Former Illegal Fisherwoman Now Protects Resources
Sophea joined the Kampot Prek Tnoat Fishery Community in 2022 after learning about the decline in marine resources in her area. Photo: Chhum Chantha
- By Chhum Chantha
- March 27, 2024 5:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – Yem Sophea used to use illegal fishing materials to catch marine life. Now, she is the lone female member of a fisheries community in Kampot province.
Sophea joined the Kampot Prek Tnoat Fishery Community in 2022 after learning about the decline in marine resources in her area.
She later became the deputy head of the community and the only female member of the community commission.
“Before I don’t know what resources in the sea or the community were being lost. Now I know a lot,” she said.
“Sea horses, sea turtles and dugongs are endangered species and are rarely seen in the community.”
Despite joining the community for short time, Sophea has become indispensable. Her ability to use technology such as the Global Positioning System better than the other members of the team help the conservation work to become easier and more effective.
While encountering storms and rain become common issues for such work when patrolling the sea in her community to crackdown on illegal fishing, Sophea, 43, said that what’s more challenging is the aggressiveness of the fishermen.
“We sometimes have issues with the illegal fishermen because they are angry when we try to explain to them the impact of that illegal fishnet. They sometimes use something to hit us or even curse us.”
Beside her patrol work and managing the community finances, Sophea also plays an role in urging other villagers to join the community in protecting the marine resources and biological diversity.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Nhor Sokhoeurn for Cambodianess.
