Hatchery-reared Mekong giant catfish utilized deep areas in the Mae peum reservoir, northern Thailand

Abstract

The juvenile and young hatchery-reared Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas have been released into the reservoirs throughout Thailand. For the sustainable reservoir fishery of the giant catfish, new science-based fishery management measures are expected in Thailand, such as the establishment of protected areas. Therefore, the habitat use of the hatchery-reared giant catfish has been investigated in the Mae peum reservoir from 2003 to 2005. Our results suggest that the hatchery-reared fish primarily utilized deep areas in the reservoir. The deep areas which the fish primarily utilized may be suitable as protected areas in the reservoir.