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- February 13, 2025 , 7:15 PM
PHNOM PENH — The CAPFISH programme has reported notable advancements in Cambodia's fisheries sector, with progress in habitat conservation, enhanced monitoring, and community empowerment.
According to this programme funded by the European Union, these developments aim to promote sustainable practices that balance ecosystem conservation with technological innovation.
The progress was highlighted during a field visit to Preah Sihanouk Province, which was organized on Jan. 10 and 11 by the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as part of the CAPFISH Capture programme.
Rebekah Bell, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Cambodia, emphasized the importance of sustainable fisheries management, noting that Cambodians consume the highest amount of fish in their diets in the world, with 75-to-80 percent of their proteins coming from fish.
“To safeguard this essential resource, fisheries must be well-managed, climate-adapted, and sustainable,” said Bell. “This will ensure better nutrition, secure livelihoods, and protect the aquatic environment for generations to come.”
Manuel Barange, assistant director general and director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at FAO, explained that aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production system worldwide, increasing by 5 percent annually since 2000. While Cambodia is already a significant producer, Barange highlighted the potential for further growth, particularly through increased investment in aquaculture development.
“There is still room for further expansion, especially through a supportive legal framework and incentives to encourage private sector involvement,” Barange said. “By ensuring sustainability and climate adaptation, we can secure the future of Cambodia’s fisheries sector. FAO is committed to supporting this transformative journey.”
Barange also noted that increasing the value of aquatic production within the country could open new market opportunities and bring greater benefits to local communities.
Inclusive Development and Women's Role
During the visit, Bell also stressed the importance of inclusive development, particularly in recognizing and empowering women.
“Women play a critical role in the production of aquatic foods,” she said. “While men may operate fishing vessels, it’s the women who manage the markets and process the fish into food. For aquatic-food value chains to be sustainable, we must ensure that women’s roles are recognized, their safety is ensured, and the livelihoods of fishing families are supported.”
Progress in Habitat Conservation, Monitoring and Community Empowerment
Under the CAPFISH programme, Cambodia has made significant strides in habitat conservation, enhanced monitoring, and community empowerment, according to reports. A total of 136 hectares of mangrove habitats have been successfully protected, over 1,000 demarcation poles installed, and coral and seagrass ecosystems mapped.
Monitoring capabilities have been strengthened through advanced tools such as SMART patrolling systems, drones, and the Fisheries Information Management System, which tracks 925 marine vessels for compliance and sustainability.
The programme has also empowered 250 community groups, that is, 150 community fisheries and 100 community fish refuges. This empowerment effort includes providing training on sustainable practices and policy frameworks addressing key issues such as gender equality, child labor, and fire prevention.
A core component of the programme is capacity building. Over 1,250 participants have received training in fisheries management and GIS applications, while 70 university students have been awarded research grants to expand the knowledge base in Cambodia’s fisheries sector.