The ceremony, held at Nong Yai Lake in the That Luang Marsh Special Economic Zone in Xaysettha District, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Vientiane Capital Administration, and Lao Thadluang Investment Development Co., Ltd.
The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Khamphan Phommathat, Head of the Party Central Committee Office Phet Phomphiphak, and other senior officials.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Linkham Douangsavanh said the Party and Government designated July 13 as National Fish and Aquatic Animal Release Day in 1997, making this year's event the 29th observance. The date also commemorates the birthday of President Souphanouvong, honoring his contributions to the nation while promoting public awareness of aquatic conservation and ecosystem restoration.
This year's nationwide campaign aims to release more than 72 million fish and aquatic animals into rivers, lakes and other natural water bodies across the country under the theme: "Let us all release fish and aquatic animals back into nature to preserve its richness forever."
At the Vientiane ceremony, more than one million fish were released into Nong Yai Lake, including Barbonymus gonionotus, Labeo chrysophekadion,
Hemibagrus aff. nemurus, river catfish and other native species.
The fish were supplied by the Nam Song Fisheries Development Center, Nong Taeng Fisheries Research Center, Huay Son-Huay Xoua Fisheries Centers, the Lao-Korea Agricultural Technology Service Center, and other fisheries research stations.
The annual event forms part of the Government's broader efforts to conserve aquatic resources, restore biodiversity and encourage public participation in protecting the country's natural environment.