Species Diversity of Fish and consumption in Nan River in Bang Krathum district, Phitsanulok province, Thailand

Abstract

The fishery is an essential part of Thai culture and provides the rural population with a significant amount of animal protein. This research targeted the examination of fish species, the status of fish capture and consumption along the Nan River in the Bang Krathum district, Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Between November 2019 and April 2020, three sites were sampled along the river, and four sites were sampled in the local markets. A total of 35 individuals including fishermen, fish traders, and governmental officers involved in the region's fish resource management were subjected to purposive sampling. The data analysis was undertaken utilizing methods such as mean, frequency and percentage. The findings revealed 28 fish species across 11 families and six orders. The family Cyprinidae in the order Cypriniformes had the highest number of species (10 species). The number of fish species found in the local markets (19 species) was higher than those found in the river (17 species). In terms of consumption, the majority of fishermen and fish traders were female (65.71% and 84.62%, respectively). However, 95.00% of them lacked certification for fishing in public areas. The preferred method of fishing was floating netting, with predominant catch of carp species recorded at least twice a week. Compared to previous figures, productivity has decreased indicating a need for adequate training and knowledge about natural resource management and stocking enhancement.