President Thongloun Sisoulith (second left) cuts a ribbon to mark the start of fish release at the That Luang Lake Special Economic Zone in Vientiane.

President leads nationwide fish release to boost river stocks

President Thongloun Sisoulith on Saturday presided over the release of  fish fingerlings at the That Luang Lake Special Economic Zone in Vientiane, launching the government’s nationwide campaign to add 72 million fish fingerlings and other aquatic species to natural waterways this year.
In total, more than one million fingerlings were added to the lake at the That Luang Lake Special Economic Zone.
The event was a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vientiane Administration, and Lao Thatluang Development Investment Co., Ltd.

The fish release took the theme “Let us join together in releasing fish and aquatic animals back into nature so that our aquatic resources remain abundant forever”.
The initiative was part of activities marking National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day, observed annually on July 13, and highlights the government’s commitment to conserving biodiversity, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dr Linkham Douangsavanh said Laos is richly endowed with natural resources. It has abundant rivers, lakes, and other water sources that are home to many species of fish and aquatic animals, which are a vital food source for Lao people of all ethnic groups.
The Party and the government have long recognised the need to sustain fish stocks and other aquatic resources, which form the basis of many household meals. For this reason, in 1997, July 13 was designated as National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day.
This day is also the date of birth of former President Souphanouvong, a beloved leader who remains deeply respected by the entire Lao nation.
Dr Linkham said activities are organised each year to raise awareness among young people and society as a whole about the importance of conserving fish and other aquatic species. These efforts aim to bolster aquatic resources, protect aquatic ecosystems, and maintain ecological balance and sustainability.
They also serve to commemorate the great contributions, achievements, and virtues of President Souphanouvong, who devoted his life to the struggle for national liberation as well as to building, safeguarding, and developing Laos.
The fish provided for additon to That Luang Lake were supplied by the Fisheries Development Centre (Nam Xuang), the Fisheries Research Centre (Nong Taeng), the Houay Xone-Houay Xua Agricultural Development and Service Centre, the Laos-Korea Agricultural Technical Service and Rural Development Centre, and various other hatcheries.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 13, 2026)