Fisheries Country Profile: Cambodia 2025

2025 Information Updated

The Kingdom of Cambodia has a total land area of 181,035 km² and is bordered by Thailand in the northwest, Lao PDR in the northeast, Viet Nam in the east, and the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest (Figure 1). The capital is Phnom Penh and the country’s population is 17.42 million in year 2023 and the gross domestic product per capita is USD 2,429. (World Bank, 2023)

Cambodia has a diverse landscape that includes low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia has a total land area of 181,035 km², with more than 64 islands and the coastal zone located in the southwest part of the country. Four provinces are situated along the coastline, namely Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kep, and Kampot. The coastal zone is comprised of mangrove forests, bays, beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. In these habitats, there are about 435 species of fish belonging to 97 families as well as endangered marine mammals like dugong and dolphin (Delphinus sp.) (Live & learn, 2007). The coastline of Cambodia is around 435 km along the Gulf of Thailand, with 55,600 km² of exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Fisheries sector

Under Article 30 of the Law on Fisheries (RGC, 2006), the fisheries in Cambodia are classified into small-scale or family fisheries, middle-scale fisheries, and large-scale or commercial fisheries. This classification is based on the type, number and size of fishing gear as defined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The small-scale fishing refers to fishing through management in fishery domains and co-management of community fisheries management areas, while medium-scale and large-scale fishing vessels are limited at current levels (2018) through a system of registration, licensing and may be considered to decline size and structure of the fishing vessels in the future in accordance with the decrease of natural resources.

The fisheries sector of Cambodia has a large and biologically diverse resource base, including permanent and seasonal water bodies, covering 30 % of the country. The sector grew in output terms from 515,000 t in 2009 to an estimated 900,000 t in 2020. The fisheries sector contributes 8–10 % of GDP, involving about 50 % of the population. Freshwater fish account for 87 % of the total production (Breezy, 2022).

Cambodia has a large and highly productive inland capture fishery, a marine fishery along its 435-km coastline, and an emerging aquaculture sector (Rizvi & Singer, 2011). The country’s inland fisheries occupy an area of 4.16 million ha which consists of 475 community fisheries (756,637 ha), rice field fishing areas (2.5 million ha), 864 community fish refuges (5,682 ha) and flooded forest (900,000 ha). The inland fisheries form part of the Mekong River system, one of the largest inland fisheries in the world, yielding around 2.1 million t of fish each year.

Freshwater fish resources are important to human wellbeing and livelihoods to millions of people in Cambodia, many of whom are poor, relying on fish as a major source of animal protein. Approximately 70 % of the animal protein consumed within the country is from freshwater fish (i.e. fish caught from the wild and cultured) and over one million Cambodians make their primary livelihood from the fisheries of the lower Mekong River (Srean et al., 2015).

Moreover, the Tonle Sap Lake provide almost 71 % of fish to Cambodian daily fish food protein resources, which is managed by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Tonle Sap Authority. across the Tonle Sap Lake is listed as an UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve and contains a RAMSAR site for the conservation of rare water-birds wherein eight separate fish sanctuaries are protected by law. The Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. The Mekong River connects to the Tonle Sap Lake via the Tonle Sap River. During the wet season in May to October, the Mekong River swells and its waters flow into the Tonle Sap River and to the Tonle Sap Lake. This causes the lake to expand from 2,500 km² in the dry season to 13,000 km² in the wet season. In November, when the level of the Mekong River decreases, the Tonle Sap River reverses its flow and water flows back from the Tonle Sap Lake into the Mekong River (Blackham, 2017).

Aquaculture production has served both internal and external market demands, but predominantly to domestic demand. Fish and aquaculture products are the most important protein source for the bulk of the population, particularly the rural poor. Moreover, Cambodians have a strong preference for freshwater fish over other forms of animal protein. The domestic market for marine products is small. Consumption of marine species (shrimp, Asian seabass, grouper, oysters and green mussels) by Cambodians is primarily confined to maritime areas. Despite the relative importance in the diet, many Cambodians are unaware of the nutritional value of fish (FAOa, n.d.).

Fisheries laws and regulations

The country’s Strategic Planning Framework for Fisheries 2010–2019 was structured around three core pillars: capture fisheries (both marine and inland), aquaculture (marine and freshwater), and post-harvest activities including trade.

The Royal Decree for Community Fishery Establishment and the Sub-decree on Community Fishery Management allows serious penalties to be applied to those who break fisheries laws, including government officers. To investigate, prevent, and counteract illegal activities and compile documents for submission to the courts, the FiA officers are considered as judicial fisheries police and are tasked with enforcing fisheries regulations (ODC, 2015).

