The Working Party was convened from Monday 23 January to Friday 27 January in New Delhi, India. The first two days of the meeting were devoted to a Workshop on the Role of Stocking and Introduction in the Improvement of Production of lakes and Reservoirs. Dr. A. Sreenivasan was requested to chair the Workshop and Dr. S.N. Dwivedi was unanimously elected Chairman of the Working Party.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMME SINCE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE WORKING PARTY (Bangkok, 17–19 January 1978)
Most of the actions recommended by the Working Party have been implemented in the six years which have elapsed since its first session.
Reservoir research and management: A technical paper (FIRI/T.207 -Management of Asian Reservoir Fisheries) prepared by Thiraphan Bhukaswan, was released in 1980. This has been complemented by a Fisheries Circular by Elvira Baluyut (FIRI/C.753 -Assessment of problems in planning river basin development involving a hydroelectric scheme).
Introduced species: A Register of International Transfers of Fish Species (FIRI/T.213) was issued in 1981. This includes many data from the IPFC region, thanks to the participation of many individual fishery workers. The register should be updated periodically. Additional discussions on this topic were held during the Workshop on 23 and 24 January.
Research on anadromous species: The coordinated research project did not start work and with the retirement of the proposed convenor has become inactive. However, a consultant with the Bangladesh project completed a preliminary study of the Hilsa fishery there and his data have been published and are made available to other interested IPFC countries and workers.
Study on effect of dams on floodplain fisheries: No action
Pollution of inland waters: Provision has been made in our 1984 budget for a consultant to visit some countries in the region to assess the state of pollution in their waters and to propose follow-up actions. Two publications are relevant to the state of pollution in the area. Lectures presented at the Fifth FAO/SIDA Workshop on Aquatic Pollution: Scientific and administrative bases for management measures (TF-RAS 34(SWE) Suppl.1) Manila 1977; and the Report of the Seventh FAO/SIDA Workshop on Aquatic Pollution in relation to the Protection of Living Resources: Analyses of metals and organochlorines in biota (GCP-RAS 72(SWE) Manila 1979.
Infestation with aquatic weeds: No action.
Statistics: A first draft of the “Inland Fisheries of Southeast Asia” has been circulated at this session and some comments or elaboration are requested.
Mangrove swamp and brackishwater ecology: There have been several actions at Headquarters and elsewhere on this topic. There is, for example, growing cooperation between the FAO Forestry and Fisheries Departments on ecological and management problems of such areas and several technical review papers have been produced. The South China Sea project in their series of publications SCS/80/WP produced reviews of the present state of the mangrove ecosystem for Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as a regional summary. Other publications arising from these activities are as follows:
“Management and utilization of mangroves in Asia and the Pacific”. FAO Environment Pap., No. 3, 1982.
“Some potential environmental effects of coastal aquaculture with implications for site selection and aquaculture engineering”. In SCS/GEN/82/42. This paper deals partly with guidelines for minimizing damage to mangrove ecosystems by coastal aquaculture, particularly pond shrimp culture.
“Multiple-use management of mangrove ecosystems in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) currently in final draft form. Will be published by FAO/FO.
“Guidelines for estimating the value of mangrove ecosystems for fisheries and aquaculture”. Consultancy to be run by FIRI in 1984.
Information on basic biology of fish species: The species synopsis for Catla catla has been reprinted (FIR/S.32(Rev.1)) and new synopses for Lates niloticus (FIR/S.132) and grass carp (FIR/S.135) have recently been published. A manual for the culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (FIRI/T.225) is now also available.
Publications of technical information: although FAO is not able to assist directly in this, a newsletter on aquaculture is issued by the Network of Aquaculture Centre in Asia. Further publications by organizations other than FAO also appear as, for instance, those issued by ICLARM, SEAFDEC, PCARR.
Fisheries legislation: No action taken.
Information on activities by other bodies working on inland fisheries: No action taken.
