Recently, Cambodia has been seeing an upsurge in sand dredging. Over 124 companies are licensed to pump out sand from river, estuary and marine environments . Some less environmentally friendly sand mining operators have attempted to take sand from the islands before they have compleated EIA (Environmental Impact Assesments). This is illegal by Cambodian Law and has been stopped by the relevent government departments. We keep our eyes and ears open to the sea and make sure that any activities are reported to the relevent authorites to avoid any illegal activities within the areas we patrol. We are based out there and have capacities to determine rapidly the potential damage of extractive dredging. Working with MAFF and EIA companies, we have assessed over 200 sites in areas identified by dredging companies. This has led to the identification of important areas to be marked out as marine protection zones.

Through our joined efforts with the communities, and other environmental networks of the coast, we have supported the MAFF to identify key protection areas and recently, the islands were given a 4 km protection zone. This helps to legally protect the marine environment from sand mining vessels but also from all kinds of illegal fishing and other extractive industry activities.

This major step has given the existing marine sancturary a major boost with a second protection border extending far around the Koh Rong Samloem Protected Area!

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen himself mentioned these efforts in a speach given in Kep on national fish day. Speaking of the need to protect the marine environment for the benefit of Cambodia and as a resourse to be nurtured.