Employing Geographical Information Systems in Fisheries ... · district, Champasack province Lao PDR as a case study. The research focuses on integrating indigenous and scientific

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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