Sustainable fisheries, a path to food security and economic growth

Sustainable fisheries, a path to food security and economic growth

The fish carvings on the walls of the Angkor Wat and Bayon temples reflect not just the abundance of fisheries in Cambodia since ancient times but also the fact that the Khmer people consumed and traded them for export. Let’s not forget that fish is a staple food in Cambodia. In modern times the rural and coastal communities principally in the Tonle Sap Lake, Mekong, Bassac Rivers and others, fishing has transformed into bustling business centres employing approximately 3 million people who rely on this sector in some capacity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), fisheries production reached nearly 1 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 60,000 tonnes compared to 2023. Understandably, the government wants to scale up the production, with the MAFF minister cautioning that ‘if we fish according to the rules, we will not run out of fish to eat. Those who overfish only seek to benefit themselves, it can ultimately threaten our survival’

The fisheries sector is a significant component of Cambodia’s economy, as a large portion of the population depends on it for their livelihoods.

For rural and coastal communities, fishing is crucial with many of whom depend on it as their primary source of income and nutrition. The sector plays a pivotal role in Cambodia’s food security and overall economic stability, especially in provinces close to freshwater areas principally such as Tonle Sap Lake, Mekong, and Bassac Rivers.

The sector encompasses all activities involved in the harvesting, processing, and marketing of fish and other aquatic organisms. It plays a vital role in the economy, particularly in countries with rich water resources, and is crucial for food security, employment, and income generation.

It is crucial not only for providing food and employment but also for driving economic growth, promoting sustainability, and preserving cultural heritage. Effective management and investment in the fisheries sector can help maximize these benefits, contributing significantly to the national economy.

The fisheries sector is a dynamic and multifaceted industry – encompassing many stages, from fishing and farming to processing, trading and regulatory management, which are vital for food supply and economy.

Last month, with support from the European Union (EU), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) hosted the ‘Cambodia’s Fish Cuisine: A CAPFISH-Capture Culinary Show’ celebrating the Kingdom’s local fish culinary richness.

According to a joint press release from MAFF and UNIDO, the Cambodian fish cooking demonstration reflects the invaluable value of the link between fisheries resources and the livelihoods of the Cambodian people since ancient times and creating business opportunities for small and medium-sized fisheries enterprises (MSMEs), especially those run by women and youth.

“With fish accounting for 76 percent of household protein intake, the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting approximately 2 million jobs nationwide,” read the release.

“Promoting Cambodian fish dishes not only creates a culture of safe and healthy food, but also contributes to boosting tourism and accelerating economic growth,” the release emphasised.

Addressing the ‘Cambodia’s Fish Cuisine’ event, Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), recalled that Cambodia’s fisheries resources have been abundant since ancient times, as evidenced by the fish carvings on the walls of the Angkor Wat and Bayon temples.

He said that this abundance, in addition to helping people have food, means food security and nutrition. The ministry also considers promoting the livelihoods of fishermen and aquaculture farmers by collaborating with partner organizations to support and encourage them to use fisheries resources to increase added value through processing into luxurious, delicious, and nutritious dishes that are good for health.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries remains committed to building strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of Cambodia’s fisheries sector. We welcome all new initiatives that support this important sector, alongside the progress we have made through existing partnerships,” Tina added.

It should be noted that the fisheries sector is a significant part of Cambodia’s economy – around 3 million people, or approximately 20-25 percent of the Cambodian population, rely on the fisheries sector in some capacity. This includes activities such as fishing, fish farming, processing, and related services.

Fishing is crucial, particularly for rural and coastal communities, many of whom depend on it as their primary source of income and nutrition. Additionally, fish is a staple food in Cambodia, playing a significant role in the population’s overall nutrition.

The sector also plays a significant role in Cambodia’s food security and overall economic stability, especially in provinces close to freshwater areas such as Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest freshwater fishing grounds in the world.

Chey Tech, a socio-economic researcher, told Khmer Times that there are two ways of at looking the fisheries sector – natural fishing and fish farming. The fisheries sector has contributed greatly to supporting the livelihoods of people living along rivers, especially the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac Rivers, etc.

The sector also contributes to providing protein-rich food for the people, and millions of others are also involved in various related activities.

“As I know in the past, Cambodia was the sixth largest exporter of freshwater fish in the world, exported from our Tonle Sap River, but currently both through natural fishing and farming, we produce only about 85,000 tonnes of fishery products per year, of which about 31,000 tonnes are exported abroad, earning the country over $6 million in revenue per year,” he emphasised.

Up in fish production

Natural fish and aquaculture play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for food and supporting livelihoods worldwide. Aquaculture, in particular, is seen as a solution to help meet future food security needs.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the MAFF Annual Review 2024 and 2025 Planning Conference in February, Tina said, “Total fisheries production reached nearly 1 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 60,000 tonnes or 7 percent compared to 2023. This production met 95 percent of domestic demand, including a 9.5 percent increase in freshwater products, an 11 percent increase in marine fisheries, and a significant rise in aquaculture.”

