Cambodian Fishermen Shift to Eel Farming

Em Phat, a 53-year-old fisherman from Cambodia, is adapting to the changing conditions of the Tonle Sap lake, which has become less reliable for fishing due to climate change, upstream dam construction, and deforestation. With fish stocks dwindling and storms increasing in intensity, Phat is turning to eel farming as a potential source of income, hoping to tap into lucrative markets in China, Japan, and South Korea. While eel farming presents opportunities, it is also fraught with challenges, including the need for precise conditions and the risk of loss due to power outages. Despite these hardships, Phat remains optimistic, as his new lifestyle allows him and his wife to grow vegetables for both consumption and sale. The shift from traditional fishing to aquaculture illustrates the significant ecological changes affecting local communities and their livelihoods. The Mekong Basin is recognized as the world's largest freshwater fishery, but its future viability is increasingly uncertain.