Fishermen on Cambodia's Tonle Sap, once a vital hub of inland fishing, are turning to eel farming as a lifeline amidst declining fish stocks caused by climate change, upstream dams, and deforestation. Em Phat, a fisherman, raises eels to supplement his income, hoping the high demand in markets like China and Japan will bring economic relief. However, eel farming is not without its risks, with challenges such as disease and power outages affecting the delicate process.

The "flood pulse" that once made Tonle Sap the world’s largest freshwater fishery has weakened due to environmental pressures. The lake’s seasonal flooding, which once nurtured diverse fish species, is now unpredictable. Programs like those run by the Britain-based nonprofit VSO are helping fishermen transition to aquaculture by providing them with baby eels and training in farming techniques, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing.

As eel farming grows, Cambodia's fish exports are also increasing, with new trade agreements, including shipments of frozen eels to China. While families in fishing villages continue to face hardships, the expansion of aquaculture provides hope for improved livelihoods and economic growth in the region.

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