Preliminary Studies of Fish Richness and management in the Upper Bweloklo

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Preliminary Studies of Fish Richness and management in the upper Bweloklo and its tributaries Preliminary Study of Fish Richness and Management in the Upper Bweloklo and Its Tributaries in the Salween Peace Park

This research is conducted based on Karen Indigenous knowledge obtained from the people residing along the valley of Bweloklo River (Yuzalin) and its tributaries. These Karen people built their settlements along the river over centuries and depended on the river's resources physically and spiritually. Their deep knowledge of fish population management and conservation is rich and crucial to share with outside conservationists. The information is collected using local knowledge, and compiled during the survey by local villagers, facilitated by the KESAN women’s research team and implemented jointly by the local Kawthoolei Forest Department and Kawthoolei livestock and fisheries department staff. These participatory surveys and information gathering enhance better opportunities for future cooperation for fish management and conservation. The objective of this first inclusive fish inventory survey is to inform all stakeholders, to help build their capacity for quantitative and qualitative information about fisheries ecology and social economics, together providing better fisheries management, water quality management and conservation practices to be able to sustain fisheries utilizations for both physical and spiritual purposes. From this survey we could record 46 fish species which are important for food sources, culture and the environment itself, showing us how important the survey is to prioritize fish conservation action.