Regional Workshop on Inland Fisheries for Planners: This was held in Manila, Philippines, between 2–6 August 1982. The report is available as document FIR/R.288 and the conclusions, recommendations and their implementation are discussed below.
Other recommendations made at the last Session in Kyoto for Training Centres in Riverine Fisheries on Lake and Reservoir Fisheries have not been pursued for lack of funds.
JOINT DISCUSSIONS WITH IPFC WORKING PARTY ON AQUACULTURE
(a) Planning for fisheries and aquaculture
Capture and culture fisheries are pursued more or less independently in the region. There is very little planning for a common approach to the trade-offs between the two activities or their interactions with other users of the aquatic system in which they are pursued. Integrated approaches to aquaculture do have local success, for instance in China, Hong Kong and Nepal, although in many countries intensive aquaculture appears to be more efficient.
There are many cases where aquaculture is expected to serve as a mitigating measure to make up for shortfalls from capture fisheries in natural waters. The environment for capture fisheries is being steadily eroded and there is a growing demand on the existing free waters for more intensive culture practices in most countries. This reflects a tendency to drift from inland capture fisheries to culture fisheries which is also placing a demand on marginal waters such as swamps, back waters and mangrove areas for aquaculture purposes for the development of which new technologies are needed. It is, therefore, recommended that the exchange of information be strengthened on technologies appropriate to the development of aquatic areas of marginal value for aquaculture in inland fisheries.
The growing emphasis on aquaculture is also encroaching upon waters customarily reserved for capture fisheries and conflicts arise between the two sectors. There are, however, serious problems in implementing any plans or legislation to resolve such conflicts, which emphasize the need for elaboration of guidelines for planners both of the aquatic resources and the fisheries themselves. This problem can be approached in part through national workshops but assistance is needed from the FAO Secretariat in supplying the basic material for such workshops.
Apart from being an important contributor of animal protein, in a number of situations fisheries already contribute to this revenue from multi-purpose projects. However, it is still necessary to strengthen the role of fisheries in the planning and management phases of new projects, as well as in the already implemented ones. Pressure should be brought to bear at the national level to involve either permanent fisheries representatives or consultants in regular consultative users meetings which serve as a platform for exchange of information on specific and common problems of large schemes. Such meetings should be used by the fisheries representatives to identify both the harmful impact of other users, as well as to highlight the present level of ameliorative measures available to the fisheries to maintain fish production at a sustained level. It is therefore recommended that the national governments include fisheries planning in all multi-use projects from their earliest stages. Such planning should include consideration of the socio-economic benefits that accrue from fisheries.
The Working Party endorsed the recommendation of the IPFC Workshop on Inland Fisheries for Planners, Manila, August 1982, that a consultant be engaged to prepare Guidelines on Fishery Development under specific situations, using quantification in support of arguments wherever possible. Further more, guidelines are also needed for the most appropriate development of water bodies which should be based on limnological typology of the various lakes, reservoirs and rivers of Southeast Asia. The FAO Secretariat is requested to consider approaches to this problem and, if necessary, engage a consultant to apply a typological approach to a sub-area of the region from which data are available.
(b) Pollution and environment
Both water quantity and quality are limiting to the health and maintenance of fish stocks in the region. The construction of dams on the headwaters of rivers is resulting in the alteration of flow patterns within rivers and abstraction of water for other purposes such as irrigation is influencing the total quantity of water available. Studies are urgently needed on the quantities of water required for the maintenance of aquaculture and stocks of fish within the river downstream of such dams. It is therefore recommended that individual countries collect information on this topic with a view to eventually establishing guidelines for flow.
With regard to water quality, many countries expressed concern as to the growing pollution of their inland waters. It was, therefore, requested that the recommendation of the first session of the Working Party for a survey of the extent of inland water pollution in the IPFC region be implemented. The following countries should be considered as priority for the visit of any consultant visiting the region: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and India. The problem of mining wastes was identified of particular concern by Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Papua New Guinea. This should be reviewed by a series of case studies from the countries affected which could be submitted for editing and publication by the Secretariat with a view to recommending mitigating measures. Because of the predominance of contamination with organic wastes and the potential for utilization of such wastes for aquaculture, it is suggested that further studies be carried out by specialized institutions in IPFC member countries on fish utilizing (a) raw semi-liquid sludge, and (b) detritus originating from waste disposal.
