In Lao PDR, fisheries are an integral part of the lives of rural people, providing a major part of their animal protein and micro-nutrient intakes, as well as being an important source of secondary income for a large proportion of the population. People traditionally live beside rivers and streams and grow rice nearby, providing many opportunities to fish and collect other aquatic foods in both natural and constructed habitats. Wild capture fisheries continue to provide the major part of the production for Lao people, with aquaculture and stocking playing an increasing role in supplementing the wild catch.