and fishery management in Ban Hatxaykhoun ............................................ 121
6.3.4.1 Fish conservation zones..………..……………………………………………..121
6.3.4.2 Fishermen knowledge of fish stock…………….……………………………...123
6.3.5 Deep pools and fishery management in Ban Hat ............................................................ 124
6.3.5.1 Deep pool management systems……………………………………………….124
6.3.5.2 Fishermen knowledge of fish stock…………….……………………………...125
6.3.6 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 126
6.4 Comparative discussion ....................................................................................................... 127
6.5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 130
Chapter VII: Synthesis and theoritical analysis ................................................................... 131
7.1. Introduction......................................................................................................................... 131
7.2 Synthesis .............................................................................................................................. 131
7.2.1 Incorporating IK into GIS ............................................................................................... 131
7.2.2 Presentation of result into GIS ........................................................................................ 133
viii
7.2.2.1 Multiple representation and analysis tools … ………………………………....133
7.2.2.2 Spatial analyst.. ………………………….………..…………………………..136
7.2.3 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 136
7.3 Theoretical analysis ............................................................................................................. 153
7.3.1 Fisheries co-management................................................................................................ 153
7.3.2 The need for integration of SK and IK ........................................................................... 155
7.3.3 GIS as tool for communication and visualisation ........................................................... 157
7.3.4 The implication of fish abundance and decline .............................................................. 158
7.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 160
Chapter VIII: Conclusions...................................................................................................... 161
8.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 161
8.2 Research findings................................................................................................................. 161
8.3 Significance of research....................................................................................................... 163
8.4 Implications of research....................................................................................................... 165
8.5 Further research ................................................................................................................... 166
8.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 167
References................................................................................................................................. 168
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Research diagram ..................................................................................................... 15
Figure 1.2 Map of Lao PDR provinces ..................................................................................... 16
Figure 1.3 Geographical location of study villages ................................................................... 17
Figure 1.4 Thesis outline diagram.............................................................................................. 18
Figure 1.5 Map of deep pools in Khong District ....................................................................... 19
Figure 4.1 The layers and its attribute display in Arc GIS 9.0 .................................................. 60
Figure 4.2 Digital map of fishing ground in Ban Don Houat .................................................... 60
Figure 4.3 Digital map of fishing ground in Ban Hatxaykhoun ................................................ 61
Figure 4.4 Digital map of fishing ground in Ban Hat ................................................................ 61
Figure 4.5 Mental map of Ban Don Houat ................................................................................ 74
Figure 4.6 Mental map of Ban Hat ........................................................................................... 75
Figure 4.7 Mental map of Ban Hatxaykhoun ............................................................................ 76
Figure 5.1 CPUE data in Ban Hat (1994-2004) ........................................................................ 82
Figure 5.2 Mean CPUE during CNY and relative water depths in Ban Hat ............................. 84
Figure 5.3 Mean CPUE in FCZ vs. Mean CPUE in the Reference site in Ban Don Houat ...... 85
Figure 5.4 Mean CPUE in FCZ vs. Mean CPUE in the Reference site in Ban Hatxaykhoun... 88
Figure 6.1 Basic components of acoustic system ................................................................... 104
Figure 6.2 A relationship between mean target strength and fish size .................................... 106
Figure 6.3 Total fish densities (fish /ha) in deep pools and FCZs ........................................... 110
Figure 6.4 Total fish biomass (Sa /ha) in deep pools and FCZs ............................................. 111
Figure 6.5 A relationship between depth and target strength (dB) in FCZ Ban Don Houat.... 113
Figure 6.6 A relationship between depth and target strength (dB) in FCZ Ban Hatxaykhoun 113
Figure 6.7 A relationship between depth and target strength (dB) in Khoum Done Phi ........ 113
Figure 6.8-69 A relationship between depth and target strength (dB) in Ban Hat’ deep pool 114
Figure 7.1 Conceptual framework for the integration of IK and SK ...................................... 132
Figure 7.2 Multiple previews showing province layer and river layer .................................... 138
Figure 7.3 ‘Select by attribute’: Champasack province........................................................... 138
Figure 7.4 Clip analysis tool: Champasack province layer and river ...................................... 139
Figure 7.5 Multiple previews of the riverine system and the deep pools in the study areas .. 139
Figure 7.6 Combining SK and IK: Deep pools in the study area, including river bottom
x
condition...................................................................................................................... 140
Figure 7.7 Combining SK and IK: Important fishing grounds in the study areas .................. 141
Figure 7.8 Indigenous knowledge map: common fishing areas .............................................. 142
Figure 7.9 Indigenous knowledge map: Fishing gear used ..................................................... 143
Figure 7.10 Indigenous knowledge map: traditional management system ............................. 144
Figure 7.11 Species distribution: IK vs. SK............................................................................ 145
Figure 7.12 Indigenous knowledge map: the appearance of rare species ............................... 146
Figure 7.13 Fish biomass in selected deep pools ..................................................................... 147
Figure 7.14 Fish densities in selected deep pools .................................................................... 148
Figure 7.15 The relationship between the depth of pools and the number of brood stock in
selected deep pools..................................................................................................... 149
Figure 7.16 Map of Done Houat and FCZ (top), species distribution in FCZ (left) and 2D map
of Vang Nong Hai fish conservation zone (right)..................................................... 150
Figure 7.17 (A) General over view map of Khoum done phi, (B) 2D map of Khoum done phi
and (C) Fishing gear use at different depths and species catch ............................... 151
Figure 7.18 Fishing ground in Hat village (right) and fish density in Veun Songkham (left)
with common fishing areas ....................................................................................... 152
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1 Deep pools and their charecteristicts ........................................................................ 73
Table 5.1 Some parameters of the migratory species found in Ban Hat.................................... 83
Table 5.2: Fish species from CPUE vs. species from IK.......................................................... 90
Table 5.3: The important fish species caught in study areas ................................................... 96
Table 6.1: Fish species using deep pools as a habitat ............................................................. 118
Table 7.1: The attribute table of deep pools............................................................................. 133
Table 7.2 : Layers and its features ........................................................................................... 134
xi
ACRONYMS CNY Chinese New Year
CPUE Catch per Unit of Effort
DAFO District Agriculture and Forestry Office
DLF Department of Livestock and Fishery
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FCZs Fish Conservation Zones
FIP Fishery Program
GPS Global Positioning System
GIS Geographical Information System IK Indigenous Knowledge
IDRC International Development Research Centre of Canada
LARReC Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre
LMRB Lower Mekong River Basins
LNMRC Lao National Mekong River Commission
MRC Mekong River Commission
MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
NARI National Aquatic Research Resources Institute (project)
NAFRI National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute
NGOs Non-government Organizations
PAFO Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office
SK Scientific Knowledge
SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre
STEA Science, Technology and Environment Agency
UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation
UTM Universal transverse of Mercator
UXO Unexploited Ordnance