Top Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Fish Catches

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos), a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, relies heavily on its extensive river systems, particularly the Mekong River, for its fish catches and fisheries industry. Inland capture fisheries are vital for food security, livelihoods, and local economies, with fish being a primary source of animal protein for the population. The top fish species caught in Laos include various types of carp (notably the common carp, *Cyprinus carpio*), catfish (such as *Pangasius* spp.), and small indigenous species like *Henicorhynchus* spp. and *Mystacoleucus* spp. Traditionally, fishing in Laos has been artisanal and subsistence-based, with communities using sustainable methods such as cast nets, traps, and lines. In recent decades, the industry has seen some growth in aquaculture and increased market orientation, but wild capture remains dominant. The fishing industry’s history is deeply intertwined with the culture and daily life along the Mekong, although it faces challenges from overfishing, dam construction, and environmental changes affecting fish stocks and river habitats.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.