(c) Infestation by aquatic weeds and reclamation of derelict waterways
Many countries have derelict waters which have been formed on previously active floodplains whose reclamation would provide areas for aquaculture and capture fisheries. It was recommended that a simple manual be prepared on the techniques for reclamation of such waters. As a first step in the preparation of such a manual, Bangladesh offered to submit a document to the Secretariat on their experiments with oxbow lakes, but derelict floodplain depression need detailed ecological studies prior to the development of measures for their reclamation.
Infestation by aquatic weeds is also detrimental to fisheries in many lakes and reservoirs of the region. The Working Party wished to adhere to the activities of CIFA with regard to aquatic macrophyte development and recommended that any publications prepared in Africa be adapted to the situation in the IPFC region. It was further recommended that the situation of weed infestation in reservoirs of the IPFC region be reviewed with the aim of assisting in decisions on weed management measures for such reservoirs. Mr. Tripathi of India volunteered to coordinate work on aquatic weeds in collaboration with the Secretariat, subject to official approval.
DISCUSSIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON INLAND FISHERIES
Reservoir research and management
(a) Stocking and introductions
A Workshop on the role of stocking and introductions in the improvement of production of lakes and reservoirs was held jointly with the Working Group on Aquaculture. Its conclusions form Annex I of this report. Major recommendations arising from the meeting were as follows:
It was recommended that an inventory of such species be prepared for the region. This would include information on the biology of the species, its ecological requirements, current experiments with its stockings both positive and negative interactions with other species, long-term changes in its stocks, notes on its aquaculture use, etc. The Secretariat, in collaboration with Mr. M. Mackinnon of Queensland State Fisheries, Australia, will prepare a standardized questionnaire which would be sent to fisheries departments and individuals. The information will be compiled for publication by FAO.
It was recommended that studies be carried out on a regional basis to elaborate simple models for predicting fish yields from ponds, reservoirs and lakes of the region and to determine their validity. Dr. Dwivedi, subject to official approval, offered the services of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, India, to collect and interpret information from the region in collaboration with the Secretariat.
(b) Management
Knowledge of the biology and ecology of the various species for fish inhabiting reservoirs is an essential pre-requisite for formulating management policies for maintaining productivity of these water bodies. It is further important to consider individual reservoirs as the unit of management where possible revolving funds should be established to aid in research, development and management of such stocks. In India, the factors regulating productivity are well understood on the basis of extensive data. This type of information is less readily available for other waters of the region and the Working Party further emphasized the importance of establishing simple indices for estimating potential yields of reservoirs and lakes as set out above.
Knowledge of appropriate technology and socio-economic aspects of reservoir fisheries in the region is scanty and needs reinforcing. Therefore, it was felt that training in reservoir fisheries management is needed for a number of countries. There is a large pool of knowledge and experience on reservoir management in some countries in the region. It is, therefore, recommended that member countries, especially India and China, organize training courses in reservoir fisheries management under a TCDC scheme. NACA centres should also assist with special topics such as induced breeding for stocking of reservoirs, and with cages and pen cultures. The Central Institute of Fisheries Education of India is currently running courses in this field and would be able to take a limited number of trainees from other countries in the region.
While appreciating the need to conserve crocodiles in their native habitat, it would be against the interests of fisheries development in reservoirs to breed and stock them in reservoirs. The balance in nature may be allowed to operate by itself without human interference and they should not be transplanted into ecosystems where they do not already exist.
(c) River and floodplain fisheries
There is at present no framework for determining the patterns of productivity of rivers in Southeast Asia. A generalized model needs to be developed for the elaboration of such models. This is difficult in many areas because of the diffuse nature of the fishery. It is, therefore, recommended that statistical sampling systems for estimating fish catch from rivers be elaborated.
