Fisheries Country Profile: Lao PDR 2025

2025 Information Updated

Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), spans an area of 236,800 km²and is a landlocked country. It shares borders with five nations, namely: China and Myanmar to the north, Cambodia to the south, Viet Nam to the east, and Thailand to the west (Figure 1). Fisheries significantly contribute to rural livelihoods across the country, often ranking as the second or third most important economic activity, following rice farming and animal husbandry.

As of 2024, Lao PDR has an estimated population of around 7.7 million (World info, 2025), with approximately 80 % population living in rural areas. These communities heavily depend on fishery resources and other aquatic animals, whether fresh or preserved, as essential sources of protein in their diets. The country is endowed with over 1,280,384 ha of water resources, comprising 1,238,384 ha dedicated to capturing fisheries and 42,000 ha for aquaculture (Fisheries Strategy, 2025).

In 2023, approximately 70 % of the total fish production in Lao PDR will be consumed directly by humans, either as fresh fish or in processed forms. The remaining 30 % is transformed into a variety of products, including steamed, smoked, dried, and salted fish, as well as different types    of fermented fish sauce. The average fish consumption in the country stands at 33 kg per person per year. Moreover, the contribution of fisheries to the country’s GDP was approximately 6 % (Agriculture Statistical, 2023).

The Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), is responsible for managing and ensuring the sustainable use of fishery resources. This includes the development of aquaculture, monitoring of fisheries, and oversight of fisheries management in reservoirs to promote stability, quality, and sustainability within the sector.

Fisheries Sector

Capture fisheries and aquaculture in the Lao PDR are intricately linked to its diverse water ecosystems that include 14 major rivers, various streams, hydropower and irrigation reservoirs, diversion weirs, small water bodies, floodplains, and wet-season rice fields. It is estimated that the total area of water resources available for capture fisheries exceeds 1.2 million ha. As the fisheries sector in Lao PDR continues to develop, a variety of production systems are being explored. These include fisheries management, aquaculture development, pond culture, communal ponds, rice-cum-fish culture, and cage culture. The Mekong River is one of the important water ecosystems of Lao PDR that is home to over 1,200 fish species; although the Lao region has recorded 609 species of fish in the Mekong Fish Database, which also includes exotic species (Fisheries Strategy, 2025).

• Capture fisheries

Capture fisheries in the Lao PDR are small-scale, local fishing practices mostly carried out by villagers living near rivers. Both men and women are involved in these activities. They use boats and different fishing tools to catch fish and other aquatic animals. This helps provide food for their families and also brings in extra income. Traditional fishing in Lao PDR includes many methods, showing the local people’s deep knowledge and ability to adapt to their natural surroundings and resources. These fishing activities are usually done part-time and change with the seasons. They can be grouped into two main types: traditional fishing using drift boats and fishing with small-engine boats and gear.

In Lao PDR, people often use small boats for fishing. The most common type is the long-tail boat, which can be made from metal, rubber, wood, or bamboo. These boats are important for catching fish and other aquatic animals during certain seasons in rivers. Fishers use many tools and methods depending on the type of fish they want to catch and the nature of the river.

Fishing with different types of gear is an important part of Lao culture, economy, and food supply. These activities happen in the Mekong River, its branches, and also in lakes, ponds, wetlands, and rice fields. Many types of fishing equipment are used, such as floating nets, longlines, traps, sieves, Sai (a traditional fishing rod), hand hooks, harpoons, bamboo stake traps, and fish nets. Each tool is made to catch certain kinds of aquatic animals.

• Aquaculture

Aquaculture in the Lao PDR has experienced significant growth, evolving into a vital sector contributing to food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods. This transformation marks a significant milestone in the country’s aquaculture development journey. Between 2000 and 2010, under the guidance of esteemed organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programmer (UNDP), a total of 79 hatcheries were established, which included both government and private facilities. This initiative led to the diversification of aquaculture practices throughout the country. Today, there exists a comprehensive network of fish breeding facilities, comprising 53 fish breeding stations, over 119 private breeding farms, and 409 family-run breeding stations. However, most fish farming systems in Lao PDR remain small-scale, categorized into sub-groups based on the specific nature of the producers and their activities.

