Irrigation and fisheries

Irrigation development may impact strongly on the ecology of natural aquatic resources in agricultural landscapes, and their role in rural livelihoods. We have worked with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Regional Development Committee for Livestock and Fisheries in Southern Laos, and the University of Kelanya in Sri Lanka to conduct impact assessments in different agricultural landscapes, and to develop general guidelines and tools for managing such impacts. Our work on fisheries impacts of irrigation development was supported by the UK Department for International Development.

Martin, S., Lorenzen, K., Arthur, R.I., Kaisone, P. & Souvannalangsy, K. (2011) Impacts of fishing by dewatering on fish assemblages of tropical floodplain wetlands: a matter of frequency and context. Biological Conservation. PDF

Lorenzen, K., Smith, L., Nguyen Khoa, S., Burton, M., Garaway, C.J. (2007) Management of impacts of irrigation development on fisheries: guidance manual. International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and WorldFish Center. PDF

Nguyen Khoa, S., Lorenzen, K., Garaway, C.J., Chamsinhg, B., Siebert, D. & Randone, M. (2005) Impacts of irrigation on fisheries in rainfed rice farming landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology PDF

Smith, L.E.D., Nguyen Khoa, S. & Lorenzen, K. (2005) Livelihood functions of inland fisheries: policy implications in developing countries. Water Policy 7: 359-383. PDF

Nguyen Khoa, S., Smith, L. & Lorenzen, K. (2005) Impacts of irrigation on inland fisheries: appraisals in Laos and Sri Lanka. Comprehensive Assessment Research Report 7. PDF

Nguyen Khoa, S., Smith, L. & Lorenzen, K. (2005) Adaptive, participatory and integrated assessment of the impacts of irrigation on fisheries: evaluation of the approach in Sri Lanka. IWMI Working Paper 89. PDF

GWP (2004). Integrating fisheries into irrigation planning and management. Water Policy Briefing 12. 8 pp. PDF