Wednesday March 26, 2025
Khmer Times —
Fishermen along the Tonle Sap Lake voiced concerns over the significant decline in the fish population, claiming that they can no longer rely solely on fishing to make a living.
The drastic decrease in fish numbers has forced residents of Ek Phnom’s Koh Chivaing commune in Battambang province to reconsider their reliance on fishing as their primary source of income, with some having to migrate to work in the city or even abroad.
With livelihoods at stake, the community is grappling with the urgent need for sustainable solutions to preserve their way of life and the lake’s vital ecosystem.
A 56-year-old fisherman named Noem Theng said during an interview that he has relied on fishing his entire life, and has witnessed a steep decline in fish numbers over the past decade.