Additionally, the sector includes 164-cage fish farming operations distributed across river systems, totaling 7,714 cages over an area of 15 ha. These facilities can produce approximately 30,210 fish at any given time, supporting the community with a supply of around 292 million fish seeds, which meets 73 % of the local demand. The key species cultivated include both exotic and indigenous varieties. Commonly farmed species include Chinese carps (such as bighead, silver, and grass carp), Indian carps (including rohu, mrigal, and catla), Tilapia, Labeo rohita, Pangas anodon gigas, and various types of aquatic life such as frogs, eels, crabs, and shellfish. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and several indigenous fish species are also integral to the aquaculture landscape. The ongoing development of aquaculture in the Lao PDR underscores the importance of collaboration and international support. This sector holds substantial potential to significantly enhance food security and stimulate economic growth for the nation.

As of 2023, aquaculture in the Lao PDR is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing demand for fish as a protein source and a means of generating income. Recognizing the sector’s potential to enhance food security and contribute to rural development, the government is actively promoting initiatives that emphasize sustainability and productivity within aquaculture. Despite this growth, several challenges continue to hinder the industry’s full potential. Issues such as limited access to quality feed, effective disease management, and environmental sustainability remain significant obstacles. In response to these challenges, ongoing efforts are being made to improve training for fish farmers and to implement the best practices across the sector. Moreover, strategic investments in infrastructure and technology are gradually enhancing the growth and resilience of aquaculture.

According to the DLF, fishery production in Lao PDR has been progressing steadily. In 2023, the total fishery production reached 152,296 t. This total includes 112,551 t of farmed fish and 39,745 t of river fish, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Fish Trade

Lao PDR has trade in fish and fishery products, particularly within the Mekong Basin and its rural communities. The regional economy heavily relies on fresh markets located near landing sites along the Mekong River and its tributaries. These markets play a crucial role in facilitating the sale of fresh fish to local consumers and vendors in the country. Some landing sites operate seasonally, and some area processing small-local productions. Despite these trade activities, Lao PDR faces economic challenges due to a poorly developed market economy.

In 2023 the country imported 26,490 t of seafood from other countries. Moreover, Lao PDR imported 22,089,430 fish seed and around 65 t of fish feed from neighboring countries (DLF, 2024). Notably, Lao PDR has been handicapped by its lack of integration with regional and world trading systems. But Lao PDR was able to attract foreign investment and can increase exports to both regional and distant markets. Trading development has to take advantage of emerging markets. To ensure compliance with international quality standards, fishery companies must navigate a regulatory framework for the import and export of fishery products. The DLF controls and oversees the importation process, before fish and fishery products reach domestic markets, then undergo quarantine at border laboratories. They require approval from government units to verify their quality and safety before clearance at border checkpoints.

The government is committed to enhancing domestic production and fishery exports, with a series of policy initiatives already in progress. These initiatives focus on sustainable management and technological advancement to boost fisheries trade. As part of this effort, Lao PDR has an international trade potential, with a focus on trading with other countries in the sub-region, by being transformed into a ‘land-linked’ country. Emphasizing the need to develop the private sector to spur investment and increase exports, Lao PDR is implementing a ‘land-linked country’ regional integration strategy to create a market and production base that is favorable to member countries. The country is promoting domestic production and fishery industry to export to integrate the regional and global value chains. As the business network and the supply chain are yet to be established there is a need to facilitate and promote cooperation with neighboring countries with support of institutions, development communities, and businesses.

The country has an agreement with a fisheries company to establish an integrated fish farming zone in the southern part of Lao PDR. This zone will be used to produce and process fishery products for export. By the end of 2024, Lao PDR processed and exported 80 t of Pangasius, with approval already granted by the General Administration of Customs of China. Additionally, Lao PDR intends to begin exporting its products, targeting an annual export volume of 1,500 t of processed Pangasius (DLF, 2024). Furthermore, there are plans for the nationwide expansion of processing facilities to create a comprehensive food chain and marketing strategy. This initiative leverages Lao PDR agricultural potential and its conducive environment, aiming to boost the country’s economy, enhance the quality of life, and generate income for local communities.

