Empowering local communities to conserve the Endangered Pike Asp in Kyrgyzstan
Project overview
The Endangered freshwater fish Pike Asp (Aspiolucius esocinus) has suffered a global decline due to historical water management practices and overfishing. Its presence has vanished in Kazakhstan and reduced across Central Asian countries, all the while pollution and habitat degradation worsen its plight. Despite recommendations from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, conservation efforts have been inadequate. The species remains uncertain in the Toktogul reservoir and the Naryn River Basin, facing challenges like unregulated fish farming, illegal nets, and alien species. This project aims to conduct a comprehensive population survey in the reservoir, initiating crucial conservation actions to safeguard the Pike Asp and focus efforts on key survival areas.
Threats
Habitat loss & degradation
Invasive alien species
Over-exploitation of natural resources & prey depletion
Project objectives
The primary objective of the first phase of this project is to safeguard the Pike Asp population within the Toktogul reservoir in Kyrgyzstan, with a longerterm ambition to to protect the whole population of the species nationally and regionally (Phase II). The Fondation Segré Conservation Action Fund would give us the opportunity to develop Phase I of this project, focusing on the Toktogul reservoir as first step. Recognizing the the limited understanding of this species in the reservoir, but also acknowledging the strong pre-existing insights of local organizations, communities, and national experts in freshwater species, this year-long initiative will kick start a long-term program of conservation action. This will initially involve gathering updated information on the Pike Asp population in the Toktogul reservoir and addressing the threats posed by illegal and unregulated fishing of this species.
Project activities
- Identify hotspots for conservation action. The project will adopt a multi-pronged strategy, involving historical data review, collaborative on-site surveys with the Academy of Science, consultations with local fishermen regarding current and historical catch levels, engagement with local fish farms and markets to assess demand and consumer preferences for Pike Asp.
- Regulation of Pike Asp fishing and farming. The project will convene a roundtable involving the Fisheries Department, fishermen associations, and other stakeholders. This forum will foster dialogue, addressing challenges and opportunities to combat illegal and unregulated fishing and farming of Pike Asp
- Raising community awareness and compliance. The project will host a series of workshops and training sessions for fisheries representatives, offering insights into national fishing laws concerning Pike Asp. To ensure broad participation, these workshops will be held at various times and dates, catering to diverse groups, including women and youth.
- Strengthening Jashyl-Oroon Eco-Association’s involvement. Jashyl-Oroon members will receive training from conservation experts at Fauna &Flora, covering Pike Asp identification, habitat knowledge, and conservation methodologies.
- Stakeholder engagement and dissemination of results. Toward the end of Phase I, a meeting will be organized, bringing together local and national stakeholders to share project outcomes and devise a joint external communication strategy.
This project is implemented by Fauna & Flora International.
