The delegation toured Community Fisheries (CFi) committees, mangrove nurseries, reforestation sites and the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) operation room. Supplied
New developments in Cambodia’s fisheries sector exemplify the intersection of sustainability and the promotion of community livelihoods, showcasing efforts to protect ecosystems while supporting local families.
A delegation from the Fisheries Administration (FiA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted a field visit to Preah Sihanouk province as part of the EU-funded CAPFISH Capture programme in early January.
Manuel Barange, assistant director-general and director of fisheries and aquaculture at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted that the global fisheries sector has maintained stability at around 90–92 million tonnes over the last 30 years, while highlighting that one in every three fish stocks is overexploited.
“Aquaculture compensates for this and has become the fastest-growing food production system in the world, increasing by 5 per cent annually since 2000,” he said.
“Cambodia, while a significant producer, has room for further growth, particularly by investing in aquaculture development and providing a legal framework and incentives for private sector involvement,” he added.
The delegation toured Community Fisheries (CFi) committees, mangrove nurseries, reforestation sites and the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) operation room.
Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia, highlighted the importance of sustainable fisheries management. She noted that Cambodians consume the largest amount of fish per capita globally, with 75–80 per cent of protein coming from fish.
“To safeguard this essential resource, fisheries must be well-managed, climate-adapted and sustainable. This will ensure better nutrition, secure livelihoods and protect the aquatic environment for generations to come," said Bell.
She explained why sustainable fisheries management is important, highlighting that better aquatic food production depends on bringing fisheries under proper management.
This involves community fishing groups developing and implementing management plans and ensuring their vessels operate in alignment with these plans.
Cambodia has achieved significant milestones under the CAPFISH programme, which focuses on sustainable fisheries and habitat conservation.
The programme has safeguarded key habitats, including 136 hectares of mangroves, with over 1,000 demarcation poles installed and coral and seagrass ecosystems mapped.
Advanced monitoring systems, such as SMART patrolling tools, drones and the Fisheries Information Management System, now track 925 marine vessels to ensure compliance and sustainability.
Additionally, grants provided to 150 Community Fisheries (CFis) and 100 Community Fish Refuges (CFRs) have empowered 250 community groups, promoting collaboration and sustainable practices nationwide.
Capacity building plays a vital role in the programme, with more than 1,250 people, including fisheries officers and community members, trained in fisheries management and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.
“Cambodia's aquaculture future is bright,” said Barange.
“Aquaculture is the only animal food system achieving extraordinary growth,” he added.
Barange emphasised that ensuring sustainability and climate adaptation is key to securing the longevity of Cambodia's fisheries sector, adding that the FAO is dedicated to supporting the country in this transformative journey.
The CAPFISH programme is building a resilient fisheries sector in Cambodia by balancing ecological sustainability with economic growth.
“Adding value to aquatic production within the country will open new market opportunities and bring greater benefits to local communities,” he noted.
Bell also said that women's role in the production of aquatic foods is critical. While people might see men operating fishing vessels, it’s the women who run the markets and process the fish into food.
“To ensure that aquatic food value chains are sustainable, we must make sure that women’s roles are recognised, their safety ensured and the livelihoods of fishing families are supported,” she added.