Attempts at stocking rivers with new species have met with success in Thailand where a transfer of Puntius gonionotus into the south-flowing river systems and in Indonesia where the introduction of Trichogaster has proved beneficial. In India, considerable modification to the fish fauna have occurred where no new species of carps have been introduced into reservoirs and have become disseminated throughout the river systems.
The increase in number of regulatory structures such as irrigation systems and hydroelectric dams has placed considerable constraints on floodplain fish stocks and on their regulations. Fish ways or fish ladders to assist migration are very scarce in the region, with only a few in Thailand assisting the fish in their movements over low weirs of the irrigation systems. Poor knowledge of the migratory habits of indigenous fish makes correct designs of fish ladders difficult. It is, therefore, essential to gather more information on these migrations. It is believed that when more knowledge is available, more appropriate designs for various structures assisting migration will be possible. It is recommended that the IPFC Secretariat approach other regional bodies which may face similar problems, i.e., COPESCAL and CIFA for a joint review of structures assisting in fish migration.
Because of the increasing degradation of rivers throughout Southeast Asia, the group considered that every attempt should be made to conserve river resources. Some management measures have been proposed for such conservation including closed seasons.
In India, an attempt has been made to maintain juvenile fishes by creating reserves. Normally, juvenile fish are exploited for fish seed throughout river systems with a resulting decline in the abundance of the resource. However, the reserves were successful in maintaining stocks, whereas other rivers where exploitation was uncontrolled showed a scarce reduction in population.
Fish hatcheries installed expressly for the compensation of interrupted migration routes may present a viable alternative for such species as Hilsa and mahseer, where fish ladders are impracticable, and are being recommended in some countries.
However, control of the fishery alone is insufficient and participation of fishery managers in general planning for maintenance of water quantity in river basins is indispensable.
(d) Biology
Basic biological information is needed for the current utilization of many species. Species synopses are needed to increase understanding of those species of greater economic importance. Synopses on Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis and Anabas testudineus are ready for publication in CIFRI, India, and other species might include Ophicephalus spp. and Labeo calbasu. Nepal undertook to prepare material on Schizothorax. Species synopses are also invited on Tor sp. The Secretariat will circulate information on species synopses and a list of proposed priority species for which such synopses shall be prepared. The cooperation programme on biology of Hilsa which was recommended by, but not activated since, the first session, was considered to be of continuing priority. Some work on the marine stocks of the species will be undertaken by the Bay of Bengal Programme but further work continues to be required on inland stocks.
(e) Mangrove and brackishwater ecology
Concern was expressed as to the methodology for determining the proportion of the mangrove which can be developed for aquaculture. Australia and the Philippines are using satellite imagery for coastal estuarine inventory and, because of the general interest of this technology, it is recommended that a training course be organized for the interpretation and use of satellite imagery for coastal lagoon surveys in the IPFC region. Other countries are experiencing problems in setting the limits for conversion to shrimp culture and request assistance from those having some experience in this field. Furthermore, the Secretariat is requested to disseminate information on progress of surveys of mangrove to participants of the meeting. It was further recommended that the various IPFC countries, either through their own programmes or through an aid programme, seek to determine the current status of their mangrove areas through the use of satellite imagery programmes. These data can later be complied into a regional atlas.
Because of the interest in mangroves and coastal lagoons to both Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Working Parties, it is recommended that the management of coastal lagoons and mangrove areas form the topic for the joint session of the working parties when they next meet.
