Cambodia goes digital to fight illegal fishing at sea

KT Som Sotheary
 

Cambodia has launched a new wave of digital tools to crack down on illegal fishing, marking one of the country’s most ambitious modernisation efforts in its marine sector. The Ministry of Agriculture unveiled the upgraded systems in Sihanoukville as the EU‑funded CAPFISH‑Capture Programme enters its final phase, signalling a shift towards data‑driven enforcement along the nation’s coastline.

At the heart of the rollout is a suite of technologies now embedded in day‑to‑day fisheries operations. These include real‑time vessel tracking, digital patrol monitoring and modernised data‑collection platforms used by both officials and community fisheries groups. The aim is simple but urgent: protect dwindling fish stocks, strengthen compliance with international standards and give authorities the tools to act quickly when illegal activity is detected.

Rebekah Bell, the FAO’s representative in Cambodia, said the country’s fisheries remain vital for food security and coastal livelihoods, but rising pressure on marine resources has made traditional management increasingly difficult. She stressed that strong institutions and reliable data are now essential, noting that the programme has focused on building long‑term capacity rather than offering short‑term fixes.

Training has been central to the effort. More than 200 Fisheries Administration officers and over 300 community committee members have learned to use SMART patrol tools, enabling tens of thousands of inspections each year. A further 250 officials have been trained in GPS use, landing‑site checks and identifying illegal gear. Meanwhile, more than 1,700 fishing vessels are now fitted with Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) trackers, giving authorities a live picture of movements at sea.

The digital push is backed by legal reform. Cambodia’s newly adopted Fisheries Law was shaped through nationwide consultations involving nearly 900 people, many of them women from fishing communities. Officials say this broad participation has helped ensure the law reflects real‑world challenges faced along the coast.

Prak David, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the modernised VMS has transformed enforcement. Previously, once a vessel left port, authorities had little visibility. Now, they can monitor location, speed and direction in real time, improving both compliance and safety.

As Cambodia tightens its digital net, the government hopes the combination of technology, training and updated legislation will create a more sustainable and transparent future for its marine resources.

-2025-12-17