The natural fish harvest has declined during the last 10 years in Cambodia due to illegal fishing and
environmental changes. This has a significant effect on the livelihoods of Cambodian people whose
main protein source is deriving from fish. At present, much effort from government, development
institutions and the private sector has been made to the development of aquaculture in order to match
the shortfall of fish protein for human consumption. It has been observed that around Phnom Penh City,
and elsewhere with access to water and ponds, fish culture has increased. Farming of common carp,
silver carp, silver barb, tilapia and catfish is encouraged by government and development organizations
so that farmers in the rural areas can have fish for their own consumption and income generation