A Strategy for Fisheries Resources Management in Southeast Asia: A Case Study of an Inland Fishery around Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia

Abstract

ing gear in tropical and sub-tropical zones, collection of enough statistical data for stock assessment of several target species is difficult compared with temperate zones. Additionally, various stakeholders in fishery resources make it difficult to evaluate the impacts of fisheries on natural resources and peoples' livelihoods. Therefore, it has been suggested that the resource management based on a single benchmark; for example, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) approach is not applicable or suitable for fisheries man- AbstractVarious researches are usually required for fisheries resources management including stock structure identification of some fisheries target species using genetic methods, stock assessment based on existing statistical data, and impact assessments of the transition of fisheries management on fishers' livelihoods through social studies. However, to conduct all this research is quite difficult due to several constraints in developing countries. Therefore, establishment of a reseach strategy for fisheries management in developing countries based on the minimum requirements is quite important. One series of research focused on clarification of minimum requirement was conducted on inland fisheries in Cambodia. Genetic studies can be used for stock identification, and existing statistical analysis based on stationary fishing gear data, demonstrated the ability to understand stock trends using indicators. Social studies emphasized the importance of the participation of fisheries communities and traders in stock management. Our results demonstrated a model for the research of fisheries management in developing countries as follows: a fisheries community can be initiated and sustained through community-based stationary fishing gear operations with licenses from the government, and scientists can reveal the distribution of fish stock as management targets; consequently, governments can better understand fish stock status based on fisheries data from community fishery groups in a particular area and set applicable regulation for fisheries activities. In conclusion, the collaboration of communities of fishery groups, governments, and scientists is necessary for natural resource management for sustainable use in countries in which the livelihoods of people are deeply embedded in ecosystem services.

Projected plastic waste loss scenarios between 2000 and 2030 into the largest freshwater-lake system in Southeast Asia

“…2050 29 . Although a direct comparison cannot be made as TSB is an open-system and the total mass of fish has not been estimated, TSB produces approximately 500,000 tons of fish annually 24 . Whilst the total fish catch has remained stable over the past decade, this appears to be the ecological threshold for harvest levels, due to continuous evidence of fishery degradation and possible collapse for some species 30 .…”

“…TSB is the world’s fifth largest inland fishery and provides 50 to 80% of Cambodia’s animal protein 24 . Communities near and on the lake rely on the lake water for household purposes including drinking, cooking and cleaning with little to no treatment beforehand 25 .…”

Fishing for conservation of freshwater tropical fishes in the Anthropocene

“…Although commercial fishing was officially banned, similar operations still occurred under the new rules by exploiting unclear definitions and becoming organized ‘subsistence’ fishing activities. In another example, the newly created conservation sanctuaries were not clearly marked or communicated to fishers (Ishikawa et al, ). Indeed, the immediate effect under the new directive was an increase in unregulated and minimally monitored fishing.…”

“…In an effort to address overfishing pressure and to increase fishing access for communities excluded from the fishery, the government introduced directives in 2000 and 2012 that converted the leasehold lot structure into smaller zones designated as either community-managed fisheries (>400) or government-managed conservation sanctuaries (18) fishing activities. In another example, the newly created conservation sanctuaries were not clearly marked or communicated to fishers (Ishikawa et al, 2017). Indeed, the immediate effect under the new directive was an increase in unregulated and minimally monitored fishing.…”

“…However, the foundation for community fisheries management was not yet fully established when the directives were announced, and unforeseen challenges emerged. For example, historical management rules controlling commercial and middle‐scale fishing, including permitting, seasonal closures and gear restrictions, were now obsolete and there was confusion in how to control them under the new system (Ishikawa, Hori, & Kurokura, ). Although commercial fishing was officially banned, similar operations still occurred under the new rules by exploiting unclear definitions and becoming organized ‘subsistence’ fishing activities.…”