As an avid recreational fisherman, I am always eager to learn about the local fishing culture, especially where I live. I am delighted that I have had the opportunity to observe the skill that Cambodian fishermen display while fishing on the Mekong River. This opportunity also made me realize that I still have much to learn about fishing on the Mekong. In my short time living in Cambodia, I have met many people who directly and indirectly make their livelihood from the fishing industry. I’ve learned that 70% of the protein in the Cambodian diet comes from fish, and that most of this fish is provided by the bountiful waters of the Mekong.
The importance of the Mekong to Cambodia cannot be understated, especially when we know how vital it is to Cambodian food security. Because of this dependence, it reinforces my belief in the necessity to maintain a clean and sustainable river system, as well as my belief in the importance of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI). One of the many programs under the LMI is Forecast Mekong. Forecast Mekong is a significant international thrust under the Delta Research and Global Observation Network (DRAGON) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and was launched in 2009 by the U.S. Department of State and the foreign ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to enhance engagement with the countries of the Lower Mekong River Basin in the areas of environment, health, education, and infrastructure. The studies from this program, as well as others, will help us all understand the environmental impact on the river from industrial use and development.
What are some of the environmental impacts do think we may see with development along the Mekong River?
Cambodians who love and respect this precious resource have shown me the importance of fishing in the lives of the Cambodian people, but I would also like to hear from you about how fishing impacts your life.
Please share with me some of your favorite fishing stories. I hope to experience the richness of your local traditions, and to share with you, and with my family, the love and respect I have for the fishing culture.
And, from one fisherman to another, let me know where the best places in Cambodia are to find fish when I go fishing.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
I don’t think that Cambodia has a specific place for fishing beside pick over own place.
I remember a tiny story related to fishing when I was a little girl. It was in rainy season and it rained for almost everyday. I was visiting my relatives who lived quite far from the city, a suburb area, actually. In front of the house, there was a strange dry long canal and a wooden small bridge. I have always wondered what it was for and then, after a few days of constant raining that I realized “ahhh… now it is a actually a water-filled canal!” It was for fishing. It was such an amazing experience for me to go fishing in such a small stream of water! I mean, where did the fish come from? Was the canal connected to any river? Even there were many questions in my head, I did not ask. I just went with the flow, sit on the wooden bridge, holding the old-fashioned fishing equipment which was an old long piece of bamboo stick, hooked with a worm as a bait. There were 5of us, my brother and I, cousins and my daddy. He taught us how to do the fishing. It was quite boring at first but suddenly, my cousin screamed out loud with joy and said “I got one! I got a fish!”. My eyes were wide opened to see a fish hooked up. I was not happy,though. It seems like I was hurting the fish and the fish does not deserve this. So, I asked my dad if we could let it go back to the water and he agreed. Hence, we just sit there playing around, fishing and letting the fish back into where it was. It was a great day,though. I am also finding a place to start this joyful activity,too and waiting for the answers from other people just like Mister ambassador. Thank you for reading my childhood story. It is kind of childish but it was so much fun and I just wanted to share. Thanks again,
Thank for sharing your childhood story.
Well, for me I think Kratie Province in noth of Cambodia (uper mekong) is the best place to do fishing especialy in October or November. We can go to sand beach or flooting village with fishing net and do fishing. It is very good place to go. I usually have a great time here. If you wanna come I will be your guide.
Wait for two- year later,cause Royal Cambodia government just having protected fishing this year!