Fish Ladder to Boost Siem Reap River Stocks
Constructed on Stung Phlaing, the fish ladder which cost $100,000 and funded by the Australian government, was officially opened on Nov. 1. Photo: BTV Cambodia
- By Zul Rorvy
- November 3, 2023 4:05 PM
SIEM REAP – A new fish ladder in Siem Reap is expected to help the movement of fish, protect hundreds of species and boost the income of 5,000 families in Kralanh district.
Constructed on Stung Phlaing, the fish ladder which cost $100,000 and funded by the Australian government, was officially opened on Nov. 1.
The vertical slot facility will allow fish to swim freely and protect fish species during the mating season as they are affected by hydropower and irrigation system development. It also helps locals to have more fish for food and income.
Australian Ambassador Justin Whyatt said it is expected to increase income for 5,000 families and conserve more than 100 types of fish.
“It becomes an important step towards a sustainable future for the fishing community,” he said.
This fish ladder was constructed as part of a research project financed by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This idea is especially vital for Cambodia because hydropower and irrigation development are critical to economic prosperity.
Wendy Umberger, CEO of ACIAR, said the ladder will benefit communities that depend on fishing.
“I am pleased to see this technology being further expanded to benefit the community in Siem Reap,” she added.
Khun Savoeun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said Cambodian fisheries and irrigation engineers were working with funders to build more ways for fish to travel in the Mekong River.
“This work is critical to protecting fish stocks, ensuring food security and nutrition in rural Cambodia. We are committed to working with partners to find science-based solutions to sustain river ecosystem services for the nation,” he said.
The construction of the fish ladder is part of FishTech Initiative supported by ACIAR and DFAT. Its advantages for fish and local community will be assessed before being expanded to other part of the country and Laos.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Nhor Sokhoeurn for Cambodianess.
