Assessing the Potential for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Cambodia

Inland capture fisheries are central to livelihoods and food security in Cambodia, but under threat from growing anthropogenic pressures. Policy discourse Cambodia increasingly frames aquaculture as a viable alternative fisheries, seeks promote its development. This paper presents results the first comprehensive survey of Cambodia's value chain. The study combines qualitative (46 Key Informant Interviews) quantitative surveys (1,204 farmers 191 other chain actors) investigate potential for grow, support livelihoods, contribute security. We found following: (i) fish farm sector is comprised mainly small family farms raising carnivorous species or pangasius, using direct inputs “trash fish” harvested wild; (ii) Most seed pelleted feed imported, domestic producers these struggle compete; (iii) Fish farmed mostly sold live. Farm more expensive than main inland compete with imported fish; (iv) Capture employ many times people aquaculture; (v) Space limited because few locations have both perennial access water protection flooding. These findings raise questions about sector, currently organized, significantly employment, nutrition security, rural economic propose actions improve sector's sustainability desirable development outcomes.