The ecological and biophysical diversity existing in Nepal offers comparative advantages and opportunities to develop and restore inland fishery resources for livelihood enhancement and poverty alleviation of rural communities. Through good governance and proper legislative measures it is required to establish improved environmental protection. Efforts need to target beneficiaries such as disadvantaged and marginalized ethnic communities with training and awareness raising, appropriate legal instruments; infrastructure development needs proper mitigation in hydropower generation/irrigation projects, particularly given the extensive new construction being planned in the future. Protection of biodiversity through scientifically guided indigenous fish breeding and restocking programs coupled with improved protection of natural populations is duly considered.

The economic well being of the Nepalese is very closely bound to its natural resources-arable land, water and forested areas. Nepal is in the process of developing legislation to protect and enhance its inland fishery resources. The fisheries sector contributes 2.72 percent to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Production (GDP) with a growth rate of 6.3 percent and contributes 1 percent to its National GDP.