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(8).  Fisheries 

In the NPRS, the main references to the fisheries sector are found in Section 4.1.2. (Improving Rural Livelihoods) under Promoting Agricultural Development in the section on Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Conservation, the reference is to Fisheries Resource Management and Livelihood Management.

The NPRS observes that “”Fish is a staple diet of Cambodians, second only to rice in assuring food security,”” and that fish provide 40-60% of animal protein intake for rural people. Fisheries also contribute about 8-10% to GDP. The NPRS also observes that  “approximately 75 percent of the work in fisheries from post-catch to marketing is done by women,” and as a result “policies to improve the quality of production …. will have to take account of the role and needs of women in the industry.”

The NPRS statement of the problems concerning the fisheries sector is worth quoting in full:

“Increased population, evolving needs of the society and environmental changes have put strong downward pressure on the natural resources, which cannot generate enough supply to meet the increasing demand of humankind, if not wisely used and managed. The natural resources are now heavily threatened and conflicts quite often occur everywhere among user groups. The natural resources have been severely destroyed and the poor become poorer and poorer. To achieve the above-mentioned goal and to avoid the negative impacts on the environment and conflicts among user groups, the Department of Fisheries (DOF) of MAFF is determined to implement following strategies:

• released 56% of commercial fishing lot areas to local fishing communities for small-scale family fishing;
• established and strengthened community fisheries and empowered local people to participate in conservation management; and
• stopped collecting lease fee from the medium-scale fishing gears.

The NPRS, however, acknowledges that management and governance in the fisheries sector requires further strengthening  ….. and that “Participatory mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, and enforcement of equitable and sustainable, use may also be established.”

Actions to control destructive fishing practices “should be considered,” and “a review of the fisheries trade should be launched by MAFF. Policies that would balance incomes of fishermen against the sustainability of resources and local food requirements should be formulated.” 

Fisheries are again referred to in the section concerning Trade Development (4.2.2.) in which the NPRS observes that “fisheries sector development is hindered by inappropriate intervention of government agencies in almost every aspect of market transactions, and by inefficient marketing mechanisms especially at the Thai border.” The NPRS suggests that changes in the corporate culture are required to nurture competitive market-based transactions within the sector, and “Regulation of management regimes to control over fishing is also required.” 

It is interesting to note the reference to fisheries in Section 4.2.7. Industrial Development in which the NPRS states: “The promotion of natural resource-based industry will focus on identifying and exploiting opportunities in processing of natural resources, including non-metallic mineral resources, timber, and fisheries. The development of animal and fish breeding may permit their supply as a raw material for reprocessing factories. However, the main prospects in this area are in the use of non-metallic resources for manufacture of construction materials. 

This section also includes some discussion of Cambodia’s Power Sector Strategy (2001-2005), including projects in power transmission and rural electrification. These efforts include plans to develop hydro-power projects in Kamchay, Stung Battambang, Stung Atay, and Russey Chrum. The NPRS then says that “Consideration of hydro-power stations in Cambodia will require close attention to the necessary balance between growth, environment and social equity objectives,” and that “Efforts should be made to avoid the mistakes of neighbouring countries, where the development of hydro-power has led not only to environmental and social but also to economic problems.” 

Objectives, Actions, Indicators, and Targets 

In Table 6.1.under Improving Rural Livelihoods, a key indicator is “Total production of fish, MT.” The base is 385,000 MT in 2001/02, no target set yet for 2005. 

In the Annex 3 Matrix, under1.2.2. Promoting Agricultural Development in (1) “Establish appropriate legal framework and institutional arrangement,” the NPRS includes the following actionable measures: 

• “Revise existing legislations to ensure benefits to small-scale farmers (e.g., (sub-decrees on community forestry, community fisheries, etc.);” and
• “Promote agro-processing industry and agricultural marketing through establishing adequate legislations, policies, plans, and programs.”

In Section (4) “Promote sustainable natural resources management and conservation,” the NPRS refers to actionable measures in the fisheries sector: 

(1) “Continue effort of sustainable community-based fisheries resources management practices in the lower Mekong basin and coastal province,” indicators/targets refer to:

• “Community fisheries in Prey Veng, Takeo, Kompong Cham, Rattanakiri established and strengthened (each year 5 freshwater community fisheries established);” and
• “Each year 3 community fishery in coastal area established and strengthened in Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep.”

(2) “”Freshwater and marine protested areas in the lower Mekong basin and coastal province of Cambodia, The activity includes: PRA, workshops, consultation, meetings, demarcation, poles, training, facilitation, baseline survey and M/E reports,” indicators/targets refer to:

• “Each year 2 fish sanctuaries established in Rattanakiri, Stung Treng, and Kratie;” and,
• “Each year one protected area established in Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampot, and Kep.”

There are no references concerning the fisheries sector in the Annex 3 Matrix on Trade Development (2.2).

NGO Action: 

The NGO CG Statement recommended “an urgent review of the recent reforms and their impact on rural livelihoods and the sustainability of the fisheries, in order to assist implementation of the reforms.” 

• Monitor the development of the new fisheries law and development of the fisheries master plan, including stakeholder consultation;
• Participation in review of recent reforms and their impact on rural livelihoods and sustainability of fisheries;
• Monitor management and governance of fisheries, including those under community management;
• Clarification of role of and impact on fisheries in the context of the government’s trade and industrial development objectives;
• Promoting actions against illegal fishing practices and destruction of other fish habitats;
• Promoting reductions of pesticides and chemical fertilizers use;
• Promoting effective and fair dispute/conflict resolution mechanisms between communities and large-scale commercial producers.

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