(f) Statistics and data
Difficulties are being experienced in all countries in the region on the collection of statistical data on inland waters and aquaculture due to the diffused nature of resources and lack of methodology. The poor quality of statistics was identified as one of the major constraints in inland fisheries development and management. There is a considerable need for improving the collection of inland fisheries data within each of the countries to ensure proper formulation and maintaining of management measures. The Working Party recommended most strongly to the appropriate authorities for collecting such statistics in the member countries that systems for collection and analysis of inland capture fisheries and aquaculture data be reinforced. It was noted that the collection of statistics for their own sake is of little value and collection system should be directed to particular ends. In this respect the Working Party recommends to the IPFC Working Party on Statistics that it examine the special needs of inland fisheries data collection and its interpretation, including soci-economic data and catch data. Participation of selected members of the Inland Fisheries Working Party in a session of the Working Party on Statistics may help to define the particular objectives and goals of inland fisheries data collection.
Publications
The dissemination of publications within the region, as well as communication between fishery scientists from different countries is limited by the lack of a Directory of Fishery Scientists in the region. It is recommended that the Secretariat, together with the FAO regional office, complete a list of such workers from both government and universities which should include a short list of their specialities.
International cooperation in inland fisheries science in the IPFC countries is limited by the absence of an international journal for the publication of scientific papers. Such a journal is felt to be essential for the region where it should provide a forum for presentation of scientific work of importance to the management and development of inland aquatic resources. Individual contributions to such a journal should be regulated by an international editorial board. It is clearly impossible at present to secure ongoing international funding for a journal, nor would it prove possible to fund it through a society. It was, therefore, recommended that funding be sought from some national agency within a country of the IPFC region to finance such a publication.
Inland fisheries of the Indo-Pacific island countries
There is a need to increase the awareness of the IPFC activities in the field of inland water fisheries among the member countries of the Pacific and to draw these countries into closer contact with the activities of other countries. The increasing number of multi-purpose reservoirs on the Pacific islands provides opportunities for inland fisheries to expand into a new lacustrine environment, which has been so far limited mainly to lagoons and a very few natural lakes existing in this part of the IPFC region. More pressure has been placed on inland fisheries resources due to the gradual reduction of coastal fisheries resources and due to the increase in human population.
The inland water status of the islands concerned should be reviewed, areas which require the most attention identified, and programme of assistance and collaboration among the IPFC countries established. It is recommended that the IPFC Secretariat approach the Pacific island countries in the region with the suggestion that they hold a Workshop on Inland Fisheries.
Apart from reviewing the situation, such a Workshop would provide opportunities to draw the attention of fishery planners and managers to the need for planning for fisheries prior to launching major schemes, such as hydropower and water supply reservoirs, new mines and irrigation schemes, etc. The Workshop should also discuss the best approaches to the problem of rehabilitation of already existing reservoir fisheries by drawing attention to suitable fish and invertebrate species, as well as assessing the prospects for improved management of the existing fisheries.
Legislation
Due to rapid changes in the management and utilization of aquatic resources, the situation regarding internal fishery legislation is now at a critical stage throughout most of the region where old legislation, which is often inappropriate, is now to be supplemented by new legislation, some of which is still in the formulation stage. Legislation and its enforcement are clearly matters for individual nations. Some countries are experiencing difficulties in translating scientific knowledge of the resource into suitable legislation and some advice from FAO could be requested which might take the form of information on the existing legislation elsewhere in the world for tackling similar problems; or by advice on the steps to be taken in formulating legislation for specific circumstances. Assistance of international organization is also required in the preparation of legislation and its enforcement for international river fisheries.
The rise in conflicts with multi-purpose systems are furthermore aggravating the difficulties of dealing with such questions as the impacts of pollution on fish stocks.
In a number of countries the fisheries sector collaborates with other departments in the formulation of the legislation for fish stock protection and conservation and shares with them the responsibilities. In spite of this, the enforcement of legislation is still difficult because suitable mechanisms are lacking; training is also required for enforcement officers.
Timing of next session
It was noted that six years had elapsed between the first and second meeting of this Working Party and it was felt that, in view of the importance of this topic, such a long period should not be permitted to recur. It is, therefore recommended that a Third Session of the Working Party be convened within two years. Furthermore, the holding of the Working Parties on Inland Fisheries and on Aquaculture consecutively but with some overlap was felt to have been of great benefit to both groups and should be continued.
