Investigation of Fish Resources in Beihai Wetland in Tengchong, Yunnan Province

Purposes The study of fish resources in Beihai Wetland is still a blank. Based on the investigation of the status of fish resources and their utilization, the method and approach was explored that can improve the sustainability of Beihai Wetland Social Ecological System (SES).Methods In this study, a statistical analysis of the species and the numbers of fish catch and the history of local fishery was made by field studies and ethnoecological studies through Dec.2015 and Apr. to May and Jul.to Aug.2016. And the fish resources and their utilization in Beihai Wetland were analyzed by using the theory of common-pool resources of Ostrom.Results (1) There were 13 species of 12 genera, 5 families and 4 orders. Pseudorasbora parva, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and Ctenogobius brunneus were relatively dominant in the fish community with the economical species. (2) There was a significant reduction in fish resources caused by changes in water area, habitat destruction, fishing behavior change and the increase of fish catch.Conclusion The findings suggest that the local fish resources structure was too simple to against seriously risks with a low-level sustainability of the SES. Under the help of the local government, the local fishers should change their concepts and fishing patterns to build a community-based wetland governance with the government in increasing the sustainable use of fish resources.