Provincial Aquaculture Development Project, Lao - December 1997

Abstract

The demand for fish fry in Lao P.D. R. is estimated at 60 million pieces annually. Actual production is unknown, but probably does not exceed 10 million pieces per year. Expansion of the aquaculture sector in Lao P.D.R. can only be achieved if this fry shortage can be resolved. Fish fry are currently supplied by both government and private sector hatcheries. The production from the government owned hatcheries is generally low and could be improved. The cost of the fish fry produced by the hatc heries is high, which limits the availability of the fry to low income farmers. The high price of the fry reflects the low efficiency of production from the hatcheries. Transportation of fry between hatcheries and farmers is also a constraint to aquaculture. An unknown quantity of fry is imported from China, Vietnam and Thailand into provinces that share borders with these countries.