He went on to add that fishermen are pleased to see an increase in freshwater fish, which contributes to the production of Prahok (fish paste) and is available for consumption at reasonable prices.

Even Prime Minister Hun Manet writing on his social media account observed that this year fisheries have seen a significant increase, ensuring a sufficient supply of quality fish at affordable prices for citizens.

“We can say that one of the contributing factors to the increase in fish output this year is the efforts of relevant institutions, sub-national administrations, local authorities, and the participation of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in cooperating to combat fisheries crimes caused by large-scale illegal fishing activities,” wrote Mr Hun Manet.

He further wrote that this result has been highly appreciated by our fishermen, who in the past have suffered from large-scale fishing violations that negatively impacted the fish yield of small-scale fishermen.

Focus on aquaculture sector

In addition to natural fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture also focusd on the aquaculture sector. According to Song Hong, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Administration of MAFF, the ministry has been actively promoting and encouraging the growth of aquaculture products.

Highlighting the efforts of the Royal Government. Hong said, “We are focusing on this sector because our natural lakes are not expanding, while the population continues to grow each year.

Therefore, to sustainably fill and maintain natural resources, we are looking to aquaculture as a solution for the future. This is reflected in 2024, where we achieved a production of over 320,000 tonnes, an increase of 6,280 tonnes.”

He stated that the ministry has set up facilities to hatch fish for the public as well as for other farms. The ministry has produced more than 275 million fish, marking an increase of nearly 3 percent compared to last year.

Thay Somony, Director of the Department of Aquaculture Development at the Fishery Administration of MAFF, said that the aquaculture sector is projected to grow by 5 percent annually over the next five years and create 100,000 new jobs.

Addressing the 1st Cambodia Aquaculture Exhibition held by MAFF in December last year, he said that the total economic value of the aquaculture sector in Cambodia is estimated at approximately $200 million per year.

“The aquaculture products have significant potential for export to international markets and this can be achieved by expanding the production chain of local varieties and enhancing production quality to comply with food safety standards,” said Somony.

He added that the aquaculture products still have opportunities to export to international markets by expanding the production chain of local varieties and strengthening production quality to meet food safety standards.

Recognising the need to develop the aquaculture sector to meet international market standards, the Fisheries Administration has been preparing a new strategic plan for 2025-2034, he added.

“I hope that our collective efforts will enable the aquaculture sector to evolve in line with the national and international context. So, as the sector develops, it will contribute to increasing the income of aquaculture farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs, while also creating job opportunities through the export of aquaculture products to international markets,” Somony added.

Fisheries resources

Tina during an inspection of the Prahok fish harvest in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, in January, said that the fisheries sector has contributed a lot to the food supply in the country, and most importantly, to providing people with enough protein for their livelihoods.

He added that the ministry is continuing to monitor fish production this year, and preliminary findings show that fish production has increased by about 10 percent compared to last year due to the cooperation of all relevant parties in cracking down on fishing crimes in a strict, clear and effective manner.

According to him, this achievement did not happen by chance but is an effort to properly manage and implement strategies to protect and conserve fisheries resources, as well as the participation of fisheries experts, fishing community forces and fellow fishermen.

“I urge citizens, communities, and our fishermen to continue respecting our fisheries laws. If we fish according to the rules, we will not run out of fish to eat. Those who overfish only seek to benefit themselves, which can ultimately threaten our survival.”

In 2024, over 3,176 cases of fishing crimes were reported, and nearly 200 cases of sea fishing also were cracked down.

Tina said that for 2025, the Fisheries Administration has set a number of goals in line with the policies of the 7th Royal Government, by continuing to enforce the law more strictly, prevent all types of crimes, and continue to protect fisheries conservation areas and vulnerable fish species.

The Fisheries Administration will also continue to promote the development of all types of aquaculture by studying market needs, making clear production plans, production prices, quality, and emphasising all aquaculture techniques across the country.

Mon Mai, a fisherman in Chulkiri district, Kampong Chhnang province, told Khmer Times that his family’s livelihood depends on catching fish, and that he only catches them using legal equipment.

He said that also asked the authorities help to reduce illegal fishing and not destroy the flooded forest, which is a conservation area and a habitat for fish eggs.

“If we want fish to remain healthy and abundant whether for daily consumption, sale, or export we must all work together to protect and conserve them,” Mai said, adding that when there’s water, there’s always fish.

A socio-economic researcher Tech also said that to strengthen the fisheries sector, the Royal Government and relevant parties must further strengthen the development of relevant policies and laws, as well as strictly implement them, especially regarding illegal fishing and importing fish from abroad.

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