However, despite the implementation of law enforcement measures, several persistent challenges remain, including:

• Illegal fishing activities, especially the use of electrocuting fishing devices, fishing nets, use of Samras, cutting of flooded forest within community fisheries and state fisheries domains, trawling within the inshore fishing area
• Widespread lack of understanding of the law and how it affects communities
• Limited law enforcement, compliance with regulations and a lack of awareness about the importance of fishery resources among fishers and other stakeholders
• Insufficient numbers of fisheries staff with the right skills and experience to address the current problems facing the sector
• Limited equipment and funds to support the management, research activities, extension, conservation and protection of fishery resources (MAFFb, 2024)

According to internal updated information from the Fisheries Administration (FiA) (Figure 2), three research institutions are considered to be consolidated into a single department, namely: Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI), Marine Fisheries Research and Development Institute (MaFReDI), and National Aquaculture and Development Institute (NARDI). These three institutes are represented by the red vertical circles in the figure below.

Conservation of fishery’s resources

The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), locally known as the Mekong dolphin, is a critically endangered freshwater species found in the Mekong River. With an estimated population of fewer than 104 individuals, these dolphins are a key biodiversity indicator and a major ecotourism attraction. The Mekong River dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are fully protected under Fisheries Law of Cambodia. The dolphins, however, continue to face great danger. Gillnets, development of upstream dams, overfishing, and illegal fishing practices such as electrofishing are among major threats to the survival of the species. To save the endangered Mekong River dolphins, the Government established a 22,000-ha Mekong River dolphin management and conservation area in Kratie Province which successfully increased the number of Mekong River dolphins from 96 in year 2022 up to 104 in 2024 (Figure 3). While conservation efforts have stabilized the population in recent years, urgent action is needed to prevent extinction. Strengthening enforcement, expanding protected areas, and promoting sustainable fishing are critical next steps.

Fishery statistics

• Fisheries production

The total fisheries production in 2023 reached 866,250 t, indicating a decrease from 908,508 tons in 2019 (Figure 5). In response to this decline, the government has outlined plans under its national fisheries strategy to increase production targets in 2024. In terms of value, the fishery production was in a declining trend since 2019, mirroring the reduction in total fish catch volumes during the same period. This parallel decrease in both quantity and value suggests significant impacts on the sector’s productivity and market performance.

• Processed fish and fishery products

For generations, food security and daily nutrition in Cambodia have been deeply tied to its abundant inland fisheries. Communities depend on fishing activities year-round—during both dry and rainy seasons—to harvest fish and other aquatic animals for sustenance. The richness of these freshwater resources has also led to traditional preservation methods, such as fermenting fish, crab, and shrimp, allowing people to store and consume these foods over extended periods. Over time, these practices have evolved into iconic Cambodian culinary traditions, with fermented products like prahok (fish paste) and kapi (shrimp paste) becoming staples of the national diet.

For the production of processed fish and fishery products in 2023, Figure 7 shows that fish sauce dominated with 75.8 million L, followed by fermented fish paste with 25,690 t, which are staple ingredients in Khmer cuisine. Moreover, fillet-dried fish (6,537 t) and stained fish (6,485 t) represent important protein sources for daily meals.

For marine fish and fishery products, fish sauce was the top product in 2023 with 10 million L, followed by steamed mackerels with1.1 million t (Figure 8).

• Exported fish and fishery products

For the exported fish and fishery products from 2019 to 2023, the quantity increased by 667 t in 2023 compared to 2022, representing a growth rate of 22.6 % (Figure 9).

• Number of marine fishing vessels

Family scale fishers- use artisanal fishing gear with boats without engine, there are 133 vessels in 2023 and large-scale vessels remain only 10 sine 2019 up to 2023. The number of fishing vessels in Cambodia from 2019 to 2023 are shown in Table 1. The fishing vessels are classified based on length overall (LOA) as: large-scale (≥ 24 m LOA), medium-scale (12–> 24 m LOA and trawlers of < 12 m LOA), small-scale (< 12 m LOA, excluding trawlers), and subsistence/family-scale (without engine) (FiA, 2020).

Table 1. Classification and number of marine fishing vessel in Cambodia (FiA, 2020)

• Number of fishers and fish farmers

The fishing labor force in Cambodia has grown significantly alongside population growth, rising from 1,246,197 workers in 2019 to 2,030,241 workers in 2023 a 63 % increase over five years (Table 2). This expansion reflects both heightened reliance on fisheries for livelihoods and potential intensification of fishing pressure on aquatic resources. The fish workers are classified as: full-time as they go fishing every day (primary occupation), part-time as they go fishing after working hours or when they are free (secondary occupation), and occasional as they go fishing depending on season or available time of resources.

