5. Utilization Means Conservation It is clear that the diversity of living aquatic resources supports the culture of Laos. It would be impossible to sustain the culture with monoculture farmed fishes. If so, what is important is to keep the river basin's ecological environment in good shape in order to sustain the diversity of the living aquatic resources. The foremost requirement is to keep the load on fishery resources to a minimum. However, it can be assumed that the best and most effective way of environmental conservation is for local residents to keep making use of the bountiful resources while paying close attention to the variety of these resources. It is also necessary to study and understand the ecology of each species and enforce fishing regulations in a way consistent with local culture and lifestyles.
IWATA Akihisa
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