The Factors of Sustainable Management of Aquatic Animals in Samphan District, Phongsaly Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the current status of aquatic resource management, analyze the factors influencing its management, and propose guidelines for the sustainable conservation of aquatic resources. The research was conducted across three villages, namely Ban Hat Nga Neua, Ban Na, and Ban Yang Neua, over 12 months (June 2025-May 2026). A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing questionnaires and interviews for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and content analysis.

The findings revealed that community participation in water resource management ranged from moderate to high, and awareness of conservation information was high; however, the enforcement of local regulations remained weak. The critical factors affecting aquatic resource management were the decline in fish species diversity (88%), community participation (85%), and impacts from water resource alterations (81%). Data from 2020 to 2024 indicated that the depletion rate of fish species escalated sharply from 5% to 30%, whereas the replenishment rate remained critically low, reflecting a concerning degradation of biodiversity. Concurrently, community income fluctuated and experienced a significant downturn in 2024 due to the evident reduction in natural aquatic stocks. Therefore, sustainable aquatic resource management in Samphan District faces substantial ecological and administrative challenges. Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen community engagement, enhance regulatory enforcement mechanisms, and restore natural aquatic habitats to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital resources.