Table 2. Number of male (M) and female (F) fishers in Cambodia from 2019–1023 (Hem Rady, 2024)

Table 3. Number of fish farmers in Cambodia in 2019–1023 (Hem Rady, 2024))

International agreements and collaborations

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – significantly aid Cambodia in enhancing the sustainability and conservation of its fisheries resources. As a global framework for the preservation of biodiversity, the CBD encourages member countries to develop and implement strategies that protect aquatic ecosystems and marine species, many of which are vital for the country’s fisheries sector. By adhering to the CBD principles, Cambodia can promote sustainable fishing practices, conserve endangered marine species, and restore degraded habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves that support fish populations. Moreover, the CBD facilitates international cooperation and knowledge sharing, enabling Cambodia to access technical expertise, funding, and innovative conservation approaches. Emphasizing biodiversity conservation not only helps maintain healthy fish stocks but also ensures the long-term viability of Cambodia’s fisheries industry, contributing to food security, livelihoods, and economic development.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – play a crucial role in supporting Cambodia’s fisheries sector by regulating and monitoring the international trade of endangered aquatic species. For Cambodia, a country rich in biodiversity and dependent on fisheries, CITES provides a legal framework to prevent illegal, unregulated, and unsustainable trade that threatens vulnerable fish and marine species. By complying with CITES, Cambodia can ensure that its fish exports meet international standards, thereby promoting sustainable fisheries management and safeguarding its reputation in global markets. Additionally, CITES encourages member countries to collaborate on conservation efforts, share information, and implement effective enforcement measures, which collectively help preserve critical fish populations and marine biodiversity. Strengthening adherence to CITES not only helps Cambodia protect its endangered species but also promotes responsible fishing practices, enhances conservation awareness among local communities, and supports the long-term sustainability of its fisheries industry.
• Ramsar Convention – significantly benefit the country’s fisheries sector by emphasizing the conservation and sustainable management of its wetland ecosystems, which are vital habitats for numerous fish species. As wetlands such as Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake and its surrounding floodplains are crucial breeding and nursery grounds for many freshwater fish, the Ramsar Convention encourages the protection and sustainable use of these wetlands to ensure healthy fish populations. By designating key wetlands as Ramsar sites, Cambodia can attract international support, funding, and expertise to enhance conservation efforts, improve habitat management, and reduce threats such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. This approach not only helps sustain fisheries productivity but also supports local communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods. Ultimately, the Ramsar Convention promotes a balanced approach to wetland conservation and sustainable fisheries, ensuring the long-term health of Cambodia’s aquatic ecosystems and food security.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – play a vital role in supporting Cambodia’s fisheries sector by addressing the impacts of climate change that threaten aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. Climate change leads to rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which can disrupt fish habitats, reduce fish stocks, and undermine local livelihoods. By participating in the UNFCCC, Cambodia can access international climate finance, technical expertise, and policies aimed at building resilience and adapting to climate-related challenges. This includes promoting sustainable fisheries management practices, protecting critical habitats, and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strengthening climate resilience through UNFCCC initiatives will help ensure the sustainability of Cambodia’s fisheries, safeguard food security, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term environmental and economic stability.
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) – play a crucial role in safeguarding Cambodia’s fisheries by reducing marine pollution caused by shipping activities. Pollution from oil spills, ballast water, sewage, and hazardous substances can severely damage marine ecosystems, harm fish populations, and threaten the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing. By adhering to MARPOL regulations, Cambodia can help prevent such pollution, ensuring healthier waters and more sustainable fisheries. Moreover, the convention promotes the adoption of environmentally friendly shipping practices and the reduction of marine pollution globally, which benefits Cambodia’s coastal and marine environments. Strengthening compliance with MARPOL not only protects marine biodiversity but also supports the long-term sustainability of Cambodia’s fisheries industry, contributing to food security, economic stability, and environmental resilience.
• International Whaling Commission (IWC) – benefit the country’s fisheries by fostering a global understanding and commitment to responsible marine resource management.  While Cambodia’s fishing activities primarily focus on inland waters, the IWC’s framework for regulating whaling and promoting the conservation of marine mammals, including the broader ecosystem, indirectly impacts Cambodia by promoting sustainable practices. This could lead to healthier ocean environments, which in turn can positively influence the biodiversity and productivity of marine ecosystems that support Cambodian fisheries, even if those fisheries aren’t directly involved in whaling.  Improved ocean health, stemming from global conservation efforts, would ultimately contribute to the long-term sustainability of Cambodian fisheries.
• Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) – a vital tool in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a significant threat to Cambodia’s fisheries resources. By establishing stronger measures for port inspections and enforcement, the PSMA helps prevent illegally caught fish from entering international markets, thereby reducing the economic incentives for IUU fishing activities that deplete fish stocks and undermine sustainable fisheries management. For Cambodia, implementing the PSMA enhances its ability to monitor and control fishing activities within its jurisdiction and along its maritime borders, ensuring that only legally caught fish are processed and traded. This not only protects Cambodia’s marine biodiversity but also supports the integrity of its fisheries sector, promotes fair trade practices, and encourages responsible fishing practices among local and regional stakeholders. Ultimately, the PSMA provides Cambodia with a powerful framework to safeguard its fisheries resources, improve governance, and foster sustainable economic development in the sector.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – provides a crucial platform for strengthening its fisheries sector.  Agreements and technical assistance from the FAO can directly benefit Cambodian fisheries by providing access to best practices in sustainable aquaculture, improved fishing techniques, and the development of fisheries management plans.  This can lead to increased yields, improved fish stock health, and reduced environmental impact, ultimately contributing to the long-term viability and profitability of Cambodia’s fisheries industry.  The FAO’s global reach also facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration with other nations, further enhancing.
• Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) – significantly benefits the country’s fisheries sector by providing technical assistance, research, and capacity building.  SEAFDEC programs address specific challenges facing Cambodian fisheries, such as improving aquaculture practices, developing sustainable fishing techniques, and promoting responsible fisheries management.  Through training workshops, knowledge sharing, and the dissemination of best practices, SEAFDEC empowers Cambodian fishers and stakeholders to enhance their livelihoods and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s valuable aquatic resources.
• Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific (NACA) – significantly benefit the country’s fisheries by providing access to a wealth of technical expertise and research focused on sustainable aquaculture development. The support NACA helped Cambodia improve aquaculture practices, develop disease management strategies, and enhance the productivity and efficiency of fish farms. This, in turn, can boost Cambodian fish production, create more jobs in the sector, and increase the availability of affordable and nutritious protein sources for the population, ultimately contributing to food security and economic growth within the country.
• Mekong River Commission (MRC) – plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable water and fisheries resource use in the Mekong Basin, which is vital for the country’s fisheries sector. As a member of the MRC, Cambodia benefits from regional cooperation and coordinated management of the Mekong River’s resources, helping to ensure the health and productivity of its fisheries. The MRC’s initiatives support the sustainable development of fisheries by providing valuable data, fostering joint planning, and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of dam construction, climate change, and upstream activities that threaten fish migration and habitats. By participating in the MRC’s programs, Cambodia can better protect its aquatic ecosystems, enhance fish stocks, and secure the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing. Overall, the MRC’s collaborative approach helps Cambodia sustainably manage its fisheries resources, ensuring their resilience and contribution to national food security and economic growth.

