Community Fisheries

Fishers in the fading evening light on the Cambodian section of the Mekong River.

Fish accounts for approximately 75% of Cambodia’s animal protein consumption and is especially important for the livelihoods of Cambodia’s rural poor. However, recent years have seen a decline in the productivity and diversity of Cambodian fisheries, probably due to fish harvests exceeding sustainable limits, widespread use of illegal and destructive fishing methods, and the destruction of floodplain habitat essential for fish reproduction.

Community fishery establishment is a mechanism that can improve management of local fisheries and ensure local food security. In North-eastern Cambodia, WWF is working with Fisheries Administration and local government to assist local communities to develop such community fisheries.

This project aims to increase community understanding and recognition of the benefits and importance of sustainably managed fisheries through direct participation by local people in planning, managing, sustainably utilizing and protecting fisheries resources.

Boy with freshly caught fish along the Mekong River in northern Cambodia.

By assisting communities Kratie and Steng Treng provinces along the Mekong river to establish community fisheries and develop and implement an effective community fishery management plans, the standard of living of local communities can be improved through sustainable fishery resource use and equitable benefit sharing.

Learn more

Read a study about fish abundance in the Srepok River.