Inland Fisheries
Cambodia's inland fisheries play a vital role in the country's economy, food security, and cultural heritage. The country's abundant rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands create a wide range of aquatic habitats that support diverse fish species, contributing to a thriving fisheries sector. The main source of inland fisheries are the wild capture fisheries of the Tonle Sap Lake, Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers and their associated catchments and floodplains. Cambodia is home to a diverse range of inland fish species among the most diverse in the world. It is estimated that there are over 600 different species of fish found in the inland waters of Cambodia. Inland fisheries are mainly small-scale in nature, with mostly family-based operations. As such inland fisheries also contribute significantly to employment and the livelihoods of a large number of households. Freshwater fisheries, including fish trade and fish processing, including non-fish aquatic animals and plants, are significant sources of employment and livelihoods, especially for fisheries dependent communities.
Fish and other aquatic animals are key to food security in Cambodia and contribute to meeting people's nutritional needs. Many communities rely on fish as their main source of protein, especially in areas where other protein options are limited or expensive. Fish and Other Aquatic Animals (OAAs) constitute approximately 80% of the consumed animal protein, making them particularly vital for poor households. In terms of production, in 2022, the inland capture fisheries yielded roughly 406,400 metric tons of fish and OAAs, primarily for domestic consumption needs. In this regard, inland fisheries play a significant role in reducing malnutrition and ensuring food security, especially among smallholder groups.
Human induced changes to the environment including climate change, present fresh challenges for policies and management. In particular, the increasing demand for fish, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to overfishing, posing a threat to fish stocks and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of destructive fishing methods, such as employing small-meshed nets, engaging in electric fishing, and resorting to poisoning, exacerbates the issue. This unsustainable exploitation of fish resources can ultimately result in the depletion of fish stocks and a significant loss of biodiversity. Habitat degradation is another pressing issue that affects inland fisheries significantly. Deforestation, riverbank erosion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and infrastructure development have caused a decline in crucial fish habitats. The destruction of spawning and nursery grounds, including flooded forests and wetland areas, has adversely affected fish populations, hindering their ability to reproduce, and threatening the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Human induced changes to the environment including climate change, present fresh challenges for policies and management. In particular, the increasing demand for fish, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to overfishing, posing a threat to fish stocks and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of destructive fishing methods, such as employing small-meshed nets, engaging in electric fishing, and resorting to poisoning, exacerbates the issue. This unsustainable exploitation of fish resources can ultimately result in the depletion of fish stocks and a significant loss of biodiversity. Habitat degradation is another pressing issue that affects inland fisheries significantly. Deforestation, riverbank erosion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and infrastructure development have caused a decline in crucial fish habitats. The destruction of spawning and nursery grounds, including flooded forests and wetland areas, has adversely affected fish populations, hindering their ability to reproduce, and threatening the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Human induced changes to the environment including climate change, present fresh challenges for policies and management. In particular, the increasing demand for fish, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to overfishing, posing a threat to fish stocks and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of destructive fishing methods, such as employing small-meshed nets, engaging in electric fishing, and resorting to poisoning, exacerbates the issue. This unsustainable exploitation of fish resources can ultimately result in the depletion of fish stocks and a significant loss of biodiversity. Habitat degradation is another pressing issue that affects inland fisheries significantly. Deforestation, riverbank erosion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and infrastructure development have caused a decline in crucial fish habitats. The destruction of spawning and nursery grounds, including flooded forests and wetland areas, has adversely affected fish populations, hindering their ability to reproduce, and threatening the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Human induced changes to the environment including climate change, present fresh challenges for policies and management. In particular, the increasing demand for fish, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to overfishing, posing a threat to fish stocks and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of destructive fishing methods, such as employing small-meshed nets, engaging in electric fishing, and resorting to poisoning, exacerbates the issue. This unsustainable exploitation of fish resources can ultimately result in the depletion of fish stocks and a significant loss of biodiversity. Habitat degradation is another pressing issue that affects inland fisheries significantly. Deforestation, riverbank erosion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and infrastructure development have caused a decline in crucial fish habitats. The destruction of spawning and nursery grounds, including flooded forests and wetland areas, has adversely affected fish populations, hindering their ability to reproduce, and threatening the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Human induced changes to the environment including climate change, present fresh challenges for policies and management. In particular, the increasing demand for fish, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to overfishing, posing a threat to fish stocks and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The utilization of destructive fishing methods, such as employing small-meshed nets, engaging in electric fishing, and resorting to poisoning, exacerbates the issue. This unsustainable exploitation of fish resources can ultimately result in the depletion of fish stocks and a significant loss of biodiversity. Habitat degradation is another pressing issue that affects inland fisheries significantly. Deforestation, riverbank erosion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and infrastructure development have caused a decline in crucial fish habitats. The destruction of spawning and nursery grounds, including flooded forests and wetland areas, has adversely affected fish populations, hindering their ability to reproduce, and threatening the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