Fisheries Management

At present, fisheries management in the Lao PDR is facing many challenges, especially overfishing in rural areas. This problem is getting worse due to population growth and higher demand for fish in the markets. As a result, illegal fishing practices like electrofishing, using explosives, and gear with small mesh nets are still being used. In addition, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues, with some fishers operating without permission or breaking national laws. Another important problem is the lack of proper data collection, limited resources for inspections, and not enough technical knowledge among staff. There is also low awareness of local communities about fishing laws, which leads to more unregulated fishing in some areas.

To solve these issues, the Fisheries Management Unit of the DLF is working on several activities. These include writing and promoting fisheries laws, making strategic plans for better law enforcement, assigning fishery inspectors, and clearly defining the roles of Fishermen’s Associations and Fisheries Committees in rural communities. The DLF is also working to spread knowledge about fisheries laws to districts and villages and improve teamwork among all groups involved.

In addition, the Fisheries Management Unit is supporting key projects in areas like aquaculture, wild fish harvesting, climate change adaptation, and training programs. However, problems still exist, such as weak monitoring of fishing activities and not enough resources in the government to manage fisheries properly. Sustainable management is very important to protect the long-term health of the fisheries sector and to support the people who rely on it for their livelihood.

Fisheries Conservation

In addition to developing the fish farming system in ponds and cages, the government also promotes fish release activities for biodiversity for the people, releasing fish into natural water sources, which is a famous activity in Lao PDR. It is an important and valuable activity of the government and people in communities throughout the country, especially during this important and appropriate season, which is a good time to expand fish breeds, and fish spawning season.

Every year on 13 July, to mark National Fish and Aquatic Conservation Day, the government alongside local communities carry out a large-scale fish release into natural waterways such as the Mekong River, its tributaries, and important reservoirs like the Nam Ngum, by the introduced carefully selected, non-invasive fish species into the ecosystems. This effort to support sustainable fish populations and enhance biodiversity through strategic stocking practices, helps reduce reliance on overexploited species and promotes ecological balance. Over recent years, the number of fingerlings released annually has steadily increased from 51,838,550 in 2019 to 62,000,000 in 2023 as shown in Figure 4, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming years. This activity plays a vital role in conserving of fish and aquatic, strengthening community food security, and developing infrastructure to improve people livelihoods.

Every year, as part of this effort, fish fingerlings are released into natural rivers and lakes. These fish include carp and other native species to help protect biodiversity and strengthen local fisheries. To support the long-term success of this work, special fish conservation zones have been created. These zones give fish safe areas to grow and reproduce, which also helps promote responsible fishing. These ongoing activities aim not only to increase fish numbers but also to involve local people in protecting and managing their water resources. This encourages them to take responsibility and care for the environment. Community participation is a key part of reaching sustainable fishing and helping local families improve their income and food supply. This partnership focuses on working with communities to build a sustainable fishing system in Lao PDR. By protecting nature and supporting local economies, both people and the environment can benefit. As shown in Figure 5, setting up fish conservation zones.

Fisheries Laws, Regulations, and Policies

The DLF is the main government body in charge of managing fisheries. Its responsibilities include developing aquaculture, inspecting fisheries, overseeing fish trade, doing research, and making plans based on national laws, policies, and regulations. The main goal of the DLF is to help the country become self-sufficient in food, especially in agriculture and fishery products. This is important for reducing poverty in rural areas and improving food security. The DLF also has long-term plans to reduce the need for imported agricultural products and move toward a system that focuses more on food processing industries. To modernize the fisheries sector, the DLF is working to use more science, technology, and innovation. These changes aim to build a strong and sustainable food supply chain and improve connections within the region. All of these efforts support better management of fishery resources and help protect aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on keeping aquatic biodiversity safe for the future.

