Various government policies have been implemented over the years in an attempt to conserve the Tonle Sap Lake. The Cambodian government first implemented a fishing lot system, where fishing lots are fishing areas auctioned to the highest bidder every two years. While fishing lots were only allowed to operate during the fishing season, many fishermen who owned these lots restricted access to them all year, creating conflict over fishing areas between them and the other local fishermen. This led to protests from the locals as well, which prompted the government to adjust the management system in 2001.

In 2001, more attention was given to conservation of the Tonle Sap Lake. The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Tonle Sap Lake, was established by Royal Decree of the government. This was done in order to (i) conserve the landscapes, flora and fauna, (ii) sustainably develop the environment, ecology and societies around the lake, as well as the economy, and (iii) Support environmental education, environmental research, sustainable development, and conservation issues at the local, national and global levels.

Woman sitting on confiscated boat
Credit: Hong Menea

What followed was a change in the fishery management system. The change was not only made to ease conflict, but also better monitor fishing activities and encourage better fishing practices. This change involved making half of the total area of private fishing lots available to the public.

However, while tensions were somewhat eased, fishery management was still difficult. This is because of the lack of homogeneity in the local communities. Inequality exists within the community due to differences in power; those with higher social and political capital have the capacity to control community fisheries. The richer fishermen were still more represented in management policies, dominated the best fishing areas, and could restrict access to these areas despite the regulations put in place. The power imbalances within the community has contributed to locals’ negative attitudes and lack of compliance, severely undermining the effectiveness of fishery management policies.

In 2012, the fishing lot system was abolished, allowing local fishermen to fish on the lake freely. Some of the old fishing lots were then designated as conservation areas, and commercial fishing is currently banned in these areas. However, some locals feel that this governmental decision does not solve the inequity problem within the community, and could result in richer fishermen who have more money to buy more quality fishing equipment even richer. Furthermore, illegal fishing is rampant despite the fishing ban on certain areas of the lake. The very year the new management policy was put in place, it was found that many fishermen were bribing and colluding with corrupt officials who monitor the fishing activities. Corruption and illegal fishing on the Tonle Sap Lake remains an issue in Cambodia today.

Overall, the government has had little success in the resource management of the Tonle Sap Lake. Governmental efforts in conservation still do not seem sufficient, and the Tonle Sap Lake has been on the verge of collapse even since the radical change in fishing policy was made in 2012.

Fisherman fish illegally in Lake Tonle Sap, Cambodia, June 4, 2015
Credit: RFA