THE EFFECT OF FISHING ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND BEHAVIOR OF WATERBIRDS IN THE KUKUT AREA OF LAKE SONGKLA, SOUTHERN THAILAND

Human fishing activity as a source of disturbance for waterbirds on Th ale Sap (Lake Songkla, Thailand) was studied during June/July and Octo ber 1987. The distribution of fishing activity was compared with that of birds. Fishing activities were observed to quantify the incidence o f disturbance interactions, and disturbance caused by local fishing cr aft was investigated experimentally. A variety of fishing methods were used in the main lake habitats (Paspalum, Scirpus, and open water), p articularly in early morning and late afternoon. Many birds use these habitats at the same times, although there were some relatively undist urbed areas, eg. the centres of Paspalum mats. while disturbance of bi rds was seen relatively infrequently, some fishing methods (eg. beatin g into seine nets) were very disruptive and most birds probably fled a s soon as fishermen arrived. Experiments confirmed that boats were a s ignificant cause of disturbance, although less so in habitats with mor e cover. There were also marked differences between species. Longer-te rm studies are needed to determine whether the current level of human activity, and possible developments such as increased recreational use of the lake, are consistent with conservation interests.