Present status of inland fisheries and its linkage to ecosystem health and human wellbeing in North Central of Vietnam

Abstract

The sustainability of inland fisheries in Asia requires a better understanding of the dual role of inland fisheries as a valuable source of ecosystem services and as an indicator of ecosystem health. This study investigates the present status of inland fisheries and their importance to local communities in Lam, the largest river basin in the northern part of Central Vietnam. We found 150 fish species during two sampling seasons in 2020. Biotic and abiotic metrics indicated satisfactory to good water quality status in the Lam river. Inland fisheries contributed around 152 tons per year of fish yields for food consumption and trading based on 120 surveyed households. In addition to food services and income for local communities, fish biodiversity was also valued for cultural services supported by a long-term fishing tradition transferred among generations. Surveys suggested reductions in inland fishery yields and the size of caught species, likely driven by high harvests using unsustainable methods, hydropower dam construction and operation, and climate change. Our findings highlight the need for continued long-term monitoring of understudied river ecosystems and a strengthening of governance and fisheries law enforcement to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in inland fisheries.