The past decade has seen increased international
recognition of the importance of the services provided
by natural ecosystems. It is unclear however whether
such international awareness will lead to improved environmental
management in many regions. We explore this
issue by examining the specific case of fish migration and
dams on the Mekong river. We determine that dams on the
Mekong mainstem and major tributaries will have a major
impact on the basin’s fisheries and the people who depend
upon them for food and income. We find no evidence that
current moves towards dam construction will stop, and
consider two scenarios for the future of the fisheries and
other ecosystems of the basin. We conclude that major
investment is required in innovative technology to reduce
the loss of ecosystem services, and alternative livelihood
strategies to cope with the losses that do occur.