In-depth report: In Cambodia, the struggle between concrete blocks and trawlers

IN BRIEF An astonishing project Cambodia : we install 5,000 concrete blocks underwater to interfere with the nets. Purpose: to protect coastal marine life and deter trawlers pirates practicing illegal trawling. Logistics operation: volunteers move 100 kg concrete blocks to the bow and then to the stern before… divers don’t assemble them. Initiative led by the NGO MCC — a solid response to increasingly effective fishing techniques. Food context: the country mainly eats freshwater fish of Mekong, but we are trying to diversify towards the sea. Challenges: preserving coastal stocks while making the fight against illegal practices more visible and traceable.

On the Cambodian coast, an unlikely battle is now taking place. concrete blocks And trawlers : to counter the overfishing and the illegal trawlingThousands of concrete blocks are submerged in a front line. In the Kep Bay, of the volunteers determined workers load blocks of nearly 100 kg from bow to stern before they are jettisoned, while divers They assemble them underwater — a mechanical and collective response to increasingly efficient trawlers. Historically focused on the Mekong and freshwater fish, the country is now looking to the sea to diversify its resources, but the threat persists and local ingenuity is being activated.

Quick summary: On the Cambodian coast, 100 kg concrete blocks are transported by volunteers, then submerged and assembled by divers to create underwater barriers. This project, led by the NGO MCC, aims to counter the overfishing and the illegal trawling who plunder local marine resources. Historically attached to Mekong In addition to freshwater fish, Cambodians now see the sea as a potential avenue for diversification—but the sea also attracts modern predators. This report recounts the project, the techniques used, the stakeholders, and the challenges, while also providing links to audio reports and articles for further exploration.

A foolproof remedy against overly voracious fishing nets

Faced with increasingly efficient trawlers, the idea is simple and somewhat unexpected: to sow hundreds — or even thousands — of concrete blocks on the seabed to render destructive trawling ineffective. In Kep Bay, teams load each block, weighing approximately 100 kg, from bow to stern before dropping and assembling them underwater. Divers then secure these structures to form artificial reefs and physical barriers that deter nets from scraping the seabed.

Why this solution?

Cambodia has a culinary tradition centered on freshwater fish. MekongBut population pressure, demand, and the need to diversify diets are pushing communities to exploit the sea more heavily. The downside? Illegal fishing techniques, often difficult to detect, are destroying marine habitats. The MCC NGO project aims to reverse this trend by creating protected areas where wildlife can recover.

On the ground: volunteers, divers, and salty sweat

The spectacle is almost cinematic: paid volunteers rush onto the bridge, slide in the blocks, shout orders, and watch the divers become silent architects of the seabed. The operation demands coordination, physical strength, and logistical precision: each block must be positioned with millimeter accuracy to guarantee stability and efficiency. This painstaking work, far removed from glamorous cameras, is recounted in detail in the feature-length documentary, available on several platforms, for example on… Podtail, another Podtail page, iVoox or on Mixcloud.

Legal obstacles and stealthy fraudsters

Spotting pirate trawlers is far from easy: they sometimes operate at night, change their registration numbers, or benefit from complicity. Local authorities must juggle surveillance, sanctions, and limited resources. International reports, such as that of International MailThey document this constant struggle where every victory is fragile and every lapse can lead to a further loss of biodiversity.

Impacts on communities and tourism

For local fishermen, the question is twofold: how to protect resources without jeopardizing those who depend on the sea? Artificial reefs can ultimately increase sustainable catches, promote stock recovery, and offer an alternative source of income—if the measures are implemented inclusively. At the same time, Cambodia is developing its tourism appeal, seeking an authentic path away from fleeting trends; sustainable tourism that respects coastal ecosystems is precisely what this article details. Southeast Asia.

Regional context and geopolitical issues

The issue of illegal fishing is also part of a broader context: external pressures, economic interests, and regional tensions. Cambodia, already at the heart of diplomatic and economic maneuvering—discussed in articles on Chinese pressure (Southeast Asia) or on diplomatic priorities related to the Francophone space (Southeast Asia) — must reconcile sovereignty, economic development and resource protection.

Intersecting initiatives: security, economy and society

Marine conservation projects coexist with other contemporary challenges in Cambodia: public health and national figures (regarding recent events such as the king’s successful operation, see Southeast Asia), but also the digital nuisances and online scams that are shaking society (Southeast Asia). All these threads are woven together and influence how conservation programs are funded, perceived and implemented.

Audios and resources for further exploration

If you want to hear the sounds of the sea, the divers’ comments and the volunteers’ breathing, the Grand Reportage offers several audio formats: Podtail, Podtail (variant), iVoox And MixcloudThe report, evocatively titled “In Cambodia, Concrete Blocks Against Trawlers,” was produced by Juliette Buchez, assisted by Len Leng; it can also be found as an article or analysis on several platforms, including Southeast Asia And International Mail.

FAQ — In-depth report: In Cambodia, the struggle between concrete blocks And trawlers