This research aims to compare the fish species diversity and abundance between established community-based conservation areas (protected zones) and non-protected areas within the Ing River Basin, Thailand. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify appropriate approaches for the collaborative and sustainable management of fish conservation zones by local communities. The study area was divided into four sampling sites along the river: Upper Ing River, Middle Ing River, Lower Ing River, and Confluence with the Mekong River.
Fish samples were collected using a multi-mesh gill net array to ensure a comprehensive representation of the fish community. Fish samples were collected six times between September 2023 to July 2024 including effect of seasonal and lunar phases. 58 fish species belonging to 22 species were found, with the Cyprinidae as the majority group, comprising 25 species, or 43.10%. The effect of protected and unprotected areas was significantly different in riverine sampling sites (Middle Ing River- Confluence with Mekong) and reservoir sampling site (Upper Ing River). The dominant species for each sampling sites were Parambassis siamensis for upper Ing river, Barbonymus schwanefeldii for middle Ing river, Thynnichthys thynnoides for lower Ing River and Mystacoleucus obtusirostris for confluence of Mekong river.
The findings will provide essential baseline data of regional ecology and propose practical strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of community-managed fish sanctuaries