The fisheries sector associated with the Tonle Sap is one of the most important assets to the Cambodian economy, and is of great importance to the TSBR. The Tonle Sap yields about 230,000 tons of fish per annum (more than 50% of Cambodia's total) and ranks as one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world. On a per hectare basis, the Tonle Sap yields ten times more fish than the North Atlantic Sea. Furthermore, eels, crabs and shrimp are other significant catches on the Lake.
Fisheries are divided into three categories:
- large scale commercial fisheries,
- middle scale fisheries and
- family fisheries.
The first category is managed through the concession system of Fishing lots. The lots are operated during the fishing season (October to May).
Over-exploitation of the aquatic resources in the Tonle Sap is likely to be taking place, threatening fish biodiversity and long term productivity. Official statistics indicate that annual fish catch levels have remained fairly constant; however there is a decrease in numbers of key species and relative sizes of fish being caught. Fishing pressure has increased as a result of increasing number of fisher-men and fishing gears, and more intensive fishing. Important fish habitats have decreased because of the clearing of flooded forests. In addition, upstream dams and water resource projects on the Mekong affect flooding and sedimentation patterns for the Tonle Sap. Regeneration of fish stocks depends on seasonal flooding and the inflow of sedimentation to maintain productivity of fish spawning and feeding grounds. |
