fishbio activities in the mekong and the united states: the importance of fisheries monitoring and...
TRANSCRIPT
FISHBIO Activities in the Mekong and the United States:The Importance of Fisheries Monitoring and Research
Discussion Outline
• FISHBIO South East Asia research and monitoring
• What we’ve learned from assessing the impacts of hydropower on fisheries in the United States
• What data do we need?
• How do we address funding challenges?
• What are the Challenges?
Community-based Participatory Research
Capacity Building Market Surveys Consumption
Surveys
Harvest Surveys
Nam Kading Basin Village Animal Protein Consumption
Insects1%
Dry Season1 November 2010 – 30 April 2011
Wet Season1 May 2011 – 30 October 2011
Why is collaboration important in Mekong?
• Little foundational knowledge
• Number, abundance, and variability of species• Physical / Behavioral variability of species
• Extreme longitudinal and lateral migrations
• Watershed size and habitat variability• Headwaters / Mainstem / Delta
• Social• Funding / Capacity / Communication / Goals and values
Significant challenges - collaboration increases efficiency (improved management for lower cost)
How is fisheries management funded in the United States?
Environmental Measures
OperatingCosts
Upkeep and Repair
*Complex system with significant environmental issues. Data obtained for the Wells Project on the mid-Columbia River.
• Government• Federal/State/Local
• Hydro/Irrigation• Regulatory requirements• Proactive / defensive
• Universities
• NGOs
Hydropower Operating CostsFunding Entities
Fisheries Management Challenges
• Harvest
• Hatcheries
• Habitat Degradation
• Hydropower
• Invasive species• Increased demand
on resources• Others
Population Stressors
• Abundance Trends and influences
• Habitat Use and Behavior Varies by life-stage
• Migration Route / Success / Timing
Key Management Questions
What have we learned in the United States?
• Proactive planning more effective than reactive
• Collaboration and data sharing improves management
• Standardized sampling techniques valuable for comparisons
• Long-term monitoring data critical
• Fisheries monitoring is ongoing operating cost
• Hydropower not the only stressor but industry benefits from effectively managing fisheries
What would benefit fisheries management in the Mekong?
• Understanding of species and life-history requirements
• Species / basin prioritization plan
• Data and information sharing / collaboration
• Increased local capacity
• Long-term monitoring plan and funding
Thank You
Mekong River System Science and Data WorkshopScience for a Sustainable Mekong River System
September 16-18, 2014University of Science – Ho Chi Minh City
Doug Demko J.D.Fish Biologist / President
[email protected] www.FISHBIO.com