Guided by a vision of sustainable development, the DLF aims to ensure food security while improving economic conditions for rural communities and stimulating growth in the fisheries industry. Furthermore, the DLF is currently preparing the draft of standard, manual, and national strategy and updating the Aquatic and Fisheries Law (No. 41/NA)2023, to enhance fisheries management and development efforts that support food self-sufficiency. This strategy is anticipated to alleviate rural poverty, improve nutritional standards, and bolster economic conditions. The key objectives of this strategy are as follows:

1. Enhance the supply of fishery products as commercial commodities for local markets and potential future exports.
2. Promote rural development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and creating income-generating opportunities.
3. Reduce slash-and-burn cultivation practices by integrating fish culture into upland farming systems.
4. Support the sustainable management, appropriate utilization, and protection of aquatic resources, with a focus on conserving aquatic biodiversity and climate change.
5. Develop and establish essential infrastructure to facilitate further research, management, and development of aquatic resources.
6. Improve technical services in research by prioritizing strategies to prevent fish diseases while enhancing extension, management, and development efforts. This includes maintaining healthy aquaculture production through advancements in feeding techniques and improving the quality of aquaculture feed. Additionally, upgrading relevant subsectors is essential to ensure optimal production.

International Agreements and Collaborations

The DLF has been actively developing and managing the fisheries sector through the implementation of international projects in collaboration with various partners, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Mekong River Commission (MRC).

Additionally, the DLF has worked closely with international partners from Australia, as well as regional collaborations like NACA-PACFIC, as well as bilateral projects with Lao-Thailand and Lao-China. These collaborations aim to enhance sustainable practices within the fisheries sector, improve resource management, and promote the livelihoods of local communities. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these organizations, the DLF is positioned to make significant strides toward achieving sustainable fisheries development in Lao PDR.

References

DLF of Lao PDR. (2025). Fisheries Strategy of Lao PDR

DLF of Lao PDR. (2024). Year Report of Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Lao PDR. (2024)

FAO. (2025). Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. https://www.fao.org/iuufishing/background/what-is-iuu-fishing/en/

Government of Lao PDR (2019). National Green Growth Strategy of the Lao PDR till 2030. Vientiane: Government of the Lao PDR.

Khonglaliane. (2019). Country status on sustainable aquaculture in Lao PDR. https://repository.seafdec.org

Phonvisay. (2023). Developing a National Blue Economy Framework for Lao PDR. https://www.eria.org/uploads/media/policy-brief/FY2023/Developing-a-National-Blue Economy-Framework-for-Lao-PDR.pdf

Wang, Y., & Xiao, C. (2023). Spatiotemporal characteristics and the national variations of borderland use change in Laos PDR within the economic context. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 1223605. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1223605

Acknowledgements

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to everyone at SEAFDEC for their unwavering support and generous assistance. Their provision of vital data and information has been instrumental in the writing of my Fisheries Country Profile. From the inception to the completion of this project. I am truly grateful for their dedication to my development. Their influence has been a profound blessing in my life.

I am also sincerely thankful to the Government of Lao PDR, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, and the Division of Fisheries, for their invaluable support and for granting me this exceptional opportunity. Their collaboration has played a crucial role in guiding me throughout this journey.

Finally, I extend my deepest respect and heartfelt blessings to everyone who has supported me in any capacity during this period. Your encouragement and assistance will always be cherished, and I am profoundly grateful to each of you for the meaningful role you have played.

About the Author

Ms. Anousone Mingmeuangthong is a Fisheries Officer, Division of Fisheries, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR.
Address: Khounta Village, Sikhottabong District,Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR,
P.O. Box: 6644. Vientiane Lao PDR
Email: anousoneming99@gmail.com, Phone: +8562095474555

Throughout 2025, I have been stationed at the SEAFDEC Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand, serving as the Lao PDR representative for the Regional Fisheries Policy Network (RFPN). I representative as one of the Regional Fisheries Policy Network (RFPN) for Lao PDR (2025)
SEAFDEC Secretariat, Bangkok, Thailand
Email: anousone@seafdec.org