The fisheries sector provides important food and income, but increasing pressure from fisheries, dams, and irrigation systems has severely disrupted the biology of fish migration.
In response, Australia and ASEAN countries, particularly along the Mekong River, have launched a joint effort focused on restoring fish migration routes through fish trails or fish ladders that allow fish to cross dams and other barriers.
The second conference on fish ladders in the Lower Mekong Region 2025, held in Siem Reap province in February 2025, shared knowledge among the research team and each country to implement the initiative.
Sponsored through the Mekong-Australia Partnership by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the project is working closely with Laos and Cambodia.
Today, it has included Vietnam and Thailand with plans to continue into Indonesia, strengthening the ASEAN-Australia partnership for sustainable fisheries management.
Mr Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, spoke at the conference highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation in safeguarding food security and promoting biodiversity.
He stated: "ASEAN has been particularly active in the Mekong subregion, including through 19 projects here in Cambodia, which have helped bring in new knowledge, technological innovation, and scientific research capabilities in the fields of agriculture and fisheries."
His emphasis on cross-border cooperation in the region underlines the shared challenges and opportunities in the Mekong River where sustainable fisheries are important for millions of people.
One of the main goals of these projects is to ensure that development does not hinder the biology of fish and biodiversity.
Mr. Yip mentioned his visit to the Sap River Lake area in Cambodia, where he observed a balance between agricultural development and environmental conservation.
"I have seen how competitive priorities, such as flood management and ensuring adequate water for irrigation systems, are important for the lives and livelihoods of people both in Cambodia and across the Mekong River," he said.
ACIAR's CEO, Ms. Wendy Umberger, emphasized that fish ladders are an important solution for mitigating the impact of irrigation and hydropower infrastructure.
"Fish ladders are a proven solution for reducing the impact of irrigation system development, ensuring healthy fish populations, and providing lasting economic and social benefits for river-dependent communities," she said.
Since 2010, ACIAR has been working with local governments, research institutions, and communities in Laos and Cambodia, helping to restore key fish stocks and reduce the environmental impact of regional infrastructure projects.
Cambodia has made significant progress in the construction of fish ladders, with four already being built, of which two are in Siem Reap, one in Kampong Chhnang and one is nearing completion in Kampong Speu.
Khun Saween, State Secretary of Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, acknowledged the important role of fish ladders in restoring fish migration.
When the dam is not yet developed, the irrigation system allows fish to circulate according to its biological characteristics.
He acknowledged that natural fish yields are affected by deforestation, submergence, climate change, and the use of illegal fishing gear, as well as the construction of irrigation dams and hydropower plants, which make it impossible for fish to return to their spawning grounds or feed."
Success in Cambodia and Laos has now extended to Vietnam and Thailand, with countries across the Lower Mekong subregion working to integrate fish migration solutions into their infrastructure projects.
Ms. Umberger noted that regional experience has provided valuable insights for scaling these solutions across borders.
"Our approach demonstrates the importance of expanding innovation through partnerships and investments that address shared challenges," she stated.
Looking ahead, efforts in the region will expand further, with Indonesia preparing to launch its first fish elevator near Jakarta in April 2025.
Ms. Umberger underlined that the inclusion of fish ladders in regional planning helps prevent ecological damage across the Lower Mekong River Basin, protects important fisheries for food security and income, as well as strengthens community resilience and environmental sustainability.
For more than a decade, ACIAR has supported Charles Sturt University and collaborated with partner government agencies in the Mekong region to restore fish stocks.
These fish ladders allow freshwater fish to pass through barriers, such as dams and hydropower plants, allowing them to continue migrating, spawning, and feeding.
Lee Baumgartner, a researcher from Charles Sturt University (CSU) who has led the ACIAR-funded research effort since 2010, said: "Balancing the needs of sustainable development with ecosystem health is more important than ever for the Mekong River Basin."
"This conference provides a collaborative opportunity for sharing understanding and strengthening partnerships to ensure food security and sustainability for the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the Mekong River," he added.
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