Effectiveness and conservation of marine fisheries management areas in Koh Rong, Cambodia

Abstract

Fish is an essential food for Cambodians and plays an important role in food security. Fish is rich in protein, vitamins, and other minerals necessary for human health, particularly for pregnant women and children. On average, each person consumes about 52,4 kg of fish per year. Fishery communities are attracting national and international tourists for leisure activities, such as fishing, sightseeing in villages and mangrove forests, and coral diving. These activities have contributed to local livelihoods. Fishery management and conservation protect biodiversity and ensure food security. It requires a partnership with community fisheries, professional institutions, local authorities, development partners, and stakeholders and a mechanism for joint responsibility that includes collaboration, division of roles, encouragement, empowerment, and ownership. Smart patrols are a vital tool in preventing fishing crimes in the fisheries management areas of the Koh Rong archipelago and in increasing knowledge of management and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Community fisheries have been established and are fulfilling their essential role in managing the fisheries resources. The communities have been strengthened with support from the government and development partners, including financial and technical support. In the marine fisheries management areas and the community fisheries, to ensure effective management of the areas, there should be monitoring, evaluation, and research on coral habitats, seagrass habitats, mangrove sanctuaries, socio-economic conditions, fisheries governance and knowledge, and attitudes and practices.