Cambodia to deploy 1,515 tracking devices for sustainability of fisheries

Cambodia to deploy 1,515 tracking devices for sustainability of fisheries

By enhancing digital monitoring and surveillance through VMS devices, the Royal Government aims to improve fisheries governance, curb illegal fishing, protect marine resources, and support long-term economic growth.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) accelerated the deployment of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on 1,515 boats operating across the four coastal provinces, aiming to curb illegal activities to conserve marine fisheries resources for long-term economic growth.

Prak David, Secretary of State of MAFF, presided over the session on Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Fisheries Sector: Capture Component (CAPFISH-Capture) themed ‘Strengthening Marine Fisheries Management through Digital Monitoring, Control and Surveillance’, in Sihanoukville on Monday.

According to a MAFF announcement, the rollout is scheduled in three phases throughout this year, with 590 devices already installed and a total of 1,515 devices planned across the Kingdom’s coastal provinces, such as Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep.

The event was attended by Koen Everaert, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Commission, Rebekah Bell, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Cambodia, along with representatives of the French Development Agency (AFD) and relevant institutions, a total of 100 participants.

Speaking at the ceremony, the MAFF Secretary said the event highlighted tangible achievements in digital fisheries and coastal management, emphasising transparency and accountability as key pillars for long-term sector growth.

“Cambodia has also put forward a monitoring action plan, which demonstrates its high commitment to implementing international obligations to ensure the sustainable protection of fisheries resources,” he said.

David expressed his gratitude to the European Union, FAO, Agence France-Presse, national and sub-national authorities, fishing communities and businesses involved in fisheries production for their strong cooperation in implementing the programme.

“The collaboration has supported the growth of the fisheries sector, delivered tangible results, and strengthened collective efforts to ensure fisheries resources continue to provide economic and social benefits both now and in the future,” he said

On the following day, the MAFF Secretary led the team to observe the demonstration of the installation of the VMS devices at Kampenh Fishing Port in Stung Hav district, Sihanoukville province.

During the observation, he emphasised that VMS enables authorities to track the location, speed, and direction of fishing vessels in real-time, improving compliance while reducing operational risks for legitimate operators.

According to David, digital systems, including the Fishing Information Management System (FIMS), the Smart Patrol System, and the FishStat statistical system, enable data-driven and scientific decision-making.

“These systems enable data-driven, scientific decision-making in the management and conservation of fisheries resources, helping to ensure sustainable fishing catches and long-term benefits for future generations,” he noted.

It may be informed that the installation of VMS devices on the boats is being implemented by the Fisheries Administration of MAFF, with technical support from FAO and Ecoinsoft Solution Co Ltd, with funding from the European Union through the CAPFISH-CAPTURE project.

By enhancing digital monitoring and surveillance through VMS devices, the Royal Government aimed to improve fisheries governance, curb illegal fishing, protect marine resources, and support

long-term economic growth across coastal communities and the national seafood sector.

khmertimeskh