Agriculture minister Dith Tina meets with members of fishing communities in the ‘tiger’s mouth’ area of Siem Reap province on December 14. The minister shared the importance of sustainable fishing practices. Agriculture ministry
Members of a fishing community in Siem Reap province’s Chi Kraeng District have been urged to cease the use of illegal fishing equipment, especially those known as “chhnok phleung”, or nets with LED lighting.
During a December 14 meeting with more than 100 local fishermen in the Mort Khla (“tiger’s mouth”) area of Anlong Samnar commune, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the impact of illegal fishing practices.
He highlighted that such practices could ultimately harm livelihoods and long-term sustainability, explaining that while they may catch large quantities of fish, they cause significant destruction to fish populations.
“By visiting different communities, we identify the issues they face. This area has significant problems with ‘chhnok phleung’ nets. These tools involve placing nets below and using lighting above, forcing fish to gather, making them easy to catch,” he noted.
“While using this method may catch many fish, if everyone adopts this practice, we will have no fish left in the future. That is why we are here to explain this to the community,” he added.
The local community acknowledged that efforts to combat illegal fishing over the past few years have resulted in better fish yields. However, while the availability of fish for eating has improved, the fishermen expressed a need for additional financial support to sustain their livelihoods.
Tina proposed that the ministry conduct studies to support fish farming as an alternative to intensive fishing.
“If we overexploit resources, it undermines sustainability, and eventually, we’ll have nothing left. By fostering cooperation and stopping illegal practices, we can provide technical support for fish farming. This way, when times are hard, the community can rely on these resources instead,” he said.
The minister called for an end to all illegal fishing practices, especially destructive tools such as electric shock nets, drag nets and chhnok phleung nets.
“Please do not prioritise immediate gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. Protecting our resources is for your own benefit. This year, we have seen certain fish species return. Moving forward, there will be even more,” he said.
According to the agriculture ministry, fish yields have significantly improved in recent years. Fishing communities have noted the reappearance of some species thought to have disappeared, though certain types, such as the thicklip barb, remain unseen.
Regarding the ongoing challenges with illegal fishing in the tiger’s mouth area, the minister has directed specialists to investigate and identify individuals responsible for such activities and take appropriate legal measures.
A Draft Fisheries Law, consisting of 15 chapters, 105 articles and 2 appendices, was discussed at a full-session Cabinet meeting on December 6.
Following the discussion, Prime Minister Hun Manet tasked Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, with leading an inter-ministerial meeting between the agriculture ministry and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The meeting will address specific provisions to ensure the law’s smooth implementation, before it is submitted to the head of government for final review and approval.
The new law aims to ensure sustainable food security, economic growth and environmental protection, aligned with Cambodia’s socio-economic and technological development goals.
It seeks to support the livelihoods of fishers, manage resources effectively, and protect the rights and interests of fishers and aquatic communities at national, regional, and international levels.
