In response to the fall in aquatic resources, the Laotian government is placing increasing emphasis on aquaculture. However, a cautious approach should be taken toward the release of cultured fish in view of their potential impact on the existing ecological system. In recent years, the government initiated a land and forest allocation policy called beng din beng paa. This policy is bringing changes to the usufructuary rights to ponds and swaps, leading some villages to impose exclusionary restrictions banning outsiders from carrying out activities in their communally-owned fishery resources.