Gov’t Designates 10,923 Hectares of Kampong Smach Canal as Marine Fisheries Management Area

• Sommana Yan
• 30 March 2024
• Local News
• 1546 Views

The Kampong Smach Canal, spanning 10,923 hectares, has been designated as the Prek Kampong Smach marine fisheries management area by the Sihanoukville provincial authorities, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, Mr. Kouch Chamroeun, made the announcement during a workshop on 28 March 2024, focusing on bolstering the management of the Prek Kampong Smach Sea Fisheries Area.

The newly established marine fisheries management area covers 10,923 hectares, including 2,876 hectares of mangrove forest and approximately 2 hectares of seagrass.

The primary objective behind this designation is to efficiently manage marine biodiversity fisheries resources to ensure sustainable food production in the Prek Kampong Smach area. This initiative also aims to enhance coastal ecosystems, boost family fishing activities, promote ecotourism, and fortify resilience against climate change impacts.

Moreover, Governor Chamroeun emphasised the importance of community involvement in the conservation and protection of mangrove forests, urging the working group to engage directly with local residents.

The announcement marks a significant step towards sustainable marine resource management and underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding coastal ecosystems for future generations.

• land development and policy