Fish catch and community composition in a data-poor Mekong River subcatchment characterised through participatory surveys of harvest from an artisanal fishery

In this study we used participatory research methods to characterize a data-poor fishery in a tributary of the Mekong River. Sixteen local villagers from four villages were trained to record harvest data along a 25-km reach of the lower Nam Kading River. Catch records included 65 fish genera representing at least 93 species, with 11 species of concern on the IUCN Red List. High levels of diversity, and the presence of species assessed as endangered by the IUCN Red List, highlight the need for further studies and conservation interventions in the area.Participatory research activities can serve as a bridge for communities to engage with government to inform fisheries management.