Fishery Productivity Structures
Restoration
After the establishment of Kep’s first Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA) in 2018,
We officially started the deployment of our Conservation and Anti-Trawling Structures (CANTS), also known as conservation structures or “blocks” within the MFMA, ADB and AFD.
Marine Conservation Cambodia was Awarded the National Geographic Marine Protection Prize for its design of these artificial habitat restoration structures.
De-structuring the problem
The original design of the Habitat Restoration and Anti-Trawling Structures, was to passively stop and hinder the encroachment of illegal trawlers within the MFMA.
Bottom trawling is the number one cause of both habitat destruction and the current collapse of Cambodias inshore fisheries. It has been the most significant factor in the devastation marine life specifically within the Kep Archipelago.
Achievement highlights
1. Recorded first avoidance behaviour by trawlers in 2019.
2. Continuous increase in species abundance post-deployment, including
increase in marine mammal sightings.
3. Seagrass regrowth and increase in fish stock and reported catch by fishermen.
4. Recorded recolonization of mussels and oysters.
Restructuring conservation
Although the deployment process of these conservation structures may appear complicated, in concept they are just a simple interlocking design using concrete blocks.
The individual concrete blocks are easy to make, transport and carry. But after deployment, the assembled structure becomes robust, heavy, adaptable, height-adjustable, and is even strong enough to snag and entangle a passing trawler net.