Since its official inception in April 2012, the Marine Aquaculture Research and Development Center (MARDeC) has been at the forefront of revolutionising Cambodia's aquaculture industry. 

Established with a $10 million investment from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the research centre is driving significant advancements in food security, economic development and sustainable practices through cutting-edge research and international collaboration.

MARDeC, the country’s sole hatchery equipped with a laboratory for aquatic animal health diagnostics, was created to address technological gaps in aquaculture and the limited supply of quality marine seed. 

Im Rachna, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who is leading journalists from 21 institutions on the “Media Roadshow to CAPFish-Capture: Post-Harvest Fisheries Development”, said on July 17 at the centre that it has provided techniques to farmers, ensuring good quality of marine fish fingerlings and saltwater resources.

"We know that even if the ministry announces growth in natural fishery resources this year, without additional farming to supply fish to the market, the impact on natural resources could increase as the population grows and demand for fish rises," said Rachna.

She emphasised that aquaculture is crucial for balancing supply and demand and maintaining sustainability.

Yos Chanthana, deputy director of the Preah Sihanouk provincial agriculture department, stated that Sihanoukville has potential for both fishing and aquaculture. 

He said that aquaculture is playing an increasingly important role in the production of juvenile fish, reducing the need for imports from neighbouring countries.

"The provincial agriculture department has contacted the centre to facilitate farmers in buying fish to raise in each community in Sihanoukville. Experts from the centre will assist them with fish treatment," Chanthana said.

Focusing on the development of marine aquaculture seed production techniques, MARDeC produces around 50,000 seabass annually, sold at $0.25 per head, with a 50 per cent discount for community purchases. The centre also has brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), also known as flowery cod.

“Today, it plays a crucial role in the fisheries sector, upon which approximately four million Cambodians, or 30 per cent of the population, depend for their livelihoods,” said MARDeC director Mam Sokdara. 

He said the centre releases about one million blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) into the sea free of charge and has recently started mud crab (Scylla serrata) production. 

“Our mission is to improve coastal communities' livelihoods and boost marine fishing production through aquaculture research and development,” said Sokdara. 

The centre’s extensive studies spans water and feed management, seed production, genetics and aquaticvdiseases. By developing and sharing training programmes and experiences, it is setting new standards in the industry. 

"Research and development are at the core of our operations. We are committed to advancing marine aquaculture technology to benefit both the economy and the environment," said Sokdara.

Shetty Seetharama Thombathu, UNIDO's chief technical advisor, underscored the importance of aquaculture in meeting the country’s demand for fish. 

He said Cambodia is currently producing around one million tonnes of fish annually, with aquaculture accounting for about 40%. The other 50 per cent comes from fishing in the Tonle Sap and other marine areas.

“In Cambodia, people consume more than 50kg of fish per person per year, while the global average is only 17kg. In Europe, the average is around 17 or 18kg. So, we need more fish, and how do we get more fish? That's why we turn to aquaculture,” said Thombathu.

“That’s why you are here. How can we link CAPFish-Capture to aquaculture? How can we provide more raw materials? How can we ensure [these] materials are of higher quality? By doing this, we can improve food security and also boost trade,” he added.

The centre's initiatives have a wide-reaching impact on local communities and the environment. By providing affordable marine species and releasing blue crabs into the sea, MARDeC promotes sustainable practices and helps enhance local livelihoods. 

"Our efforts in releasing blue crabs and offering discounted seabass to the community are part of our commitment to sustainability and supporting local economies," Sokdara explained.

He confirmed that fish that are bred are sold to farmers in cities and provinces such as Siem Reap, Battambang, Kandal and Phnom Penh.

The centre’s success is bolstered by international collaboration, particularly with JICA and EU-funded projects. 

The EU-backed CO-SAVED project, implemented by Heifer and Action Education (formerly Aid et Action), supplies seeds to farmers and provides technical assistance for water-quality monitoring and disease prevention. 

The partnership also focuses on blue crab hatcheries and their release for stock enhancement. 

"International support has been crucial to our achievements. The collaboration with JICA and EU-funded projects has provided us with the resources and expertise needed to advance our mission," Sokdara noted.

In addition to its research and development activities, the centre plays an important role in instructing the next generation of aquaculture professionals. 

It teaches an average of five to 10 university students per year from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture (NIA). 

"Our training programmes ensure that we are not only improving current practices but also preparing future leaders in marine aquaculture," Sokdara said.

While MARDeC has made substantial progress, challenges remain. These include expanding facilities, introducing new species and continuing to innovate in research. 

The centre is committed to overcoming these challenges and furthering its impact on the industry. 

"Looking ahead, we aim to expand our facilities and diversify the species we work with. Our goal is to continue driving innovation and sustainability in marine aquaculture," Sokdara concluded.