Management of Freshwater Capture Fisheries of Cambodia: Issues and Approaches

Abstract

"Located in the lower Mekong river, the inland waters supported extensive fishing and provided food security to Cambodia's largely subsistence-oriented population. Current fishery production is over 100,000 metric tons, one third of which comes from subsistence fishing. Despite government regulations, the fisheries face threats of depletion due to loss of habitat (e.g. destruction of flooded forest and siltation of migratory tributaries), destructive fishing practices, increasing commercialisation and a growing demand for fish both in domestic and export markets. With no alternative income earning opportunities, low risks of apprehension and penalties and continuing internal conflicts regulatory management is becoming more and more ineffective. Redefining of user rights and cooperation of the fishing community is essential for habitat protection, enforcement improvement and achieving a higher degree of voluntary compliance."