3.5. Fisheries

Fishing is the most important economic use of the coastal zone for local people. Twenty-six percent of all Cambodia’s fisheries are marine fisheries. Villagers and government officials claim that fishing catch is declining but it is not clear whether it is merely catch per fishermen that is declining while overall catch remains the same, or whether fish stocks are indeed decreasing. There is extensive use of illegal fishing equipment such as motorized push nets and dynamite, and trawling in water shallower than 20 m, which is illegal. This illegal equipment and fishing grounds are causing great damage to sea-grass and coastal reef fish habitats. The loss of mangroves in much of the coastal area is also causing a loss of habitat for many fish. Declines in fish stocks and habitats have serious consequences for coastal residents.

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Table of contents > 3. Sea Area

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Coastal ecosystems

3.3. Coastal resources

3.4. Other Natural Wonders

3.5. Fisheries

3.6. Oil and Gas

3.7. Salt pans

3.8. Medical plants

3.9. Threats to marine environment

3.10. Threats to the coastal environment