(Koh Kong): Im Rachana, Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), addressed the significance of deploying artificial fish shelters during a ceremony held at the Royal Beach Resort and Residence in Koh Kong province on 24 April 2026.

The initiative was highlighted as both a global biodiversity conservation effort and an effective strategy for creating "seabed barriers."

The event organised by Fauna and Flora, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries Conservation, Fisheries Administration under the MAFF, brought together approximately 40 participants, including provincial officials, conservation experts, local authorities, and representatives from the fishing community.

Undersecretary Rachana emphasised that the recent addition of 12 artificial fish shelters in the Koh Sdach (also known as King Island) archipelago represents a noteworthy conservation initiative to protect marine biodiversity.

She noted that the 14 shelters installed in 2023 have already been instrumental in mitigating illegal fishing activities, particularly destructive trawling practices within community fishing zones, which pose significant threats to rare marine species, such as Neptune's cup sponges, seahorses, seagrass, and coral reefs.

In her remarks, Undersecretary Rachana reiterated the importance of halting destructive fishing practices to prevent the depletion of natural resources. She conveyed that this initiative aligns with the Cambodian government's broader vision for sustainable and inclusive development under its seventh mandate.

Furthermore, she called on fishing communities, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate to protect these artificial shelters. She indicated that the combination of strict law enforcement and ongoing deployment of such measures is anticipated to enhance food security and support local economies in the Koh Sdach area.

Undersecretary Rachana concluded by highlighting the direct correlation between the preservation of coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems, increased fish stocks, and sustainable fisheries.

To date, the Fisheries Administration, in collaboration with various organizations, has successfully deployed 2,152 artificial fish shelters across Cambodia's four coastal provinces.
=FRESH NEWS