Vientiane Times
10 July 2015
Fears of increasing water temperatures in Lao rivers caused by global warming is concerning an expert as more fish are set to be released next week to face the same threat.
Despite the rains, the fish expert from the Department of Livestock and Fisheries is worried that climate change will have an impact on the 35 million small fish that will be released on the 13th of this month nationwide.
Across the country about 35 million fish, a substantial increase on last year’s 30 million, will be released into the rivers to mark National Aquatic and Wildlife Day, also known as Fish Releasing Day.
This year, government officials and sectors concerned have designated Sangthong district in Vientiane to be main area in the capital for the release into local ponds to preserve the ecology of the fish life circle and its population.
Meanwhile, most provinces will release their fish on the 13th or 14th with the biggest number to be released in Xayaboury province.
However, Department of Livestock and Fisheries Director General, Dr Bounkhouang Khambounheuang said there were growing concerns that fish would struggle to survive due to climate change and increased water temperatures in the rivers.