The Southeast Asian country is turning to aquaculture to compensate for a drop in wild fisheries production.In an effort to instill life to Cambodia's beleaguered fishing industry, the government announced a new USD 6 million (EUR 4.6 million) fish farm project in the Tunop Tulok area of Preah Shinook province on the country's west coast.
Speaking from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in Phom Phen, fisheries director Nao Thuok announced that the new facility would offer a change from traditional fishing methods and bring a more stable aquaculture industry to the community.
He said he hopes the project, which will cover some 2 1/2 hectares, will increase, or even double, the area's current seafood exports of 5,000 metric tons.
Japanese officials are currently assessing the project's environmental impact on the area. The MAFF will also ask Japan to help fund the project.
Cambodia's fishing industry has been hurt by an upsurge in Thai and Vietnamese vessels. This, along with the dumping of sand in fishing areas, has resulted in a 40 percent drop in the area's seafood catch, according to Lor Chhean, head of the Thnuat Fisheries Community.
February 26, 2009
