Catch and Culture Vol. 29, No. 1 – Mekong River Commission

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Catch and Culture Vol. 29, No. 1

Catch and Culture Vol. 29, No. 1

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The first two pieces in this issue cover riverine plastic in the Mekong following the publication of the MRC’s first-ever report on the topic in December last year. The first article identifies 19 fish species affected and the second looks at a novel technique for removing plastic that’s been deployed in the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam. We also examine priorities for protecting and restoring fish habitats in the Lower Mekong, an unprecedented series of dolphin deaths in Cambodia and recent developments in green finance.

Table of Contents

4 Riverine plastic (1)
Report identifies 19 fish species affected by plastic entanglement or ingestion

8 Riverine plastic (2)
Cleanup group wins growing support as plastic ‘interceptor’ deployed in Can Tho

12 Capture fisheries
Protecting and restoring fish habitats in the Lower Mekong Basin

20 Cetaceans
Three Irrawaddy dolphins found dead over seven-day period

26 Green finance (1)
ASEAN lawmakers promote ESG action including performance indicators

30 Green finance (2)
Green borrowing forecast to drive rebound in sustainable bonds this year

34 Climate change and biodiversity
Implications of the latest UN conferences on climate change and biodiversity

40 Conservation
Endangered fishes among thousands released near Cambodia Royal Palace

46 Prices

Contributions to Catch and Culture may be sent to peterstarr@mac.com and copied to mrcs@mrcmekong.org

Copyright © Mekong River Commission 2023. First published (1995)

Editorial Panel:

Phetsamone Khanophet, Director of Environmental Management Division
So Nam, Chief Environmental Management Officer
Lai Tung Quan, Fisheries Management Specialist
Ly Kongmeng, Ecosystem and Wetland Specialist
Parnpan Worranut, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology Officer

Editor: Peter Starr
Graphic Designer: Chhut Chheana

The opinions and interpretation expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Mekong River Commission.

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Mr. Jeremy Douglas BIRD

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

“From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Jeremy, a British national, was appointed as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.

Mr. Jeremy combines his experience at the strategy and policy level with a solid practical background across multiple facets of water resources, including regulatory processes, conceptual design of water resources infrastructure, river basin management, irrigation, disaster risk management, knowledge generation, development finance, and stakeholder engagement.”

Mr. Jeremy’s tenure as the CEO of the MRC Secretariat was marked by significant responsibilities and accomplishments, such as developing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Strategy for the Basin and organizing the First MRC Summit of Prime Ministers in 2010, which raised the profile of the MRC and provided a high level of oversight for its activities. He also developed closer relations with China, formulated the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative, and represented the MRC at numerous international conferences and meetings. His successful negotiations among member countries resulted in a permanent location for the Secretariat and administrative arrangements for establishing a co-hosted headquarters. Mr. Jeremy’s tenure saw the implementation of institutional and administrative reforms and a new direction for the 5-year strategy for the MRC, focusing on the core functions of river basin management.

Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Jeremy worked as an Independent Water Resources Advisor from 2003 to 2008, providing consulting services on water resources management to various organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Prior to that, he served as a Coordinator and Team Leader for the Dams and Development Project (DDP) at the United Nations Environment Programme, which aimed to promote dialogue for improved decision-making in water resources infrastructure. He coordinated national multi-stakeholder processes to identify priority issues for policy reform in South Africa, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, involving numerous stakeholders. Moreover, he expanded their stakeholder forum to include over 100 diverse organizations, initiated dialogue with Chinese agencies, and organized international meetings.

Mr. Hans Joakim GUTTMAN

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat 

“From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Hans, a Swedish national, was appointed the CEO of the MRC Secretariat.  

With his expertise as coordinator/manager and rich experience with over 18 years in the field of water resources development and management for sustainable rural development. He is no stranger to the MRC or its vision, having served as the head of the Environment Programme for six years from 2001-2007. His extensive technical expertise and inside knowledge gained from living in the region for almost two decades enabled him to lead the MRC during a period of change and growth within the MRC.”

Before taking office as CEO, Mr. Hans held the position of Coordinator for the Wetlands Alliance (WA) Programme at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand, where he led the strategic development by securing funding for WA, and guided nearly 50 local government agencies and NGOs. He ensured these agencies received implementation support and contributed to the broader goals of the Alliance. Prior to that, he served as the Head of the Environmental Programme at the MRC Secretariat for six years, from 2001 to 2007. There, he oversaw a US$2 million annual budget for the programme, coordinated with National Mekong Committees (NMCs) and other relevant national agencies, and advised senior management on environmental matters while representing the MRC in these areas.

Prior to his tenure at the MRC, he served as a Programme Specialist at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he managed rice field fisheries and other aquatic resource issues in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He raised awareness about the importance of these resources, built capacity to manage them, and developed strategies for sustainable use.

Before this, he was a Special Advisor at Tha-Ngone Aquaculture Development (TAD) in Vientiane, Laos. He assisted the manager in running a fish farm with over 30 employees, by planning, training, and managing fish and prawn production. He also helped improve the administrative section’s work.

Academically, Mr. Hans holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, where he was recognized for his thesis specialization in water quality, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Geography from James Cook University in North Queensland, Australia.

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