References

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FAO, A. (2011). Country profile – Cambodia. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/b4a83a80-ce10-439c-a627-eadaaf793d55/content
FAOa. (n.d.). Cambodia—National Aquaculture Sector Overview. Retrieved June 19, 2025, from https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/countrysector/kh/en?lang=en
FiA. (2024). Recapitulative Report on the Results of Fisheries Sector in 2024 and Implementation Directions for 2025. Fisheries Administration (FiA), Cambodia. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sucQ-8dWapy7bPAQrYHil64Vve0QpaqO/view?usp=sharing
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Acknowledgements

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Deputy Director General of the Fisheries Administration and SEAFDEC Council Director for Cambodia, Mr. Buoy Roitana, for his invaluable guidance, steadfast leadership, and unwavering support throughout this endeavor. His expertise and commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries management in Cambodia and the broader Southeast Asian region have been a constant source of inspiration and have significantly contributed to the success of this work.

About the Author

As a Research Officer at IFReDI under Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration, I lead research projects to promote sustainable fisheries. My work includes study design, field data collection, analysis, and publishing findings to inform policy and conservation efforts.

With over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to the sustainable management of aquatic resources of Cambodia. My journey began as an environmental activist with CEPA in Stung Treng, working directly with fishing communities in the Mekong River.

Holding a degree in Fisheries Science, I combine expertise in aquatic ecology and socioeconomics. I have contributed to initiatives on cross-border cooperation, community-based management, and biodiversity conservation—striving to connect research with policy and on-the-ground action for the future of fisheries of Cambodia.

Mr. Khan Sunhai
Research Officer
Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (IFReDI)
Fisheries Administration (FiA)
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
#200, Preah Norodom Blvd., Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkar Mon
Phnom Penh, Cambodia P.O. Box 582
Phone: +855 1292 6223
E-mail: khansunhai@hotmail.com